Intel Core i9-13900F vs Intel Core i9-13980HX Comparison

The Intel Core i9-13980HX and Intel Core i9-13900F share the same core architecture, process node, and cache layout, but they are built for entirely different platforms. The data reveals a clear performance hierarchy, with the desktop-oriented 13900F winning 21 of 23 head-to-head benchmarks, while the mobile 13980HX takes only two wins, one of which is a tie. The benchmark results show a consistent pattern: the 13900F delivers higher raw throughput in most workloads, but the 13980HX holds its own in specific legacy multi-core tests.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most decisive victory for the Intel Core i9-13980HX comes in the Cinebench R15 multicore test, where it scores 4717 against the 13900F’s 4125, a 14.4% advantage. This is the only benchmark where the mobile chip wins by a substantial margin. The 13980HX also edges out the 13900F in the 3DMark single-thread test, with both scoring 1145, resulting in a 0% delta and a nominal win for the HX part.

Every other benchmark in the comparison belongs to the Intel Core i9-13900F. The largest gap is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the 13900F scores 5778 versus 2110 for the 13980HX, a 63.5% difference. Cinebench R23 multicore shows a similar story: the 13900F reaches 40928, while the 13980HX manages 30273, a 26% deficit. The 13900F also leads in Cinebench R15 single-core by 47.7% (582 vs 304.5) and in Cinebench R20 multicore by 5.8% (17189 vs 16187).

The 3DMark suite favors the desktop chip across the board. In 3DMark max threads, the 13900F scores 13985 versus 12601, a 9.9% lead. The gap narrows at lower thread counts: 16-thread shows a 5.2% advantage (9957 vs 9440), 4-thread shows 4.9% (4393 vs 4177), 2-thread shows 2.6% (2265 vs 2207), and 8-thread shows 1.8% (7426 vs 7290). PassMark results reinforce the trend, with the 13900F ahead in every test: integer math by 11.5% (188022 vs 166455), floating-point math by 9.4% (131007 vs 118645), multithread by 6.6% (49693 vs 46409), and physics by 6.9% (2766 vs 2575). The 13900F also wins in data compression (635147 vs 588306, 7.4% ahead), data encryption (38214 vs 35332, 7.5% ahead), extended instructions (36525 vs 33868, 7.3% ahead), find prime numbers (204 vs 191, 6.4% ahead), and random string sorting (70441 vs 66125, 6.1% ahead). Single-thread PassMark scores show a 3.5% edge for the 13900F (4406 vs 4252).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-13980HX’s wins are narrow but specific. Its 14.4% advantage in Cinebench R15 multicore stands out as the single largest margin in either direction. This suggests the mobile chip’s power delivery and thermal design, despite a 55 TDP versus the 13900F’s 65 TDP, allow it to sustain higher clocks in certain legacy rendering workloads. The tie in 3DMark single-thread (1145 for both) indicates parity in light-threaded tasks that do not scale with additional cores.

The Intel Core i9-13900F dominates in nearly every category that matters for modern productivity and content creation. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 40928 is 35% higher than the 13980HX’s 30273, making it the clear choice for heavily threaded rendering. The 63.5% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core (5778 vs 2110) is even more pronounced, showing a significant per-core clock advantage. The desktop chip also excels in math-heavy workloads, as seen in PassMark integer math (188022 vs 166455) and floating-point math (131007 vs 118645). For data-centric tasks, the 13900F’s compression score of 635147 and encryption score of 38214 outpace the HX’s 588306 and 35332, respectively.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture and use the same 10 nm process node from Intel. They share identical core counts (24 cores, 32 threads) and the same cache hierarchy: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The die size is also identical at 257 mm². Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both feature ECC memory support. PCIe connectivity is the same: Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU.

The key architectural differences lie in their physical packaging and platform targets. The Intel Core i9-13980HX uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket, is classified as a Mobile segment processor, and integrates UHD Graphics 770. Its base clock is listed at 2.20 GHz with a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Intel Core i9-13900F, by contrast, uses Intel Socket 1700, targets the Desktop segment, and has no integrated graphics. Its base clock is listed at 2000.00 MHz (2.00 GHz) with the same 5.60 GHz boost. The 13980HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the 13900F is locked. Both have the same release date of 2023-01-03 and active production status.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-13900F has an average benchmark score of 51730, while the Intel Core i9-13980HX scores 50398. This places the 13900F in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, one point above the 13980HX’s 90th percentile.

Q: How do the two compare in Cinebench R23 multicore performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-13900F scores 40928 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 26% higher than the 13980HX’s 30273. This is one of the largest performance gaps between the two chips.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the mobile chip wins?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i9-13980HX wins Cinebench R15 multicore with a 14.4% advantage (4717 vs 4125). It also ties the 13900F in 3DMark single-thread at 1145, which counts as a win for the HX part.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i9-13980HX and Intel Core i9-13900F have 24 cores and 32 threads, with the same 36 MB of shared L3 cache and 2 MB of L2 cache per core.

Q: What is the difference in integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core i9-13900F has no integrated graphics. This is a notable difference for systems that require a discrete GPU for display output.

Q: How do the nearest rivals compare to each chip?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX’s closest rival is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, which has an average score of 50448, a 0.1% delta. The Intel Core i9-13900F’s closest rival is the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X at 51947, a 0.4% delta.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-13900F is the faster processor in almost every metric. Its 21 wins versus the 13980HX’s 2 wins, combined with a higher average benchmark score (51730 vs 50398) and a higher percentile ranking (91 vs 90), make it the superior choice for performance-focused desktop builds. The 13900F’s Cinebench R23 multicore score of 40928 and single-core score of 5778 are substantially higher than the 13980HX’s 30273 and 2110, respectively, indicating a clear advantage in both threaded and single-threaded applications.

The Intel Core i9-13980HX remains a viable option for mobile platforms where its 55 TDP and BGA 1964 socket are required. Its 14.4% win in Cinebench R15 multicore suggests it can hold its own in some legacy workloads, and its integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides a fallback for systems without a discrete GPU. However, the data shows that for users who can accommodate a desktop form factor and a discrete graphics card, the Intel Core i9-13900F delivers more performance across the board. The 13900F’s unlocked multiplier is absent, but its locked design does not appear to hinder its benchmark results.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i9-13980HX | Intel Core i9-13900F |

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

| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 2000.00 MHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1964 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | None |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SRME9 | SRMB7 |

| Launch MSRP | $668 | $524 |