CPU Comparison
Core i7-9850HE vs Core i7-9850HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-9850HE is a high-performance embedded mobile processor launched in June 2019. Part of the Coffee Lake-HR family, this 14nm CPU is designed for ruggedized laptops and industrial workstations. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.7 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz. The HE suffix denotes a standard embedded 45W TDP, balancing robust processing power with thermal manageability. It includes a 9MB L3 cache, slightly less than the 12MB found in mainstream mobile i7s, optimized for specific embedded workloads. The processor supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory and features Intel UHD Graphics 630 for display outputs. Targeted at applications requiring high reliability and long-term availability, the i7-9850HE excels in edge servers, advanced robotics, and portable medical devices. It delivers workstation-class multi-threaded performance in a mobile form factor, ensuring that mission-critical systems can execute complex algorithms and data processing tasks locally without compromising on stability.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong 6-core embedded performance
- Long-term industrial availability
- High 4.4 GHz turbo boost
- Supports ECC memory
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- Reduced 9MB L3 cache
- Hard to source for consumers
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
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 i7-9850HE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807BRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Xeon E-2276MRival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9850HLRival
Low-Power Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8850HEAlt
Previous gen embedded alternative.
Core i7-9850HL
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BRival
Embedded Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8665UERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807BRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon E-2278GELRival
Embedded Server
- Intel Core i5-9500HLRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9850HEAlt
Higher 45W TDP for better sustained performance.
- Intel Core i7-8665UAlt
Lower core count but even lower power (15W).
Previous gen 45W embedded alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A robust 45W embedded processor that brings solid 6-core performance to industrial and ruggedized mobile form factors.
Best for: Building ruggedized portable equipment
Read the full reviewAn 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-9850HE or Core i7-9850HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9850HE 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 i7-9850HE (45 W), Core i7-9850HL (25 W).
Do Core i7-9850HE and Core i7-9850HL use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.