Intel Core i9-13900HX vs Intel Core i9-13950HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data reveals a surprisingly close contest between these two Raptor Lake-HX flagships, though the win distribution is lopsided. The Intel Core i9-13900HX takes 15 benchmark wins against 8 for the Intel Core i9-13950HX. However, the margins tell a more nuanced story than the raw count suggests.

The 13900HX dominates in the PassMark suite, often by significant margins. Its biggest victory comes in integer math, where it scores 156175 against 147091, a 5.8% advantage. Floating point math follows a similar pattern: 110470 versus 105553, a 4.5% gap. The 13900HX also leads in single-threaded PassMark performance, posting 4081 versus 3899, another 4.5% swing. Data compression shows a 3.9% edge (531224 vs 510258), while data encryption is 4.1% ahead (32130 vs 30805). Random string sorting completes the PassMark sweep with a 3.3% lead (59199 vs 57274).

The 3DMark results are more mixed. The 13900HX wins in 16-thread (8929 vs 8903, only 0.3%), 2-thread (2143 vs 2107, 1.7%), 4-thread (4012 vs 3957, 1.4%), and 8-thread tests (6857 vs 6732, 1.8%). But the 13950HX strikes back in max-threads, scoring 11926 against 11738, a 1.6% advantage. The single-thread 3DMark score is a dead heat at 1102 for both.

Cinebench results split decisively by version. The 13900HX wins Cinebench R20 multicore by 2.5% (14836 vs 14462) and singlecore by the same margin (2094 vs 2041). But the 13950HX takes Cinebench R23 multicore by 2.8% (28681 vs 27900) and singlecore by 1.9% (2096 vs 2056). In Cinebench R15, the 13950HX edges ahead in multicore by 0.8% (4529 vs 4494.5) and singlecore by 0.3% (297 vs 296).

The 13950HX also claims PassMark find prime numbers with a commanding 6.8% lead (203 vs 190), plus a narrow 0.9% win in physics (2668 vs 2645). Its other wins include 3DMark max threads and the two Cinebench R23 tests.

Where Each One Wins

For users focused on integer-heavy workloads, the 13900HX is the clear choice. The 5.8% advantage in PassMark integer math, combined with a 4.5% lead in floating point math, makes it stronger for general computational tasks that rely on these operations. The 4.5% single-thread PassMark advantage also suggests better responsiveness in lightly threaded applications, despite the 13950HX having a 0.1 GHz higher boost clock (5.50 GHz vs 5.40 GHz).

The 13900HX also excels in data-oriented workloads. Data compression is 3.9% faster, data encryption 4.1% faster, and random string sorting 3.3% faster. These three PassMark tests indicate superior memory subsystem efficiency or better scheduling in bursty, memory-bound operations. The 3DMark 2-thread and 4-thread wins (1.7% and 1.4% respectively) reinforce that the 13900HX handles moderate thread counts more effectively.

The 13950HX, meanwhile, wins where sustained full-core loads matter most. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 28681 is 2.8% ahead of the 27900 posted by the 13900HX. The 3DMark max-threads result (11926 vs 11738) confirms this pattern: when every thread is active, the 13950HX pulls ahead by 1.6%. The find prime numbers result, with a 6.8% margin, suggests its advantage grows in specific integer workloads that scale with core count.

Single-thread Cinebench results are nearly identical, with the 13950HX taking R23 singlecore by 1.9% (2096 vs 2056) while the 13900HX wins R20 singlecore by 2.5% (2094 vs 2041). The 3DMark single-thread score is exactly equal at 1102, indicating that for pure single-core tasks, these processors are effectively interchangeable.

Architecture Differences

Both chips share the same fundamental architecture: Raptor Lake on Intel's 10 nm process, with a die size of 257 mm². Both have 24 cores and 32 threads, with an identical cache hierarchy: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. Memory support is the same, with DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, and both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is identical at Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, and both integrate UHD Graphics 770.

The only architectural difference in the recorded data is the boost clock. The 13950HX boosts to 5.50 GHz, while the 13900HX reaches 5.40 GHz. Base clocks are identical at 2.20 GHz. Both have a 55 W TDP and use the Intel BGA 1964 socket. Both are unlocked, with the 13950HX carrying part number SRMEB and the 13900HX using SRMEC.

Both processors were released on the same date and are currently active in production. Their launch MSRPs differ: the 13950HX launched at $590, while the 13900HX launched at $668. This price inversion, with the higher-boost part costing less, is notable though the performance differences are small in most tests.

The benchmark patterns suggest that the 13900HX's wins come not from raw clock speed but from behavior not captured in the architecture fields, such as power delivery or thermal management in the test systems. The 13950HX has a 0.1 GHz boost advantage, yet it loses most single-thread and moderate-thread tests. This indicates that the 13900HX may sustain its boost clocks more consistently in real-world conditions, despite the lower rated maximum.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core i9-13900HX as the stronger overall performer. Its 15 wins against 8, combined with a higher average benchmark score of 46098 versus 44342, gives it a clear edge. The 13900HX also ranks in the 89th percentile of all CPUs, while the 13950HX sits at the 88th percentile. Its nearest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 at 46062 (0.1% behind), while the 13950HX trades blows with the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 at 44309 (0.1% ahead) and the Intel Core i5-13600 at 44240 (0.2% ahead).

For users running PassMark-heavy workloads, data compression, encryption, or integer math, the 13900HX is the pick. Its 5.8% lead in integer math and 4.5% in floating point math are substantial enough to matter in productivity tasks. The 4.1% data encryption advantage could be meaningful for security-focused workflows.

For users who push sustained multi-threaded loads, the 13950HX has a case. Its Cinebench R23 multicore win of 2.8% and 3DMark max-threads win of 1.6% suggest it handles thermal saturation better. The find prime numbers result, with a 6.8% margin, is the largest single-benchmark gap in either direction and points to strengths in certain computational workloads.

The 13950HX's lower launch MSRP of $590 versus $668 adds a practical consideration, though the performance gap is narrow enough that most users would not notice a difference in everyday use. The 13900HX is the safer recommendation for general performance, while the 13950HX appeals to those who value its max-thread behavior and specific workload strengths.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-13950HX boosts to 5.50 GHz, while the Intel Core i9-13900HX reaches 5.40 GHz. Both have a base clock of 2.20 GHz.

Q: How many cores and threads do these processors have?

A: Both the 13950HX and 13900HX feature 24 cores and 32 threads. Their cache configurations are also identical: 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3.

Q: Which CPU wins more benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i9-13900HX wins 15 benchmarks against 8 for the 13950HX. The 13900HX also has a higher average benchmark score at 46098 versus 44342.

Q: Are there differences in memory support or PCIe?

A: No. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, both offer ECC memory support, and both provide Gen 5 PCIe with 20 CPU lanes.

Q: Which processor is better for Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The 13950HX scores 28681 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 2.8% ahead of the 13900HX's 27900. However, the 13900HX wins Cinebench R20 multicore by 2.5% (14836 vs 14462).

Q: What are the launch MSRPs for these chips?

A: The Intel Core i9-13950HX launched with an MSRP of $590, while the Intel Core i9-13900HX launched at $668. The 13950HX is the lower-priced part despite having the higher boost clock.