HX mobile CPUs are a high-performance generation of laptop processors. Optimised for AAA gaming, streaming, and content creation, HX CPUs are perfect for those looking to get the most out of their portable set-up. But what makes an HX processor different and why do you want one for gaming? We’ll be answering both these questions and more in this blog post.
What are HX mobile CPUs?
and multi-threaded workloads. Harness blisteringly fast speeds and enhanced mobile efficiency to enjoy playing all your favourite games wherever you go.
You can find HX processors in the 12th, 13th, and 14th CPU generations with the standard i5, i7, and i9 models available. Our handy table below details all the key differences between the HX variants.
Intel 14th HX Processors
| i9 14900HX | i7 14700HX | i7 14650HX | i5 14500HX | i5 14450HX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P and 16E) | 20 (8P and 12E) | 16 (8P and 8E) | 14 (6P and 8E) | 10 (6P and 4E) |
| Threads | 32 | 28 | 24 | 14 | 10 |
| Boost clock speed | Up to 5.8GHz | Up to 5.5GHz | Up to 5.2GHz | Up to 4.9GHz | Up to 4.8GHz |
| Cache | 36MB | 33MB | 30MB | 24MB | 20MB |
| TDP | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W |
Intel 13th HX Processors
| i9 13980HX | i9 13950HX | i9 13900HX | i7 13850HX | i7 13700HX | i7 13650HX | i5 13600HX | i5 13500HX | i5 13450HX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P and 16E) | 24 (8P and 16E) | 24 (8P and 16E) | 20 (8P and 12E) | 16 (8P and 8E) | 14 (6P and 8E) | 14 (6P and 8E) | 14 (6P and 8E) | 10 (6P and 4E) |
| Threads | 32 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Boost clock speed | Up to 5.6GHz | Up to 5.5GHz | Up to 5.4GHz | Up to 5.3GHz | Up to 5.0GHz | Up to 4.9GHz | Up to 4.7GHz | Up to 4.6GHz | Up to 4.6GHz |
| Cache | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 30MB | 30MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 20MB |
| TDP | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W |
Intel 12th HX Processors
| i9 12950HX | i9 12900HX | i7 12850HX | i7 12800HX | i5 12600HX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16 (8P and 8E) | 16 (8P and 8E) | 16 (8P and 8E) | 16 (8P and 8E) | 12 (4P and 8E) |
| Threads | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 16 |
| Boost clock speed | Up to 5GHz | Up to 5GHz | Up to 4.8GHz | Up to 4.8GHz | Up to 4.6GHz |
| Cache | 30MB | 30MB | 25MB | 25MB | 16MB |
| TDP | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W | 55W |
How Do HX Processors Differ from Standard Mobile CPUs?
The key difference between HX CPUs and standard mobile processors is the number of cores. HX processors utilise desktop silicone with a higher core count to deliver exceptional performance. Perfect for enthusiast-grade gaming laptops or portable workstations! However, this does with an increase in TDP. Any laptop with an HX processor will need to have an extensive built-in thermal system to ensure temperatures are kept at optimum levels.
What’s more, HX processors feature support for plenty of the latest tech to power your demanding workloads. This includes PCIe 5.0 and both DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.
Is an HX Mobile CPU Good for Gaming?
HX mobile CPUs have been designed for high-speed portable gaming. With an HX processor, there is no compromising on performance. You can achieve the same standard as a desktop PC with your gaming laptop thanks to the high core count and fast speeds.
What’s more, with i5, i7, and i9 HX models available you can find the perfect HX processor that perfectly suits your needs, from casual to AAA enthusiast gaming.
Upgrade Your Gaming to HX!
If you’ve been convinced to upgrade to an HX gaming laptop, then you’re in luck! Overclockers UK have plenty of high-quality laptops that boast powerful HX processors and cutting-edge GPUs to render your games like never before.
We’ve got our top picks for you below, but you can also shop all our gaming laptops if these don’t suit your gaming demands or aesthetic.
MSI Raider GE68 Gaming Laptop
- 16.0” QHD+ display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Intel i9 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 Gaming Laptop
- 16.0” WQXGA display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Intel i9 13980HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4080
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home
Gigabyte AORUS 17X Gaming Laptop
- 17.3” QHD display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Intel i9 13980HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4090
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home
Do You Have an HX Mobile CPU?
Does your laptop feature an HX processor? How has it enhanced your gaming performance? Let us know in the comments.
- 4 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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