Intel Core i9 13980HX Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£550
  • Avg. price in US: ~$670
  • PassMark benchmark result: 45715
  • N. of physical cores: 24
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.6 GHz

Intel Core i9 13980HX review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

8.3

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

8.7

Performance

18.0%

8.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

8.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.5

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

8.0

Integrated Graphics

Excellent
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    8.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    9.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    6.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    10

    N. of physical cores

  • 8.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    8.7

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    10

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    10

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    6.1

    L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £550

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is a flagship high-end mobile processor from the Raptor Lake-HX series, featuring a hybrid architecture with 24 cores (8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores) and 32 threads. It offers a maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.60 GHz, 36 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and supports high-speed DDR5 memory up to 5600 MT/s. Key advantages include desktop-class multi-threaded performance for demanding tasks like 4K video editing and high-end gaming, alongside an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, its high power demands—with a maximum turbo power of 157 W—often lead to significant thermal throttling in laptop chassis and very limited battery life when under load.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 13980HX

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

8.3
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a technical score of 8.33 points, which is higher than that of 97.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.3

Overall score

40.0%

7.6

Price

8.1
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 95.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i9 13980HX belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1964
Intel Core i9 13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 CPU socket, which is older than that of 67.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

WM790, HM770
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports WM790, HM770 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 59.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 13980HX uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

24
Intel Core i9 13980HX has 24 CPU cores, which is more than 96.6% of processors and equal to 2.1% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

32
Intel Core i9 13980HX offers 32 CPU threads, which is more than 95% of processors and equal to 3% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

?
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.6 GHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX reaches a boost clock of 5.6 GHz which is higher than that of 98.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 2.2 GHz & 16 x 1.6 GHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a base clock of 8x2.2 GHz & 16x1.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i9 13980HX uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 7
Intel Core i9 13980HX is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

36 MB
Intel Core i9 13980HX has an L3 cache of 36 MB which is larger than that of 92.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

32 MB
Intel Core i9 13980HX has an L2 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 96.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

896 KB
Intel Core i9 13980HX has an L1 cache of 896 KB which is larger than that of 82.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/DDR5
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 79.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

5,600 MHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports memory speeds up to 5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 79.8% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-5600 MHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

5,600 MHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to 0.9% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

192 GB
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 83.3% of processors and equal to 6% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i9 13980HX includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9 13980HX uses the Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 56.9% of processors and equal to that in 4.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
Intel Core i9 13980HX has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i9 13980HX has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 85% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

55 W
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a TDP of 55 W which is higher than that of 63.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

55 W
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a base power of 55 W which is higher than that of 64.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

157 W
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a boost power of 157 W which is higher than that of 87.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 13980HX has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i9 13980HX supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 45 W
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Intel Core i9 13980HX vs the average processor

  • 18 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.24 vs 6
  • 4.14x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (19,854 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (19,854 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.19,854 vs 4,793
  • 4.34x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (45,715 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (45,715 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.45,715 vs 10,532.5
  • 70% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,222 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,222 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,222 vs 2,483
  • 24 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.32 vs 8
  • 30.2% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 87.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,760 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,760 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,760 vs 1,471
  • 12.8x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.32 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a newer release date than the average processor (2,023 vs 2,020).
  • 18 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 4.14x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (19,854 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4.34x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (45,715 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 70% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,222 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 24 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 30.2% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 87.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,760 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 66.7% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (807 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 12.8x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 4.5x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 4x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core i9 13980HX uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 13980HX uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2.33x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i9 13980HX uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).
  • 3x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 95.6% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 90.9% higher memory speed
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 6 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 44.4% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 2.45x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (157 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 22.2% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 22.2% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2.45x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (157 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (157 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.157 W vs 64 W
  • 44.4% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².257 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 13980HX supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 2.2x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 13980HX is more expensive than the average processor (£550 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 13980HX is more expensive than the average processor (£550 vs £250).£550 vs £250
  • 22.2% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.55 W vs 45 W
  • 22.2% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.55 W vs 45 W
  • 6 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core i9 13980HX has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.22 vs 28

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 13980HX and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 13980HX?

  • Extreme multi-core performance, often matching or exceeding high-end desktop CPUs in benchmarks like Cinebench R23.
  • Best-in-class single-threaded speed, making it exceptional for gaming and single-core dependent apps like Photoshop.
  • Massive core count (24 cores / 32 threads) provides a significant leap over previous generations for heavy media editing and rendering.
  • Supports high-end features including DDR5-5600 memory, PCIe Gen 5, and multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports.
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for straightforward overclocking in supported laptop chassis.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 13980HX?

  • Reports of instability, including game crashes, Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and frequent application errors.
  • High power consumption and thermal output often lead to aggressive throttling, meaning peak performance is rarely sustained.
  • Recent user reports indicate performance degradation or 'neutering' following BIOS/microcode updates aimed at fixing stability issues.
  • Considered 'ridiculous overkill' and poor value for everyday tasks like web browsing or standard office productivity.
  • Extreme thermal requirements often necessitate large, heavy, and expensive laptop designs.

