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Intel Core i9-13900HK

Intel Core i9-13900HK: Raptor Lake Power in a Mobile Format

(March 2025)

Since its release in 2023, Intel's 13th generation Core processors (Raptor Lake) have established themselves as a benchmark for mobile device performance. Among them stands out the flagship laptop chip — Intel Core i9-13900HK, which combines a hybrid architecture, record multi-threading power, and support for modern technologies. Let's explore who this CPU is suitable for and what it is capable of in 2025.

1. Architecture and Process Technology: Hybrid Cores and 24 MB Cache

The processor is built on the Raptor Lake architecture and manufactured using the Intel 7 process (equivalent to 10 nm Enhanced SuperFin). Its key feature is a hybrid structure consisting of two types of cores:

- 6 Performance P-cores with Hyper-Threading support (12 threads);

- 8 Energy-efficient E-cores without multi-threading (8 threads).

In total: 14 cores and 20 threads, which is 2 E-cores more than its predecessor (i9-12900HK). The base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 5.4 GHz for P-cores and 4.1 GHz for E-cores. The L3 cache has been increased to 24 MB (compared to 14 MB in the Ryzen 9 7940HS), speeding up data processing in resource-intensive tasks.

Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics (96 EUs) supports 4K displays, hardware decoding of AV1, and delivers 60+ FPS in light games (e.g., CS:GO at medium settings). For serious gaming, a discrete graphics card (RTX 4070 and above) is necessary.

2. TDP 45W: Balance Between Power and Heat

The nominal TDP of the processor is 45 W, but in turbo mode, power consumption can reach 115 W (PL2). This requires an efficient cooling system: in compact ultrabooks, the i9-13900HK often operates under restrictions, while in gaming laptops with large coolers, it can fully unleash its potential.

Power-saving technologies:

- Intel Dynamic Tuning — automatically adjusts power depending on workload;

- Adaptix AI — optimizes task distribution between P- and E-cores;

- Energy Saving mode in Windows reduces frequencies to extend battery life.

However, with active use of P-cores (rendering, gaming), even an 80 W·h battery lasts only 2–3 hours.

3. Performance: Leader in Multi-threading, But Not Without Compromises

Geekbench 6 (2025):

- Single-Core: 2579 — comparable to the Ryzen 9 7940HS (2530) and Apple M3 Pro (2600+);

- Multi-Core: 13614 — surpasses most mobile CPUs, except for Ryzen 9 7945HX (16 cores, 14500+).

Real-world scenarios:

- Office tasks (Chrome, Excel, Zoom): CPU rarely goes above 20% load, operating on E-cores and generating minimal heat.

- Video editing (Premiere Pro, 4K H.265): rendering is 30% faster than the i9-12900HK, thanks to the additional E-cores.

- Gaming (Cyberpunk 2077, Ultra, 1440p): with RTX 4080, it achieves a stable 60+ FPS, but the CPU temperature can reach 95°C.

Turbo mode temporarily increases frequencies but causes throttling in thin laptops (e.g., Dell XPS 15). In workstations (MSI Raider), performance remains stable.

4. Use Cases: Who is the i9-13900HK Designed For?

- Professionals: video editors, 3D designers, programmers (code compilation).

- Gamers: streamers playing AAA titles at high settings.

- Enthusiasts: those who value upgrades to DDR5-5600 and PCIe 5.0 (e.g., for 12 GB/s SSDs).

Not recommended for:

- Users who prioritize silence (coolers are loud under load);

- Those who only work with browsers and office applications (i5-13500H is cheaper and cooler).

5. Battery Life: The Cost of Power

During web browsing and working with documents, laptops with the i9-13900HK can last 6–8 hours (e.g., Asus ZenBook Pro 14 with a 76 W·h battery). In gaming or rendering — up to 2 hours.

Tips for extending battery life:

- Activate the Energy Saving mode in Windows;

- Disable turbo mode through utilities (ThrottleStop);

- Choose models with OLED screens, which are more power-efficient than LCDs with dark themes.

6. Comparison with Competitors

- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS:

- Pros: Better energy efficiency, lower heat.

- Cons: Weaker in single-threaded tasks (by 10–15%), less support for PCIe 5.0.

- Apple M3 Pro (MacBook Pro 16):

- Pros: Battery life up to 18 hours, silent operation.

- Cons: Not suitable for Windows programs and games.

- Intel Core i9-14900HK:

- Pros: 8–12% faster in multi-threaded tasks.

- Cons: Price higher by $200–300.

7. Pros and Cons of i9-13900HK

Strengths:

- Record multi-threaded performance;

- Support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0;

- Optimization for Windows 11 and DirectX 12 Ultimate.

Weaknesses:

- High heat output under load;

- Dependency on cooling system;

- Laptop prices starting at $2000.

8. How to Choose a Laptop with i9-13900HK?

- Gaming laptop (MSI Raider GE78, $2800): Focus on cooling and discrete graphics.

- Workstation (Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6, $2500): Certified software for CAD, 4K display.

