CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8850H vs Intel Core i7-11850H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8850H is a high-performance mobile processor launched in the second quarter of 2018 as part of the 8th Generation Coffee Lake-H family. Designed primarily for gaming laptops and mobile workstations, this chip brought 6-core, 12-thread computing to the portable form factor for the first time in Intel's mainstream lineup. Built on a refined 14nm manufacturing process, it operates at a base clock of 2.7 GHz and can boost up to 4.3 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. The processor features 12MB of L3 cache, which significantly improves performance in latency-sensitive workloads. With a default TDP of 45 watts, it requires robust cooling solutions to maintain peak performance during extended rendering or gaming sessions. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 allows for basic display output and hardware-accelerated media encoding without needing a dedicated GPU. Overall, the i7-8850H represents a major leap in mobile computing power, bridging the gap between desktop and laptop performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy workloads efficiently.
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy productivity workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Still capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming when paired with a modern mobile GPU.
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
Virtualization
12 threads make it highly capable for running local virtual machines.
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
Efficiency
14nm process at 45W results in significant heat output and lower efficiency.
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU-based inference is decent due to 12 threads
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core speed
- Pairs well with GTX 10-series and RTX 20-series mobile GPUs
- May throttle in thin-and-light chassis
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core performance
- PCIe 4.0 reduces GPU bandwidth bottlenecks
- Performs exceptionally well in CPU-bound esports titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Strong sustained performance
- 12MB L3 cache
- Good for budget mobile workstations
Cons
- Runs hot under load
- 14nm process is inefficient by modern standards
- Soldered to motherboard
- End-of-life status
Pros
- Excellent 8-core mobile performance
- Includes 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Large 24MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX-512 instructions
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Requires robust laptop cooling at 45W
- Does not support DDR5 memory
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8850H
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
9th Gen refresh with higher clocks and better thermal management.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Vastly superior multi-core performance and efficiency.
- Alt
Modern alternative with unmatched efficiency for creative workloads.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
10th Gen offers slightly better performance and faster memory support.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HAlt
Modern budget alternative with excellent single-core speed.
Intel Core i7-11850H
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
Better value for purely gaming workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HSAlt
Lighter and more efficient for thin-and-light gaming.
Newer hybrid architecture with significantly more performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile processor that brought 6 cores to laptops, offering excellent sustained performance for creators and gamers, though it runs warm.
Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-8850H today, it is essential to weigh its age against its capabilities. Found exclusively in used or refurbished laptops, this processor still offers respectable performance for everyday productivity, moderate video editing, and 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU. It is an excellent budget option for students or professionals needing a capable mobile workstation without paying full retail price. However, buyers should be aware of its 14nm heritage, which means it runs warmer and consumes more power than modern alternatives. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you require maximum battery life or need to run heavily multi-threaded workloads efficiently. Overall, it remains a solid value buy on the second-hand market.
Read the full reviewA highly capable mobile processor that delivers excellent multi-core performance and PCIe 4.0 connectivity, though newer generations offer better efficiency.
Best for: Purchasing a discounted gaming laptop on the used market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-8850H or Intel Core i7-11850H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11850H leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-8850H and Intel Core i7-11850H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11850H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8850H (45 W), Intel Core i7-11850H (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8850H and Intel Core i7-11850H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8850H: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i7-11850H: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11850H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8850H (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11850H (8 cores).