Expert reviews

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pcworld.com
07/02/2023

The PCWorld review of the Intel Core i9-13980HX describes it as a 24-core, 32-thread "monster" chip that brings desktop-class performance to laptops, featuring a 5.6GHz max turbo speed. Pros include an "eye-popping" 32% to 40% performance increase in multithreaded rendering tasks compared to the previous generation, making it a leader in content creation. However, the review...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
19/02/2023

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834) is a high-end desktop replacement featuring an Intel Core i9-14900HX and NVIDIA RTX 4090 (175W TGP), providing exceptional gaming performance and cooling via Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal. The 18-inch Mini LED Nebula HDR display is highly praised for its brightness, though cons include high fan noise in Turbo mode, lack of biometric...Read more

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profesionalreview.com
29/05/2023

According to a Profesional Review comparison, the Intel Core i9-13900KS desktop processor outperforms the i9-13980HX laptop chip by a significant margin in both single-core (7-10% higher) and multi-core benchmarks (up to 28% higher) due to superior, sustained frequency. The desktop i9-13900KS offers unmatched performance up to 6 GHz, though it requires extreme power (over 300W) and...Read more

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dday.it
30/10/2023

The Snapdragon X Elite represents a significant shift for Windows laptops, delivering exceptional multi-core power that rivals Apple M3 and Intel Core Ultra chips while operating efficiently on battery. Key strengths include the 12-core Oryon CPU, a capable Adreno GPU, and a market-leading 45 TOPS NPU for AI, often accompanied by superior, "multi-day" battery life and instant-on...Read more

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multiplayer.it
26/06/2024

The Lenovo Legion 9i, featuring a unique forged carbon lid, establishes itself as an ultra-high-end gaming notebook by integrating a co-engineered liquid cooling system that prevents GPU thermal throttling. It offers top-tier performance through the Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090, alongside a high-quality 3.2K Mini-LED display. However, this premium performance comes with...Read more

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evosmart.it
04/12/2024

The MSI Vector 16 HX A13V is a high-end, 16-inch gaming laptop offering desktop-class performance with an Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4080 (175W), efficiently handling heavy gaming and creative tasks thanks to robust Cooler Boost 5 cooling. It features excellent upgradability with PCIe Gen 5 support, alongside a comfortable SteelSeries keyboard and strong connectivity options....Read more

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smartworld.it
02/08/2024

The SmartWorld review identifies the MSI Vector 16 HX A13V as a high-performance 16-inch laptop that, despite its heavy 2.7kg weight and bulky design, delivers elite gaming results often comparable to top-tier models. Key pros include the potent Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4080 (175W) combination, a vibrant 16:10 QHD+ 240Hz screen, and excellent internal upgradeability....Read more

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tweakers.net
18/03/2024

The Tweakers review of the Acer Predator Helios 18 (2024, i9-14900HX/RTX 4090) highlights top-tier performance for demanding gaming and creative tasks, housed in a robust 18-inch chassis. Pros include the excellent performance, sturdy build quality, and a comfortable keyboard with 2.0mm travel. However, the device suffers from a "tergend traag" (agonizingly slow) Mini-LED display,...Read more

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hardware.info
28/05/2023

The Medion Erazer Major X20 is highlighted as a high-value gaming laptop, offering top-tier specs like an Intel Core i9-13900HX and RTX 4070 for around €2,500. It matches more expensive rivals in benchmarks and features a superior Cherry MX mechanical keyboard and a 240Hz display. While the liquid metal cooling system performs well, the laptop is severely limited by very poor...Read more

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hardware.info
23/09/2023

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (G634) serves as a high-end desktop replacement featuring an Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA RTX 4080 (175W TGP), and a 16-inch Mini LED Nebula HDR display boasting 240Hz and up to 1,100 nits brightness. Performance is exceptional in 3DMark and gaming, supported by rapid PCIe Gen 4 storage and an advanced cooling system utilizing Conductonaut Extreme liquid...Read more

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techtesters.eu
30/09/2023

The MSI Vector GP78HX is a high-performance 17-inch "desktop replacement" laptop featuring a sturdy chassis, a bright 1600p 240Hz IPS display, and a comfortable SteelSeries keyboard. Powered by an Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4080/4090, it utilizes MSI OverBoost for a combined 250W power draw, delivering exceptional gaming and multitasking performance, backed by robust Cooler Boost...Read more

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tweakers.net
02/05/2025

This Tweakers review analyzes three flagship 2025 laptops—ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18, MSI Titan 18 HX, and BTO X-Book 18X1590—featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 with 24GB VRAM. These desktop-replacement machines deliver unmatched graphical power for 4K gaming, rendering, and AI, highlighted by premium Mini-LED displays, Thunderbolt 5, and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. While offering extreme...Read more

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