SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-13980HX + Intel Arc A730M

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

95 / 100
ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 5% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
94%
VS
GPU
96%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-13980HX

50,398 Benchmark Score
Top 6% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

Intel Arc A730M

45,592 Benchmark Score
Top 4% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others
Budget
0-30
Mid-Range
30-60
High-End
60-85
Enthusiast
85-100
Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles
View All Games →

Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready
70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High
50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med
30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports
0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

The Intel Core i9-13980HX paired with the Intel Arc A730M is a laptop-class configuration that targets high-end mobile productivity and content creation. The CPU is a 24-core, 32-thread Raptor Lake-HX part with a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, built on Intel’s 10 nm process. The GPU is an Alchemist-generation Arc A730M with 12 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus, delivering 336.0 GB/s of bandwidth. Benchmark data shows the CPU sits at the 90th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU holds the 84th percentile among all GPUs, with a combined percentile of 87. This pairing is positioned as a capable mobile workstation for demanding multi-threaded workloads, though its gaming performance must be inferred from synthetic scores since no measured FPS data exists for this exact combination.

CPU Analysis

The Core i9-13980HX is a flagship mobile processor from Intel’s 13th Gen Core series, featuring 24 cores and 32 threads. Its base clock of 2.20 GHz can scale to a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, allowing for strong single-thread performance when needed. The architecture is Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-HX variant, fabricated on Intel’s 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm². The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache, which supports heavy multi-threaded workloads by reducing memory latency. The processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with ECC memory support available, and provides PCIe Gen 5 connectivity with 20 lanes from the CPU.

Benchmark results illustrate the CPU’s scaling across thread counts. In 3DMark tests, the processor scores 2207 with 2 threads, 4177 with 4 threads, 7290 with 8 threads, 9440 with 16 threads, and 12601 with max threads. This progression shows strong scaling up to 16 threads, with diminishing returns beyond that point, which is typical for a hybrid architecture mixing performance and efficiency cores. The single-thread score of 1145 in 3DMark, paired with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2110, indicates solid per-core performance, though not class-leading. Multi-core Cinebench results are more impressive: the R23 multi-core score of 30273 places this chip firmly in high-end territory, and the R20 multi-core score of 16187 reinforces that positioning. The R15 multi-core score of 4717 and single-core score of 304.5 follow the same trend.

PassMark tests provide additional insight into real-world processing. The multi-thread score of 46409 and single-thread score of 4252 show a balanced profile. Integer math scores 166455, while floating-point math reaches 118645, indicating strong number-crunching capability for scientific and engineering applications. Data compression scores 588306, and data encryption hits 35332, suggesting excellent performance for archival and security workloads. Extended instructions score 33868, and random string sorting reaches 66125, both indicating robust processing of varied data types. The find prime numbers score of 191 is notably lower, but this is a stress test that often underperforms on hybrid architectures.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the i9-13980HX sits within 1.1% of comparable processors. It is 0.1% behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, 0.6% behind the AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT, and 0.7% behind the Intel Core i7-13850HX, while being 1.1% ahead of the Intel Core 9 273PE. These deltas are negligible in real-world terms, meaning the i9-13980HX is effectively on par with its closest competitors. The 90th percentile ranking confirms that this CPU outperforms the vast majority of processors in the database.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The CPU’s single-thread score of 1145 in 3DMark and 2110 in Cinebench R23 can drive high frame rates in less demanding titles, but the GPU’s performance will be the limiting factor. The Arc A730M’s 84th percentile ranking suggests it can handle 1080p gaming at high settings, though 1440p or higher refresh rates may strain it. Estimates from synthetic scores indicate playable frame rates at medium-to-high settings in most games, but no measured data is available for this combination.

Streaming: With 32 threads and a multi-thread score of 30273 in Cinebench R23, the CPU can handle encoding workloads alongside gaming. The data compression score of 588306 further supports smooth streaming performance, as the processor can manage encoding and background tasks without significant frame drops. The GPU’s lack of tensor cores or dedicated encoding hardware notes means streaming must rely on CPU encoding, which the i9-13980HX handles capably.

Video editing: The combination of a high multi-thread score and strong memory bandwidth makes this pairing suitable for 4K video editing. The CPU’s PassMark floating-point score of 118645 indicates solid performance in rendering and effects processing, while the GPU’s 12 GB of VRAM and 336.0 GB/s bandwidth can handle large video buffers. Export times in editing software will be driven primarily by the CPU’s multi-thread capability, which is excellent at the 90th percentile.

3D rendering: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30273 places this CPU in a strong position for CPU-based rendering workloads. The GPU’s FP32 performance of 12.60 TFLOPS and FP16 performance of 25.19 TFLOPS (2:1) provide additional acceleration for GPU-accelerated renderers. The 24 RT cores enable hardware-accelerated ray tracing, though the GPU’s overall rendering throughput is moderate compared to desktop-class parts.

Software development: The 32 threads and high integer math score of 166455 make this CPU well-suited for compilation tasks. Parallel builds will benefit from the multi-thread score of 46409 in PassMark, while the single-thread score of 4252 ensures responsive IDE interactions. The ECC memory support is a notable advantage for development environments requiring data integrity.

