CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8850H vs Intel Core i9-9980HK
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-threaded performance handles creator applications well, though modern alternatives are faster.
Gaming
Still capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming when paired with a modern mobile GPU.
Competent for gaming at high refresh rates, but newer CPUs offer better performance and efficiency.
Virtualization
12 threads make it highly capable for running local virtual machines.
8 cores and 16 threads provide ample resources for running multiple virtual machines.
Efficiency
14nm process at 45W results in significant heat output and lower efficiency.
14nm process consumes more power and generates more heat compared to modern 7nm+ mobile processors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU-based inference is decent due to 12 threads
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Can handle CPU-based inference for small models
- Far surpassed by modern NPUs and AI-focused processors
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 single-core clocks benefit game performance
- Capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming with a discrete GPU
- Integrated UHD 630 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Outperformed by newer mobile CPUs in efficiency and integrated graphics
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads for excellent multi-threaded performance
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- High 5.0 GHz turbo boost for strong single-core performance
- Good balance of performance and power in the 45W TDP class
- Well-supported by major laptop OEMs in its generation
Cons
- Older 14nm manufacturing process limits efficiency
- Integrated UHD 630 graphics are obsolete for modern gaming
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond 9th Gen mobile
- High power consumption and heat under load compared to newer chips
- Outperformed by many 7nm+ mobile processors in both performance per watt and integrated graphics
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 i9-9980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HSRival
High-End Mobile
- Intel Core i9-10880HKRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Efficiency Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Far superior multi-threaded performance, efficiency, and modern platform features.
Dramatically better performance in every metric and a modern platform with DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSAlt
Excellent performance-per-watt with strong integrated Radeon graphics.
- Alt
Leading efficiency and integrated GPU performance for macOS users.
Compare head-to-head A balanced modern mobile CPU with good performance and efficiency, often at a lower cost.
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 powerful mobile processor in its time, offering top-tier multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom, but now outpaced by newer, more efficient chips with better integrated graphics.
Best for: Used high-performance laptop for gaming or content creation on a strict budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8850H or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8850H comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-8850H or Intel Core i9-9980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8850H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-8850H and Intel Core i9-9980HK.
Do Intel Core i7-8850H and Intel Core i9-9980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8850H: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i9-9980HK: BGA1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9980HK has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8850H (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9980HK (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-9980HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-9980HK (22). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.