CPU Comparison
Core i7-9750H vs Intel Core i9-10885H
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles multi-threaded creator workloads well, though superseded by newer architectures in render times.
Gaming
Maintains strong 1080p performance when paired with a high-end GPU, but limited by PCIe 3.0 bandwidth in modern titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VM workloads, but constrained by dual-channel memory limits.
Efficiency
High power draw for the performance delivered; 14nm struggles against modern 7nm/Intel 7 alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No dedicated AI hardware like NPUs or DPUs
- CPU-based inference is slow compared to modern chips
- Relies purely on AVX2 instructions without AVX-512
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- High single-core clocks benefit simulation and AI-heavy games
- Requires substantial cooling to prevent throttling
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for direct storage GPU loading
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Exceptional 5.3 GHz single-core boost for mobile
- Solid 8-core multi-threaded performance
- Mature platform with highly stable drivers
- Good for high-refresh 1080p gaming
Cons
- Runs extremely hot under sustained load
- Poor power efficiency compared to AMD Ryzen 4000/5000 series
- Stuck on PCIe 3.0 and DDR4
- Outdated UHD 630 integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-9750H
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9880HRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i5-9300HRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HFAlt
Same performance but lacks integrated graphics for cheaper laptops.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
Next-gen 6-core with higher clocks.
Intel Core i9-10885H
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HSRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10875HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980HKRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Mobile
11th Gen successor offering better IPC, PCIe 4.0, and improved efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Higher performance per watt and better multi-core output on a modern Zen 3 architecture.
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
Hybrid architecture with massive multi-core and single-core leaps over 10th Gen.
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Highly efficient modern platform with superior integrated graphics and battery life.
Budget modern alternative that matches or beats the 10885H in most workloads while running cooler.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA powerhouse mobile CPU for its time that delivers exceptional single-core speeds, but its 14nm heritage results in high thermals and lower efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Purchasing a laptop with the Intel Core i9-10885H today only makes sense if you are buying a refurbished or heavily discounted machine. While its 8-core, 5.3 GHz capabilities still hold up reasonably well for 1080p gaming and moderate content creation, its 14nm architecture suffers from poor power efficiency and high thermal output compared to modern alternatives. Laptops housing this chip often run hot and suffer from loud fan noise under load, with limited battery life. It lacks modern connectivity like PCIe 4.0 or DDR5 support. If you find a used mobile workstation or gaming laptop with this processor at a substantial discount, it can serve as a capable entry-level system. However, for new purchases, investing in a 12th or 13th Gen Intel platform or an AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 series laptop will provide significantly better efficiency, cooler temperatures, and longer software support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-9750H or Intel Core i9-10885H?
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 is faster for gaming, Core i7-9750H or Intel Core i9-10885H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-10885H leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-9750H and Intel Core i9-10885H.
Do Core i7-9750H and Intel Core i9-10885H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-9750H: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i9-10885H: BGA1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-10885H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-9750H (6 cores), Intel Core i9-10885H (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-10885H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-10885H (8,650). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.