SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-13980HX + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile

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

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile

43,667 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 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile represent the apex of mobile computing hardware, a pairing designed for uncompromising performance in a laptop chassis. This combination unites Intel's top-tier Raptor Lake-HX silicon with NVIDIA's flagship Ada Lovelace GPU, creating a system that sits in the 87th percentile overall among all build configurations. The data indicates a machine that is not merely fast but positioned at the upper echelon of what is available, making it a primary target for high-end gaming, professional content creation, and heavy computational tasks. However, the performance figures also reveal a distinct balance of power, with the CPU and GPU each excelling in different areas, and understanding this division is key to evaluating the platform's true capabilities.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is a 24-core, 32-thread processor built on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-HX variant. This heterogeneous design combines performance and efficiency cores to deliver a maximum boost clock of 5.60 GHz from a 2.20 GHz base. The processor is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node, with a die size of 257 mm². This is a mobile part with a 55 W TDP, but its architecture is derived from desktop-class silicon, indicating a focus on sustained high performance rather than just brief bursts. The 36 MB of shared L3 cache is substantial, providing a large pool of high-speed data for demanding applications.

The benchmark data paints a clear picture of a processor that scales exceptionally well with thread count. In 3DMark tests, the 16-thread score of 9440 is more than double the 8-thread score of 7290, which itself is significantly higher than the 4-thread score of 4177. This scaling suggests that the processor's hybrid core layout is highly effective at distributing workloads across its many cores. The max-thread score of 12601 is the highest in the 3DMark suite, confirming that the processor's full potential is unlocked when all 32 threads are utilized. This is a hallmark of a CPU designed for multi-threaded rendering, compilation, and encoding tasks.

Single-thread performance is equally impressive, as indicated by a 3DMark single-thread score of 1145 and a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2110. This ensures that the i9-13980HX is not just a multi-core monster but also a snappy performer for everyday tasks and lightly-threaded applications. The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 30273 is a strong indicator of its heavy-lifting ability, positioning it as a top-tier mobile workstation processor. The PassMark suite further emphasizes this, with a multithread score of 46409 and a 90th percentile ranking among all CPUs, placing it ahead of the vast majority of processor competition.

The processor's position is further clarified by its nearest rivals. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 has an average score a mere 0.1% higher, indicating that the two are essentially performance peers. It also sits within 0.7% of the Intel Core i7-13850HX and the AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT. This shows that while the i9-13980HX is a flagship part, the performance envelope at this tier is incredibly tight, with several high-end mobile and desktop processors delivering within a single percentage point of each other. The average benchmark score of 50398 solidifies its status as an elite performer, and its 24-core configuration ensures it remains a top choice for users who need raw computational power on the move.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for this build combine the strengths of a top-tier CPU and a high-end GPU. The CPU's average benchmark score of 50398 places it in the 90th percentile of all processors, evidence of its exceptional multi-threaded and single-threaded capabilities as evidenced by its Cinebench and PassMark scores. The GPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile, is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture with a 5 nm process and 45,900 million transistors. It achieves an average benchmark score of 43667, placing it in the 84th percentile of all GPUs. This score is driven by strong results in PassMark's G3D test (27212) and Geekbench's OpenCL (180831) and Vulkan (170774) tests, showcasing its prowess in both graphics and compute workloads.

When the CPU and GPU are considered together, the system's combined percentile is 87. This indicates that the pairing is more powerful than 87% of all other CPU+GPU combinations, making it a formidable platform for any task. The GPU's performance is closely matched with its nearest rivals, including the NVIDIA RTX A6000, which has an average score 0.9% higher, and the NVIDIA Quadro M6000, which is 0.8% lower. This suggests the RTX 4090 Mobile's performance is on par with professional workstation GPUs, making it a versatile tool for both gaming and content creation. The data shows a system where neither component is a weak link; both the CPU and GPU are in the top tier of their respective markets.

The combined picture is one of exceptional balance at the high end. The CPU might have a higher percentile ranking (90 vs 84), but the GPU is clearly a flagship part in its own right. The delta between the CPU and its rivals is minimal, with the closest competitor being only 0.1% faster, and the GPU's performance is within 0.9% of its closest competitor. This suggests that a user is getting near-peak performance from both components, with no single component dragging down the overall experience. The benchmark scores indicate that this system is overqualified for mainstream tasks and is built for the most demanding applications, from 4K video editing to complex 3D rendering and high-refresh-rate gaming.

Balance and Bottleneck

The balance between the Intel Core i9-13980HX and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile is a study in complementary strengths, and the data suggests that the bottleneck shifts depending on the workload. The CPU, with its 90th percentile ranking and a PassMark multithread score of 46409, is a powerhouse for compute-heavy tasks. The GPU, in the 84th percentile with a PassMark G3D score of 27212, is equally dominant in graphics-intensive scenarios. In a gaming context at lower resolutions, the CPU is more likely to be the limiting factor, as it must feed frames to the GPU quickly. However, the i9-13980HX's single-thread score of 4252 in PassMark and 1145 in 3DMark is so high that it is unlikely to be a significant constraint for most games.

