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Intel Core i9-12900TE vs Intel Core i9-13900HK: Comparison
What is the difference between Core i9-12900TE and Core i9-13900HK?
These two are close on paper, and total cores is the only measure that separates them at all: Core i9-12900TE 16 against Core i9-13900HK 14. L3 cache runs the same way, 30 MB on the Core i9-12900TE versus 24 MB on the Core i9-13900HK, another win for Core i9-12900TE. They differ on p-core base clock too, 1.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900TE versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i9-13900HK. There is a split on tdp as well, 35 W on the Core i9-12900TE versus 45 W on the Core i9-13900HK. Form factor is not the same on both, Embedded on the Core i9-12900TE versus Desktop on the Core i9-13900HK. They differ on release year too, 2022 on the Core i9-12900TE versus 2023 on the Core i9-13900HK.
Which should you buy, Core i9-12900TE or Core i9-13900HK?
The Core i9-12900TE is the one to take for small-form-factor PCs and quiet builds, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. The Core i9-13900HK suits enthusiast desktop gaming and overclocking, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core i9-12900TE (7.8/10): the Intel Core i9-12900TE is a low-power desktop chip built for compact and quiet small-form-factor systems. Our rating of the Core i9-13900HK (8.7/10): the Intel Core i9-13900HK is an unlocked flagship desktop chip, a top pick for enthusiasts who want to overclock.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Efficiency cores, integrated graphics, socket and smt enabled read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core i9-12900TE and Core i9-13900HK differ on performance cores?
Yes. Performance Cores reads 8 on the Core i9-12900TE versus 6 on the Core i9-13900HK.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Embedded
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Raptor Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 2022
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 2023
TDP
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 35 W
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 45 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Market Segment
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Embedded
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Laptop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Raptor Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- LGA 1700
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 16Best
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 14
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 8Best
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 6
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 8
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 8
Total Threads
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 24Best
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 20
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 1.1 GHz
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 2.6 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 4.8 GHz
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 5.4 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 30 MBBest
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 24 MB-20%
Base Power
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- 35 W
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- 45 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- DDR5, DDR4, LPDDR5/x, LPDDR4x
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i9-12900TE
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-13900HK
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12900TE if you want the higher L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
Choose 13900HK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
Intel Core i9-12900TE
7.8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-12900TE is a low-power desktop chip built for compact and quiet small-form-factor systems.
Intel Core i9-13900HK
8.7 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-13900HK is an unlocked flagship desktop chip, a top pick for enthusiasts who want to overclock.