CPU Comparison

Core i7-9750HF vs Core i7-9850H

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-9750HF is a specialized mobile processor introduced in April 2019 alongside the standard i7-9750H. The F suffix signifies the exclusion of integrated graphics, meaning it must be paired with a discrete GPU to function. Built on the 14nm Coffee Lake-HR architecture, it features 6 cores and 12 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.5 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for high-performance gaming laptops and mobile workstations where a dedicated graphics card is mandatory. The processor retains the 12MB L3 cache and dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory support of its sibling. By removing the UHD 630 graphics, Intel allowed manufacturers to slightly reduce costs and thermal output, assuming the discrete GPU handles all rendering tasks. This CPU is strictly for systems where saving space and power on unused silicon is preferred, making it ideal for budget-focused gaming rigs that sacrifice integrated display fallbacks for raw computational value.

Intel · 9th Generation Core i7
Core i7-9750HF
6C / 12T4.5 GHz45 W
8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · 9th Generation Core i7
Core i7-9850H
6C / 12T4.6 GHz45 W
8.7
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 i7-8850H
Successor
N/A
Core i7-10875H

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
4.6 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
None
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming
Excellent
Excellent
General Use
Poor (due to high power draw without iGPU)
3D CAD
Excellent

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

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
Core i7-9850H

Pros

  • Excellent single and multi-core performance
  • High 4.6 GHz turbo boost
  • Full 12MB L3 cache
  • Supports ECC memory (with compatible chipset)

Cons

  • Runs hot in mobile chassis
  • Soldered BGA package
  • Expensive
  • Only supports PCIe 3.0

Competitors & Alternatives

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.

Core i7-9850H

  • Intel Core i7-9750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i9-9880H

    High-End Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Xeon E-2276M

    Mobile Workstation

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-10875H
    Alt

    Next-gen 8-core upgrade.

Our Verdict on Each

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
Core i7-9850HRecommended

A slightly faster, better-binned version of the 9750H, offering excellent performance for heavy mobile workloads.

Best for: Buying a used premium mobile workstation

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9850H comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

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

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