CPU Comparison
Core i7-9850H vs Intel Core i7-11800H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-9850H is a premium mobile processor launched in April 2019 for high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Based on the Coffee Lake-HR architecture, this 14nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, delivering robust multi-threaded performance. Operating at a base clock of 2.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.6 GHz, it offers slightly higher single-core turbo frequencies compared to the popular i7-9750H. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for performance-oriented chassis with substantial cooling solutions. 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. Often found in top-tier mobile workstations and premium gaming laptops, the i7-9850H strikes a balance between high frequency and multi-core capability, making it suitable for demanding professional applications like CAD, 3D rendering, and software compilation on the go.
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
- 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
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 i7-9850H
- Intel Core i7-9750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9880HRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Xeon E-2276MRival
Mobile Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10875HAlt
Next-gen 8-core upgrade.
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
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 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 i7-9850H 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 i7-9850H or Intel Core i7-11800H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Core i7-9850H 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 i7-9850H (45 W), Intel Core i7-11800H (35 W).
Do Core i7-9850H and Intel Core i7-11800H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-9850H: 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 i7-9850H (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.