Intel unveils 12th Gen Core HX processors, including its first-ever 16-core laptop CPU
Intel’s new mobile processors are unlocked, overclockable, and aimed at enthusiasts.
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What you need to know
Intel announced its 12th Gen Core HX processors this week at its Vision conference. The new mobile workstation processors feature “desktop-caliber silicon in a mobile package,” according to Intel, and will power many of thebest Windows laptopsgoing ahead. Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 models of the new CPUs will be available, with more than 10 devices running the chips on the way by the end of this year,according to Intel.
The Core i9-12950HX is Intel’s first 16-core CPU built for laptops. It features eight performance cores and eight efficiency cores and hits speeds as high as 5GHz.
Here are some of the highlights shared by Intel about its new chips:
In total, there are seven new 12th Gen Core HX processors from Intel. They range from the Core i5-12450HX with eight cores all the way up to the aforementioned Core i9-12950HX flagship. Each of the new processors has a power draw of 55 watts. The entire range of HX chips is overclockable and unlocked out of the box.
The Core i9-12900HX is faster than the Core i9-12900HK, the i9-11980HK, and the Ryzen R9-6900HX, according to Intel’s benchmarks. The company’s chart doesn’t have a scale or exact figures but places the new flagship mobile CPU above its competition.
Dell, HP, and Lenovo are among the OEMs that plan to launch devices with the new 12th Gen Intel Core HX processors this year. Intel promised more than 10 workstation and gaming laptops featuring the new chips.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