At higher resolutions like 4K, the bottleneck shifts decisively to the GPU, which is a common scenario in high-end gaming PCs. The RTX 4090 Mobile's raw pixel throughput of 189.8 GPixel/s and texture rate of 515.3 GTexel/s will be tasked with rendering the vast number of pixels, and its performance will dictate the final frame rate. The fact that the GPU's average score is 43667, which is comparable to the professional-grade NVIDIA RTX A6000, suggests it can handle this load admirably. However, the CPU's 24 cores and high clock speeds ensure that it can keep up with the GPU's frame generation, preventing a CPU-side bottleneck in most gaming scenarios.

The data also reveals a potential bottleneck in power delivery. The CPU has a 55 W TDP, while the GPU has a 120 W TDP. This is a combined thermal and power draw that requires a robust cooling solution and a high-capacity power adapter, though the suggested PSU is null, indicating this is an integrated mobile solution where power is managed by the laptop's design. In multi-threaded CPU workloads like Cinebench R23, the CPU will be the primary consumer of power and generate significant heat, potentially causing the GPU to have less power headroom if the system is power-limited. Conversely, in a gaming workload, the GPU will dominate power consumption. This dynamic means that the system's overall performance is contingent on the laptop's ability to manage the combined thermal load, and the bottleneck may be the chassis's cooling capacity rather than the components themselves.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is a mobile processor using the Intel BGA 1964 socket, which means it is soldered directly to the motherboard and is not upgradeable. This is a significant factor for the upgrade path. The platform is built around Intel's Raptor Lake-HX architecture, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The memory support for ECC is a notable feature, indicating a potential for use in workstation-class applications where data integrity is paramount. The platform also supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, providing high-bandwidth connectivity for the fastest NVMe SSDs and other peripherals, though the GPU itself utilizes PCIe 4.0 x16.

Since the CPU and GPU are both soldered components in a laptop, the traditional upgrade path of swapping out individual parts is not available. The only meaningful upgrades a user can perform are increasing the amount of RAM (up to the motherboard's limit) or replacing the storage drives. The 55 W TDP of the CPU and 120 W TDP of the GPU are the figures to watch for power consumption, but the suggested PSU is null, as this is an integrated mobile system where the power supply is external. The performance of this system is therefore locked at the time of purchase, making it a long-term investment for users who need maximum performance from day one.

For a user considering a "next upgrade," the data suggests that this system is already at the pinnacle of its generation. Given that the CPU's performance is within 0.1% of the nearest rival and the GPU is within 0.9% of its closest competitor, there is little headroom for improvement within the same generation. The logical next step would be a future platform with newer architectures, but the benchmark data from this build shows that the i9-13980HX and RTX 4090 Mobile combination is so powerful that it will remain relevant for years. The platform's support for PCIe Gen 5 ensures that it can take advantage of the fastest storage available, and the memory options allow for a high-capacity, high-bandwidth system, ensuring the platform remains viable for a long time.

Usage Scenarios

High-Refresh Gaming: The RTX 4090 Mobile's 84th percentile ranking and impressive pixel rate of 189.8 GPixel/s make it an exceptional candidate for high-refresh-rate gaming. While the CPU's 90th percentile ranking ensures it won't hold the GPU back, the GPU is the primary driver for frame rates at 1440p and above. The GPU's performance is on par with professional cards like the RTX A6000, suggesting it can deliver high frame rates in the most demanding titles.

Streaming: The combination of a 24-core CPU and a powerful GPU with dedicated encoding hardware makes this an ideal streaming platform. The CPU's high multi-threaded score of 46409 in PassMark can handle the encoding workload, while the GPU's compute capabilities can handle the game rendering. This allows for a single-PC streaming setup without a significant performance hit, as the CPU has enough headroom to manage both tasks simultaneously.

Video Editing: The CPU's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 30273 and the GPU's strong OpenCL score of 180831 indicate a system that can handle 4K and even 8K video editing with ease. The 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on the GPU provides ample capacity for large video buffers and effects, while the CPU's many cores accelerate encoding, decoding, and effects processing. The dual-channel memory support and ECC capability further enhance stability for long rendering sessions.

3D Rendering: For 3D rendering, the CPU and GPU are both critical. The CPU's 32 threads will accelerate CPU-based rendering engines, as evidenced by its 3DMark max-thread score of 12601. The GPU's 32.98 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and 76 RT cores make it a formidable renderer for GPU-accelerated engines. This system is a mobile rendering powerhouse that can significantly reduce render times compared to mainstream laptops.

