Intel Core i9-11950H vs Intel Core i9-13900H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear generational shift in mobile computing. The Intel Core i9-13900H dominates the head-to-head comparison, winning 16 of the 17 recorded tests. The only test where the older chip prevails is Cinebench R23 single-core, which is a notable outlier in an otherwise one-sided matchup.

The largest performance gap appears in PassMark physics, where the i9-13900H scores 1745 against 1013 for the i9-11950H, a 72.3% advantage. This test typically reflects the efficiency of the scheduler and core layout under heavy threaded loads. Floating-point math also shows a massive separation, with the newer chip scoring 69611 versus 44137, a 57.7% delta. Data encryption favors the i9-13900H by 49.9%, and Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 53.2% lead.

Multi-threaded workloads consistently favor the Raptor Lake part. Cinebench R20 multi-core delivers 9676 versus 7257, a 33.3% improvement. PassMark multi-thread shows 27673 versus 20900, a 32.4% gain. Integer math is 30.2% higher at 97159 versus 74649. Data compression follows at 32.6% ahead, scoring 326425 versus 246195. These results align with the core count difference: 14 cores and 20 threads versus 8 cores and 16 threads.

Single-thread performance tells a more nuanced story. The i9-13900H wins Cinebench R15 single-core by 13.9% (279 versus 245) and Cinebench R20 single-core by 33.3% (1365 versus 1024). Yet in Cinebench R23 single-core, the i9-11950H strikes back with 2439 versus 1964.5, a 19.5% margin. PassMark single-thread also favors the newer chip, 3754 versus 3141, a 19.5% lead. The R23 result is puzzling given the other single-thread tests, but it stands as the older chip's only victory.

The remaining workloads all trend toward the i9-13900H. Extended instructions score 19330 versus 16361, up 18.1%. Random string sorting improves by 21.3%, reaching 35637 versus 29375. Prime number finding is 11.8% faster at 104 versus 93. The overall average benchmark scores reflect this: 28886 for the i9-13900H versus 28332 for the i9-11950H, a modest but consistent advantage. Both chips sit in a similar percentile tier, 81st for the newer part and 80th for the older one, meaning they land close in the broader CPU landscape. The nearest rivals for the i9-13900H include the Intel Core i5-12600H at a 0% delta and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600XT at -0.2%, which shows how competitive this segment has become. The i9-11950H sits near the Intel Xeon 6337P at 0% delta and the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U at -0.1%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different generations of Intel mobile silicon. The i9-13900H uses Raptor Lake architecture on a 10 nm process node, while the i9-11950H relies on Tiger Lake, also on 10 nm. Both are built by Intel. The newer chip carries a 257 mm² die size, notably larger than the 190 mm² die of the older part.

Core configuration is the most obvious divergence. The i9-13900H offers 14 cores and 20 threads with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The i9-11950H has 8 cores and 16 threads, clocking at 2.10 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost. The extra six cores in the Raptor Lake part explain much of its multi-threaded dominance.

Cache hierarchies differ as well. Both share 80 KB of L1 per core and 24 MB of shared L3, but L2 cache per core jumps from 1.25 MB in Tiger Lake to 2 MB in Raptor Lake. That larger L2 allocation can improve hit rates for latency-sensitive workloads.

Memory support has expanded. The i9-13900H supports DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, while the i9-11950H only handles DDR4, also dual-channel. The older chip lists a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s; the newer part does not specify a figure in the records.

PCIe connectivity also evolves. The i9-13900H offers Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only), whereas the i9-11950H provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The newer generation brings higher per-lane bandwidth, though the older part has more lanes available. Integrated graphics differ too: the i9-13900H uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while the i9-11950H carries UHD Graphics 750.

Other specification changes include the socket. The i9-13900H uses Intel BGA 1744, and the i9-11950H uses Intel BGA 1787. The newer chip has a TDP of 45 W versus 35 W for the older one. Production status separates them as well: the i9-13900H remains active, while the i9-11950H is end-of-life. The launch dates show roughly a 20-month gap, with the newer part releasing in January 2023 and the older one in May 2021. The launch MSRP for the i9-13900H is $617, and for the i9-11950H it is $556.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-13900H has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core i9-11950H has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How much faster is the i9-13900H in multi-core workloads?

A: Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a 33.3% lead for the i9-13900H, and PassMark multi-thread shows a 32.4% advantage. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 53.2% margin.

Q: Does the older i9-11950H win any benchmark?

A: Yes. It wins Cinebench R23 single-core with a score of 2439 versus 1964.5 for the i9-13900H, a 19.5% margin.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The i9-13900H supports DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode. The i9-11950H supports only DDR4, also in dual-channel mode.

Q: How do the integrated graphics compare?

A: The i9-13900H uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. The i9-11950H uses UHD Graphics 750.

Q: What is the production status of each chip?

A: The i9-13900H is listed as active. The i9-11950H is listed as end-of-life.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward recommendation for most users. The Intel Core i9-13900H is the stronger all-around processor, leading in 16 of 17 benchmark comparisons. Its advantages in multi-threaded tests are substantial, with margins reaching 72.3% in PassMark physics and 57.7% in floating-point math. For workloads like rendering, data compression, encryption, and general parallel computation, the newer chip is clearly superior.

The single-core picture is not entirely one-sided. Cinebench R23 single-core goes to the i9-11950H, which suggests that in certain lightly threaded tasks the older architecture remains competitive. However, other single-thread tests, including Cinebench R15 and R20 single-core and PassMark single-thread, all favor the i9-13900H. The R23 result appears to be an anomaly rather than a consistent trend.

The i9-11950H does have some practical merits. Its lower TDP of 35 W versus 45 W could translate into different thermal profiles in thin-and-light chassis. It also offers 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, which may matter for configurations requiring more expansion. But raw performance heavily favors the i9-13900H.

Buyers seeking maximum throughput in multi-threaded applications should choose the i9-13900H. Users with workloads that happen to favor the specific R23 single-core behavior of the i9-11950H, or those constrained by power budgets in compact systems, might still consider the older chip. Yet the overall average benchmark scores, 28886 versus 28332, and the overwhelming win count make the i9-13900H the default pick in this comparison.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-13900H | Intel Core i9-11950H |

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

| Series | Core 13th Gen | Core 11th Gen |

| Cores | 14 | 8 |

| Threads | 20 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel BGA 1787 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Tiger Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | 190 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

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

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

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

| PCIe | Gen 5, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | UHD Graphics 750 |

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

| Release Date | 2023-01-03 | 2021-05-10 |

| Launch MSRP | $617 | $556 |

| Part Number | SRMJ4 | SRKT6 |