Student and office work: This configuration is overkill for typical student or office tasks, but the headroom means it will handle any workload without issue. The single-thread performance is more than sufficient for spreadsheet, word processing, and web browsing, while the multi-thread capability ensures smooth multitasking across dozens of open tabs and applications. The 90th percentile CPU ranking guarantees no slowdown in these scenarios.

GPU Analysis

The Intel Arc A730M is built on the Xe-HPG architecture, specifically the DG2-512 chip manufactured on TSMC’s 6 nm process. The die contains 21,700 million transistors across 406 mm², yielding a transistor density of 53.4M per mm². The GPU operates at a base clock of 1100 MHz and a boost clock of 2050 MHz, with memory running at 1750 MHz (14 Gbps effective). The 12 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus provides 336.0 GB/s of bandwidth, which is adequate for the GPU’s compute capabilities.

Compute resources include 3072 shading units, 192 texture mapping units, and 96 raster output units. The GPU also features 24 RT cores for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Pixel rate reaches 196.8 GPixel/s, and texture rate hits 393.6 GTexel/s. FP32 performance is 12.60 TFLOPS, while FP16 performance doubles to 25.19 TFLOPS (2:1), indicating strong compute throughput for AI and machine learning workloads. The GPU supports PCIe 4.0 x16 connectivity, and its API support includes DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

Benchmark results show the GPU scores 1732 in 3DMark Steel Nomad (DX12), 70352 in Geekbench OpenCL, and 64693 in Geekbench Vulkan. The average benchmark score of 45592 places it at the 84th percentile among all GPUs. Relative to its nearest rivals, the Arc A730M is 0.5% ahead of the AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT, 0.8% behind the NVIDIA RTX 5880 Ada Generation, 1% ahead of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile, and 1% behind the NVIDIA RTX A2000. These narrow deltas indicate that the Arc A730M performs at a level comparable to mid-range workstation and mobile GPUs.

The 12 GB VRAM capacity is notable for a mobile GPU, allowing larger textures and bigger datasets in rendering and compute tasks. The 336.0 GB/s bandwidth supports these workloads without severe bottlenecks. However, the GPU’s production status is end-of-life, which may affect driver support and long-term compatibility. The TDP of 80 W is modest for this performance class, suggesting efficient power delivery.

Who Should Build It

This configuration targets users who need strong multi-threaded CPU performance in a laptop form factor. The 90th percentile CPU ranking makes it suitable for professionals in content creation, software development, and data analysis. Video editors will benefit from the 32 threads and high Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30273, which accelerates rendering and export times. 3D artists using CPU-based renderers will find the same multi-thread capability valuable, while the GPU’s 24 RT cores enable ray-traced previews.

Software developers compiling large codebases will appreciate the integer math score of 166455 and the multi-thread PassMark score of 46409. The ECC memory support is an additional benefit for development environments where data integrity is critical. Students in engineering or scientific fields can leverage the floating-point score of 118645 for simulations and numerical analysis, though the configuration is more powerful than typical student needs.

Small business workstations that require heavy multitasking or occasional rendering will find this pairing adequate. The GPU’s 84th percentile ranking ensures it can handle GPU-accelerated tasks in professional applications, while the CPU’s strong single-thread score of 4252 in PassMark keeps everyday applications responsive. Gamers at 1080p can expect playable performance in most titles, but the lack of measured FPS data means expectations should be conservative. Users seeking 1440p or high-refresh gaming may find the GPU limiting, as its performance is more aligned with mid-range mobile graphics.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket, which is a mobile-specific package that is not upgradeable in the traditional sense. The processor is soldered to the motherboard, so any CPU upgrade would require replacing the entire laptop. The platform supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, but the specific memory type available depends on the laptop’s motherboard design. ECC memory support is present, which is rare for mobile platforms.

The GPU is also integrated into the laptop, with a slot width listed as "IGP" indicating it is not a user-replaceable MXM module. The Arc A730M connects via PCIe 4.0 x16, but this is an internal connection rather than an external upgrade slot. The TDP of 55 W for the CPU and 80 W for the GPU suggests a combined thermal envelope that requires a substantial cooling solution. The suggested PSU is null in the data, meaning no specific power supply recommendation is available for this mobile configuration.

For users considering an upgrade path, the practical approach is to max out memory and storage within the laptop’s constraints. The CPU’s PCIe Gen 5 support with 20 lanes allows high-speed NVMe SSDs, which can improve load times in applications. The memory bus is dual-channel, so populating both channels with the fastest supported DDR5 modules would optimize bandwidth. The GPU’s end-of-life status means no future driver optimizations are guaranteed, so users should verify that current drivers support their target applications.

FAQ

Q: What is the CPU’s core and thread count?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX has 24 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz.

Q: How much VRAM does the Intel Arc A730M have?

A: The GPU features 12 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus, providing 336.0 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What is the CPU’s benchmark percentile?

A: The CPU ranks at the 90th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 50398.

Q: Does the GPU support ray tracing?