Software Development: The CPU's high single-thread performance (PassMark single-thread score of 4252) is excellent for code compilation and IDE responsiveness. The many cores are also beneficial for parallel builds, and the 36 MB of L3 cache helps with large codebases. The support for ECC memory is a plus for developers working on critical systems where data integrity is crucial.

Student and Office Work: This system is massive overkill for standard student and office tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing. Its performance is not a requirement for these workloads. However, the high performance means that the system will never feel slow, and the powerful components ensure it can handle any specialized software a student in engineering or design might need, making it a future-proof investment for a demanding academic career.

FAQ

Q: What is the performance tier of the Intel Core i9-13980HX?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX is in the 90th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 50398. It performs within 0.1% of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 and is 0.7% faster than the Intel Core i7-13850HX.

Q: How does the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile compare to other GPUs?

A: The RTX 4090 Mobile is in the 84th percentile of all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 43667. It is 0.8% faster than the NVIDIA Quadro M6000 and within 0.9% of the NVIDIA RTX A6000.

Q: What are the CPU's core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i9-13980HX has 24 cores and 32 threads, based on the Raptor Lake architecture. Its maximum boost clock is 5.60 GHz.

Q: What kind of memory does this platform support?

A: The platform supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory. It also supports ECC memory, which is unusual for a consumer mobile platform.

Q: Is the CPU upgradeable?

A: No, the CPU is a mobile part using the Intel BGA 1964 socket, which means it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

Q: What is the GPU's memory configuration?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile has 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 576.0 GB/s.

Q: Are there any measured FPS figures for this build?

A: No, the data for this specific combination does not include any measured FPS rows. All frame rate discussions are estimates based on the benchmark scores.

Who Should Build It

This system is targeted squarely at power users who demand the absolute highest level of performance from a laptop. Gamers who play at high resolutions with maximum settings will benefit from the RTX 4090 Mobile's 84th percentile ranking and its performance parity with professional-grade GPUs like the RTX A6000. The 16 GB of VRAM ensures the system is ready for future titles that may require more memory. Content creators, including video editors and 3D artists, will find the combination of the CPU's 90th percentile multi-threaded performance and the GPU's compute capabilities to be a professional-grade mobile workstation. The ECC memory support adds an extra layer of reliability for critical workflows.

Software developers who work on large codebases and require fast compilation times will appreciate the 24 cores and 32 threads of the i9-13980HX. The high single-thread performance also ensures a responsive development environment. For students in demanding fields like engineering, architecture, or data science, this system offers the power to run any required software, from CAD tools to machine learning frameworks, without compromise. Finally, for small business workstations that need to handle heavy computational tasks, this laptop can replace a desktop tower, offering the same level of performance in a portable form factor. It is a tool for professionals and enthusiasts for whom time is money and performance is not optional.

Build Overview

This build is a flagship laptop configuration, combining the Intel Core i9-13980HX with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile. The build class is explicitly a laptop, indicating that all components are integrated into a mobile chassis. This pairing represents the top of the line for mobile computing, with the CPU ranking in the 90th percentile of all CPUs and the GPU in the 84th percentile of all GPUs. The combined percentile for this system is 87, placing it in the top 13% of all build configs.

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is a 24-core Raptor Lake-HX processor with a 5.60 GHz boost clock and a 55 W TDP. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile is an Ada Lovelace GPU with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, 9728 shading units, and a 120 W TDP. Together, they form an extremely potent combination. The overall tier is high-end, defined by its top-tier components that are designed to deliver maximum performance for gaming, content creation, and professional workloads. The data shows this is not a balanced mainstream machine but a specialized tool for users who need the best mobile performance available.

Gaming Performance

The FACT PACK does not include any measured FPS data for this specific CPU and GPU combination. Therefore, all frame rate discussions here are estimates based on the benchmark scores. The data clearly shows that this system is built for high-performance gaming. The GPU's PassMark G3D score of 27212 and its 84th percentile ranking suggest it is capable of driving the most demanding games at high settings. The 16 GB of GDDR6 memory provides ample space for high-resolution textures.

The CPU's strong single-thread performance, evidenced by its PassMark single-thread score of 4252, ensures it can handle game logic and physics without bottlenecking the GPU. Given the GPU is comparable to the NVIDIA RTX A6000, which is a professional workstation card, it is reasonable to estimate that at 1440p and 4K resolutions with ultra settings, this system will deliver high and playable frame rates in nearly all titles. In less demanding esports titles, the system should be capable of very high frame rates, potentially exceeding the refresh rate of most laptop displays. However, since these figures are estimates, users should look to real-world reviews for exact FPS numbers. The performance ceiling is exceptionally high, positioning this as one of the fastest gaming laptops available.