CPU Comparison

Core i7-9750H vs Core i7-9850HL

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 i7-9850HL
6C / 12T4.1 GHz25 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
Embedded 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 i7-8850H
Successor
Core i7-10750H
N/A

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
1.9 GHz
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
4.1 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
9 MB
TDP
45 W
25 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
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
None
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
High
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming
Excellent
Video Editing
Very Good
Industrial Automation
Excellent
Edge IoT Gateways
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
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 i7-9850HL

Pros

  • Extremely low 25W TDP for a 6-core chip
  • Long-term embedded availability
  • Supports Hyper-Threading
  • Includes UHD 630 graphics

Cons

  • Very low base clock (1.9 GHz)
  • Hard to source for consumers
  • Soldered BGA package
  • Reduced L3 cache (9MB)

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 i7-9850HL

  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B

    Embedded Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-8665UE

    Embedded Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B

    Embedded Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Xeon E-2278GEL

    Embedded Server

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-9500HL

    Embedded Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-9850HE
    Alt

    Higher 45W TDP for better sustained performance.

  • Intel Core i7-8665U
    Alt

    Lower core count but even lower power (15W).

  • Previous gen 45W embedded alternative.

    Compare head-to-head

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 i7-9850HLSituational

An impressive embedded CPU that brings 6-core performance to the 25W TDP class, perfect for fanless industrial applications.

Best for: Sourcing for embedded industrial builds

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-9750H or Core i7-9850HL?

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.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-9850HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-9750H (45 W), Core i7-9850HL (25 W).

Do Core i7-9750H and Core i7-9850HL use the same socket?

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