CPU Comparison

Core i7-9750H vs Core i7-9750HF

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-9750H is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2019 for gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Based on the Coffee Lake-HR architecture, this 14nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, offering a significant upgrade over the previous 4-core mobile i7 standard. Operating at a 2.6 GHz base frequency and boosting up to 4.5 GHz, it is designed to handle demanding workloads including video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. With a 45W TDP, it requires robust cooling solutions typical of thicker, performance-oriented laptops. The processor includes 12MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. It features Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing basic display capabilities and Quick Sync media acceleration when the discrete GPU is idle. The i7-9750H became the default choice for mid-to-high-tier gaming laptops in 2019, balancing thermal constraints with the multi-core performance demanded by modern consumers and creators.

Top pick
Intel · 9th Generation Core i7
Core i7-9750H
6C / 12T4.5 GHz45 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · 9th Generation Core i7
Core i7-9750HF
6C / 12T4.5 GHz45 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
High-Performance Mobile
Generation
9th Gen
9th Gen
Launched
2019
2019
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Coffee Lake-HR
Coffee Lake-HR
Series
9th Generation Core i7
9th Generation Core i7
Family
Coffee Lake-HR
Coffee Lake-HR
Predecessor
Core i7-8750H
Core i7-8750H
Successor
Core i7-10750H
N/A

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
4.5 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
45 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake-HR
Coffee Lake-HR
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1440
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
None
Unlocked
No
No

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
High
Low
Content Creation
High
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming
Excellent
Excellent
Video Editing
Very Good
General Use
Poor (due to high power draw without iGPU)

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-9750H

Pros

  • Strong 6-core performance
  • Excellent single-core boost
  • Widely supported in laptop platforms
  • Includes Quick Sync for video encoding

Cons

  • Runs very hot in thin chassis
  • 45W TDP limits battery life
  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
  • Only supports PCIe 3.0
Core i7-9750HF

Pros

  • Same gaming performance as i7-9750H
  • Slightly lower OEM cost
  • Strong 6-core multi-threading

Cons

  • No integrated graphics
  • Discrete GPU must always be on, hurting battery life
  • No Intel Quick Sync support

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-9750H

  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-8750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i9-9880H

    High-End Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-9300H

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-9750HF
    Alt

    Same performance but lacks integrated graphics for cheaper laptops.

  • Intel Core i7-10750H
    Alt

    Next-gen 6-core with higher clocks.

Core i7-9750HF

  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-9750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-9300H

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3550H

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-8750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
    Alt

    Much more efficient 8-core alternative.

  • Intel Core i7-10750H
    Alt

    Next-gen 6-core with better optimization.

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-9750HRecommended

The definitive 2019 gaming laptop CPU, offering excellent 6-core performance, though it runs hot in thin chassis.

Best for: Buying a used 2019 gaming laptop

Read the full review
Core i7-9750HFRecommended

Identical to the 9750H but cheaper for OEMs. Great for gaming laptops, though the lack of Quick Sync limits video battery life.

Best for: Buying a used budget gaming laptop

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-9750H or Core i7-9750HF?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9750H 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.

Do Core i7-9750H and Core i7-9750HF use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.