CPU Comparison
Core i7-9750HF vs Intel Core i7-11800H
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Blazes through heavy multi-threaded applications like Premiere Pro and Blender.
Gaming
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Virtualization
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- Capable of running medium-sized local AI models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate CPU-based inference
Content Creation
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Gaming
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- Massive 24MB L3 cache boosts game performance significantly
- Handles CPU-bound titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator well
- Pairs perfectly with RTX 3060 and 3070 mobile GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent 8-core, 16-thread performance
- Massive 24MB L3 cache significantly boosts gaming
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage and GPUs
- Competitive single-core clock speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 35W base TDP can run hot in poorly cooled laptops
- Does not support DDR5 or LPDDR5
- Surpassed by 12th Gen Alder Lake in hybrid efficiency
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-9750HF
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i5-9300HRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Much more efficient 8-core alternative.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
Next-gen 6-core with better optimization.
Intel Core i7-11800H
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
ARM Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
Better for thin-and-light laptops if 8 cores are not needed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
A budget-friendly alternative with 6 cores that performs well in gaming.
A newer generation with significantly better multi-core performance via a hybrid architecture.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA massive leap for Intel's mobile lineup, offering excellent 8-core multi-threaded performance and strong single-core speeds for gaming.
Best for: Buying a discounted 11th Gen gaming laptop for high-end 1080p/1440p gaming
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-9750HF or Intel Core i7-11800H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11800H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-9750HF or Intel Core i7-11800H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Core i7-9750HF and Intel Core i7-11800H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11800H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-9750HF (45 W), Intel Core i7-11800H (35 W).
Do Core i7-9750HF and Intel Core i7-11800H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-9750HF: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i7-11800H: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11800H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-9750HF (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11800H (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11800H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11800H (18,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.