[Comparison] Intel Core i5-13500HX vs Intel Core i7-13700H – An i7 is an i7

LaptopMedia.com Comparisons [Comparison] Intel Core i5-13500HX vs Intel Core i7-13700H - An i7 is an i7

From: Severin Kolakov 02 June 2023 / 18:01 | 1

The H-series vs HX-series debate continues, this time putting the Core i5-13500HX against the Core i7-13700H. We see the HX-series processors be more prevalent than ever, finding their way inside many gaming laptops, which is admirable and shows that manufacturers are truly on the search for the best performance. The Core i5-13500HX is probably the most powerful Core i5 CPU to ever be put in a laptop, and on the surface looks a lot like an H-series Core i7 CPU.

You can find more information about both processors here: Intel Core i5-13500HX / Core i7-13700H

Let’s get familiar with the two chips before we put them head to head. The Core i5 and Core i7 both sport 14 cores and 20 threads, courtesy of the new hybrid architecture from Intel, with 6 hyperthreaded Performance cores and 8 single-threaded Efficiency cores. The Core i5 CPU brings a higher base TDP of 55W, which can allow it to perform better if good cooling is present. On the other hand, the Core i7-13700H is more readily available, as manufacturers are placing it in everything from gaming laptops to portable 14-inch daily drivers, which might not actually be the best idea.

Specs table

	Intel Core i5-13500HX	Intel Core i7-13700H
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX	Raptor Lake-H
Cores / Threads	14/20	14/20
Clock Speeds – Base/Boost	1.80 – 4.70GHz	1.80 – 5.00GHz
Cache	24MB	24MB
Lithography	10nm	10nm
TDP	55W	45W
Memory type	DDR5-5600	DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-5200,
Integrated GPU	Intel UHD Graphics 770	Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU)

Performance

Starting off as we usually do, with a quick check of Cinebench R23 scores, we can actually see the Core i7 score higher, despite the higher TDP of the Core i5, which would suggest better performance in prolonged loads. It’s not ahead by a lot, but 9% is still 9%. Switching to Photoshop and it’s here that the Core i5 kicks in, finishing first with a lead of 0.6 seconds.

3D Rendering

Results are from the Cinebench R23 CPU test (the higher the score, the better)

Intel Core i5-13500HX Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16

18768

Intel Core i7-13700H MSI Vector GP77

20378

Adobe Photoshop

Results are from our Photoshop benchmark test (the lower the score, the better)

Intel Core i5-13500HX Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16

3.95

Intel Core i7-13700H MSI Vector GP77

4.2

Conclusion

The two CPUs are relatively close when it comes to performance, however, the Core i7 pulls ahead significantly with а 9% lead in Cinebench, while the Core i5 chip is a bit faster in Photoshop. You can also probably find a Core i7-13700H laptop for less money, however, be careful, and check how the cooling performs, as the CPU’s performance is closely tied to it. In a way, the Core i5 will be a more stable option, as laptops with it are sure to bring their A-game, in terms of thermal and power management.