Core i9 12900HX vs Core i9 13900HK
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Core i9 12900HX | Core i9 13900HK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 112 | 111 | +0.9% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 1,269 | 1,009 | +25.8% |
| Cores | 16 (8P+8E) | 14 (6P+8E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 45 | 35 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 33,015 | 26,761 | +23.4% |
| Street price (USD) | $606 | $697 | -13.1% |
- Core i9 12900HX is faster than Core i9 13900HK by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 25.8% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core i9 13900HK draws less power (35W vs 45W base TDP).
Verdict: Core i9 12900HX or Core i9 13900HK?
Core i9 12900HX advantages
- Multi-core speed (+20%)
- Affordability (+13%)
Core i9 13900HK advantages
- Power efficiency (+22%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Core i9 12900HX if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
- Choose the Core i9 13900HK if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the Core i9 12900HX if you want the most performance for your budget.
Value for money
Core i9 12900HX delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Core i9 12900HX vs Core i9 13900HK: which should you choose?
Core i9 12900HX — 16-core Intel processor (8P+8E) scoring 112 single-core and 1269 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 45 W TDP.
Core i9 13900HK — 14-core Intel processor (6P+8E) scoring 111 single-core and 1009 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 35 W TDP.
Core i9 12900HX vs Core i9 13900HK: Core i9 12900HX leads in multi-core performance. Core i9 12900HX is faster than Core i9 13900HK by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 25.8% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 13900HK draws less power (35W vs 45W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The Core i9 12900HX leads there with a single-core score of 112 versus 111, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the Core i9 12900HX is stronger, posting 1,269 multi-core against 1,009 in Cinebench 2024. Its 16 cores (8 performance + 8 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core i9 13900HK is the more efficient chip at 35 W versus 45 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9 12900HX better than the Core i9 13900HK?
Core i9 12900HX takes the overall edge, though Core i9 13900HK wins in specific areas worth weighing. Core i9 12900HX is faster than Core i9 13900HK by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 25.8% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Core i9 12900HX and the Core i9 13900HK?
Core i9 12900HX is faster than Core i9 13900HK by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 25.8% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 13900HK draws less power (35W vs 45W base TDP).
Which is better value?
Core i9 12900HX delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Core i9 12900HX if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking. Choose the Core i9 13900HK if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.