Intel Core i9-11900KF vs Intel Core i9-12900HK Comparison

The Intel Core i9-12900HK and Intel Core i9-11900KF represent two very different approaches to high-end computing: one is a mobile powerhouse built for laptops, the other a desktop part designed for sustained performance in a tower. The benchmark data shows a split decision, with the mobile chip winning 11 head-to-head tests and the desktop chip winning 12. This near-even tally hides a clear pattern: the 12900HK dominates in integer-heavy and floating-point workloads, while the 11900KF takes the crown in single-threaded and memory-sensitive tasks. The choice between them is less about raw capability and more about workload priorities and platform constraints.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-12900HK is the clear winner in workloads that stress parallel integer and floating-point execution. Its biggest victory comes in passmark_physics, where it scores 1673 against the 11900KF's 1034, a delta of 61.8%. It also excels in passmark_find_prime_numbers with a score of 102 versus 66, a 54.5% advantage. In passmark_floating_point_math, the mobile chip leads with 63572 against 52640, a 20.8% margin. These results point to a processor that handles mathematical and physics simulations with notable efficiency. The 12900HK also wins passmark_data_encryption by 11.7%, scoring 17445 versus 15623, and takes passmark_multithread with 25697 versus 24708, a 4% edge.

The Intel Core i9-11900KF, by contrast, dominates in single-threaded and memory-bandwidth-sensitive tasks. Its most striking win is cinebench_r23_singlecore, where it scores 2941 against the 12900HK's 1673, a massive 43.1% lead. It also wins cinebench_r15_singlecore by 18.2%, scoring 296 versus 242. The desktop part leads in all 3dmark threaded tests, including a 22.7% advantage in 3dmark_16_threads (8335 versus 6441) and a 17.9% lead in 3dmark_max_threads (8322 versus 6829). It also takes passmark_data_compression by 9.5% and passmark_random_string_sorting by 11.8%.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different generations and target different sockets. The 12900HK is built on Alder Lake-H architecture using a 10 nm process, while the 11900KF uses Rocket Lake-S on a 14 nm node. The die size reflects this: 217 mm² for the mobile part versus 276 mm² for the desktop chip. The 12900HK packs 14 cores and 20 threads, while the 11900KF has 8 cores and 16 threads. Cache configurations differ significantly, with the 12900HK offering 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 24 MB of shared L3, whereas the 11900KF has 512 KB of L2 per core and 16 MB of L3.

Memory support is another key split. The 12900HK supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, while the 11900KF is limited to DDR4. The desktop part does list a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, a figure not provided for the mobile chip. The 12900HK includes integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics, while the 11900KF has no integrated graphics at all. The 12900HK is a mobile part on Intel BGA 1744 with a 45 W TDP, whereas the 11900KF is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1200 with a 125 W TDP. Both have unlocked multipliers, but the 11900KF carries a launch MSRP of $513, while the 12900HK has no listed MSRP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most lopsided result is in cinebench_r23_singlecore, where the 11900KF scores 2941 versus 1673, a 43.1% advantage. This is the single biggest delta in the entire comparison and highlights the desktop part's superior per-core clock performance, with a boost clock of 5.30 GHz compared to the 12900HK's 5.00 GHz. The 11900KF also wins 3dmark_16_threads by 22.7%, scoring 8335 against 6441, and 3dmark_8_threads by 22.5% (6671 versus 5172). These 3dmark results suggest the desktop chip sustains high throughput across moderate thread counts.

The 12900HK strikes back hard in cinebench_r15_multicore, winning by 32.7% with a score of 2786 versus 2100. It also takes passmark_physics by 61.8%, which is its largest margin of victory. In passmark_find_prime_numbers, the mobile chip more than doubles the desktop part's score percentage-wise, 102 versus 66 for a 54.5% delta. The 12900HK wins passmark_floating_point_math by 20.8% and passmark_data_encryption by 11.7%. It also edges out the 11900KF in passmark_single_thread by 1.1%, scoring 3567 versus 3527.

The cinebench r20 results are close. The 12900HK wins multicore by 2.4% (8958 versus 8751) and singlecore by 2.3% (1264 versus 1235). Passmark_integer_math is nearly a tie, with the 12900HK ahead by 0.6% (89527 versus 89023). The 11900KF wins passmark_extended_instructions by 22.6%, scoring 22703 versus 17583, and takes passmark_data_compression by 9.5% (325688 versus 294908).

The Verdict

The data shows that the Intel Core i9-11900KF is the better choice for single-threaded performance and applications that rely on memory bandwidth. Its 43.1% lead in cinebench_r23_singlecore is decisive, and its wins across all 3dmark threaded tests indicate strong sustained throughput in gaming and similar workloads. The desktop part also offers a higher boost clock at 5.30 GHz, which likely drives its single-core advantage.

The Intel Core i9-12900HK is the better pick for parallel integer and floating-point workloads. Its 61.8% win in passmark_physics and 54.5% win in passmark_find_prime_numbers show clear superiority in math-heavy tasks. The mobile chip also wins passmark_multithread and offers integrated graphics, which the 11900KF lacks entirely. For a laptop user running physics simulations or encryption workloads, the 12900HK is the practical choice.

The 11900KF is end-of-life and desktop-only, while the 12900HK is active and mobile-oriented. If you need a processor for a new desktop build with max single-thread performance, the 11900KF is the data-backed winner. If you need a mobile processor with strong multithreaded math performance and integrated graphics, the 12900HK is the clear pick.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-thread score in cinebench_r23?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900KF scores 2941 in cinebench_r23_singlecore, which is 43.1% higher than the 12900HK's 1673.

Q: How does the 12900HK perform in physics workloads?

A: The 12900HK scores 1673 in passmark_physics, beating the 11900KF's 1034 by 61.8%.

Q: Does the 11900KF have integrated graphics?

A: No, the 11900KF has no integrated graphics, while the 12900HK includes Iris Xe 96EU.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The 12900HK has a TDP of 45 W, while the 11900KF has a TDP of 125 W.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR5 memory?

A: The 12900HK supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the 11900KF only supports DDR4.

Q: Which chip wins in 3dmark_max_threads?

A: The 11900KF wins 3dmark_max_threads with a score of 8322, which is 17.9% higher than the 12900HK's 6829.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-12900HK | Intel Core i9-11900KF |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 14 | 8 |

| Threads | 20 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel Socket 1200 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Rocket Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 217 mm² | 276 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 16 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 51.2 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe 96EU | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2022-01-03 | 2021-03-15 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $513 |

| Part Number | SRLD3 | SRKNF |