A: Yes, the Arc A730M includes 24 RT cores and supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Q: What memory types does the CPU support?

A: The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with ECC memory support available.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rival?

A: The i9-13980HX is 0.1% behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 and 1.1% ahead of the Intel Core 9 273PE, indicating near-identical performance.

Q: What is the GPU’s production status?

A: The Intel Arc A730M is listed as end-of-life, meaning it is no longer in active production.

Balance and Bottleneck

The performance balance between the CPU and GPU is skewed toward the CPU. The i9-13980HX’s 90th percentile ranking far exceeds the GPU’s 84th percentile, meaning the CPU can feed the GPU faster than the GPU can render in most workloads. In CPU-bound tasks like video encoding, data compression, or software compilation, the CPU will dominate, and the GPU will have minimal impact. The PassMark multi-thread score of 46409 and data compression score of 588306 highlight this capability.

In GPU-bound workloads such as gaming or GPU-accelerated rendering, the Arc A730M becomes the limiting factor. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1732 and Geekbench OpenCL score of 70352 indicate moderate performance, which will bottleneck the CPU’s potential in graphics-heavy applications. For example, in a game that relies heavily on GPU shading, the CPU’s high single-thread score of 1145 in 3DMark cannot compensate for the GPU’s rendering throughput. The FP32 performance of 12.60 TFLOPS is solid but not exceptional, and the 336.0 GB/s bandwidth may constrain texture loading in high-resolution scenarios.

The combined percentile of 87 reflects a system that is well above average overall, but the imbalance means that users should tailor workloads to the CPU’s strengths. For tasks that are purely computational, this pairing excels. For tasks that require balanced CPU and GPU work, the GPU will likely be the bottleneck, and users may see performance that aligns more closely with the GPU’s 84th percentile than the CPU’s 90th percentile.

Build Overview

This is a laptop-class build combining a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor with an Intel Arc 7 Mobile GPU. The CPU is a Raptor Lake-HX part with 24 cores and 32 threads, while the GPU is an Alchemist-generation Arc A730M with 12 GB of GDDR6 memory. The build class is explicitly "laptop," indicating a mobile form factor. The combined percentile of 87 places this configuration in the upper tier of systems in the database, though not at the very top.

The CPU’s average benchmark score of 50398 and the GPU’s average score of 45592 contribute to a system that excels in multi-threaded productivity tasks. The GPU’s 84th percentile is respectable for mobile graphics, but the CPU’s 90th percentile is the standout feature. This pairing is best described as a high-end mobile workstation with gaming capabilities, rather than a dedicated gaming machine. The launch MSRP of the CPU is $668, which positions it as a premium component, though the overall laptop price would be significantly higher.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s benchmark scores demonstrate strong multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23, it scores 30273 multi-core and 2110 single-core. The R20 scores are 16187 multi-core and 2285 single-core, while R15 scores are 4717 multi-core and 304.5 single-core. 3DMark tests show scaling from 2207 with 2 threads to 12601 with max threads. PassMark results include a multi-thread score of 46409, single-thread score of 4252, integer math of 166455, and floating-point math of 118645. The average benchmark score is 50398, placing the CPU at the 90th percentile.

The GPU scores 1732 in 3DMark Steel Nomad (DX12), 70352 in Geekbench OpenCL, and 64693 in Geekbench Vulkan. The average benchmark score is 45592, placing it at the 84th percentile. Relative to rivals, the GPU is 0.5% ahead of the AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT and 1% ahead of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile, while being 0.8% behind the NVIDIA RTX 5880 Ada Generation and 1% behind the NVIDIA RTX A2000.

Combined, this system ranks at the 87th percentile, indicating that it outperforms the majority of configurations in the database. The CPU’s performance is clearly the stronger component, with the GPU providing adequate but not exceptional graphics capability. The combined picture is a system that handles compute-intensive tasks with ease but may struggle with the most demanding graphics workloads.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination. The FACT PACK contains no measuredFps rows, so all gaming performance figures are estimates based on synthetic benchmark scores. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 1732 suggests it can handle DirectX 12 titles at 1080p with medium-to-high settings, but frame rates will vary by game.

The CPU’s single-thread performance, with a 3DMark single-thread score of 1145, is sufficient to avoid bottlenecking most games at 1080p. The GPU’s 12 GB of VRAM and 336.0 GB/s bandwidth are adequate for modern game textures at 1080p and some 1440p titles. However, the GPU’s FP32 throughput of 12.60 TFLOPS is moderate, which will limit performance in graphics-intensive scenes. Ray tracing performance, supported by 24 RT cores, will be playable at reduced settings, but the GPU is not designed for high-refresh 1440p gaming.

For esports titles, which are typically CPU-bound, this configuration should deliver high frame rates at 1080p due to the CPU’s strong single-thread performance. For AAA games, expectations should be modest: 1080p at medium settings is a realistic estimate, with some titles playable at high settings. At 1440p, users may need to lower settings to achieve playable frame rates. These are estimates, not measured results, and actual performance will depend on driver optimization and game-specific scaling.