- Ultrabook (Asus ZenBook Pro 14X, $2200): Compactness but at risk of throttling.

What to look for:

- Number of heat pipes (at least 3);

- TGP of discrete graphics card (at least 140 W for RTX 4070);

- Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ports.

9. Final Conclusion

The Intel Core i9-13900HK is a choice for those willing to sacrifice battery life and noise for maximum performance. In 2025, it remains relevant for:

- Professionals using "heavy" applications;

- Gamers wanting to play in 4K without upgrading their PC;

- Users who value futureproofing with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.

Alternatives:

- If you need battery life — Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro);

- If a balance of price and power is crucial — AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS.

However, for those who prioritize compatibility with Windows and speed in single-threaded tasks, the i9-13900HK remains unparalleled.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Mobile

Launch Date

January 2023

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

i9-13900HK

Code Name

Raptor Lake

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Performance-cores

Efficient-cores

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

5.40 GHz

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency

Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 identifies the best performing core(s) on a processor and provides increased performance on those cores through increasing frequency as needed by taking advantage of power and thermal headroom. Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 frequency is the clock frequency of the CPU when running in this mode.

5.40 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0

Yes

L3 Cache

24 MB

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1744

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

Intel 7

TDP

45 W

Processor Base Power

The time-averaged power dissipation that the processor is validated to not exceed during manufacturing while executing an Intel-specified high complexity workload at Base Frequency and at the junction temperature as specified in the Datasheet for the SKU segment and configuration.

45 W

Maximum Turbo Power

The maximum sustained (>1s) power dissipation of the processor as limited by current and/or temperature controls. Instantaneous power may exceed Maximum Turbo Power for short durations (<=10ms). Note: Maximum Turbo Power is configurable by system vendor and can be system specific.

115 W

Minimum Assured Power

35 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

100°C

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

Microprocessor PCIe Revision

Gen 5

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

Up to DDR5 5200 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s Up to LPDDR5/x 6400 MT/s Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

96 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model

An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.

Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

1.50 GHz

DirectX Support

DirectX* Support indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft’s collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for handling multimedia compute tasks.

12.1

Execution Units

The Execution Unit is the foundational building block of Intel’s graphics architecture. Execution Units are compute processors optimized for simultaneous Multi-Threading for high throughput compute power.

Max Resolution (HDMI)

Max Resolution (HDMI) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz

Max Resolution (DP)

Max Resolution (DP) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the DP interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz

Max Resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel)

Max Resolution (Integrated Flat Panel) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor for a device with an integrated flat panel (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your device.

4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP 1.4b | DP 1.4a | HDMI 2.1

Miscellaneous

Intel Deep Learning Boost (Intel DL Boost) on CPU

A new set of embedded processor technologies designed to accelerate AI deep learning use cases. It extends Intel AVX-512 with a new Vector Neural Network Instruction (VNNI) that significantly increases deep learning inference performance over previous generations.

Yes

Intel Image Processing Unit

6.0

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)

Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

24 MB Intel® Smart Cache

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel High Definition Audio

Yes

Intel Volume Management Device (VMD)

Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) provides a common, robust method of hot plug and LED management for NVMe-based solid state drives.

Yes

Intel Boot Guard

Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard helps protect the system’s pre-OS environment from viruses and malicious software attacks.

Yes

Intel Hardware Shield Eligibility

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel QuickAssist Software Acceleration

Yes

Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology

CET - Intel Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) helps protect against the misuse of legitimate code snippets through return-oriented programming (ROP) control-flow hijacking attacks.

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel OS Guard

Yes

OpenGL Support

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.

4.6

OpenCL Support

OpenCL (Open Computing Language) is a multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for heterogeneous parallel programming.

3.0

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

2579

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

13614

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

1849

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

13205

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

4004

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

31530

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Core i7-14700K

2936 +13.8%

Core i9-13900F

2698 +4.6%

Core i9-13900HK

2579

Ryzen 5 Pro 7545U

2411 -6.5%

Core i5-12500

2285 -11.4%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

EPYC 9554P

17268 +26.8%

EPYC 74F3

14914 +9.5%

Core i9-13900HK

13614

EPYC 7313P

12471 -8.4%

Core i7-13700T

11552 -15.1%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Core i5-13600K

2233 +20.8%

Ryzen 9 7845HX

1985 +7.4%

Core i9-13900HK

1849

Core i7-13800H

1760 -4.8%

Core i5-13400T

1680 -9.1%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Ryzen 9 PRO 7945

16653 +26.1%

Core i9-7980XE

14735 +11.6%

Core i9-13900HK

13205

Xeon Gold 6334

12135 -8.1%

Core i9-11900K

11033 -16.4%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Ryzen 7 7700X

4218 +5.3%

Xeon E-2468

4126 +3%

Core i9-13900HK

4004

Core i5-13500

3891 -2.8%

Core 5 210H

3809 -4.9%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Xeon Gold 6326

35224 +11.7%

Xeon Gold 6240R

33353 +5.8%

Core i9-13900HK

31530

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

29404 -6.7%

Core i9-12900HK

27930 -11.4%