CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-12450HX vs Intel Core i7-11800H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-12450HX is a mid-range mobile processor introduced as part of the 12th Generation Alder Lake-HX family, specifically designed to bring desktop-class performance to high-performance laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excels in multi-threaded productivity applications due to the 12-thread hybrid design.
Blazes through heavy multi-threaded applications like Premiere Pro and Blender.
Gaming
Provides high frame rates in modern titles when paired with a mid-range to high-end discrete GPU.
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running local virtual machines efficiently, though core count limits heavy parallel VMs.
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
Efficiency
Efficiency is lower compared to P and U series due to the 55W base power and desktop lineage.
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Can handle basic local AI inference.
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in newer generations.
- Capable of running medium-sized local AI models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core gaming performance.
- Requires a dedicated GPU as the UHD 710 iGPU is only for display output.
- PCIe 5.0 ensures no bottleneck for latest generation graphics cards.
- 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
- Desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes for high expandability
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Strong multi-threaded capability for the price
- High power headroom for sustained boosts
Cons
- High base TDP limits battery life
- Basic UHD 710 integrated graphics
- BGA socket prevents upgrades
- Core overclocking is limited
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
Intel Core i5-12450HX
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12500HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-12650HXAlt
Offers more cores and threads for heavier multi-threaded workloads.
Slightly lower power variant for thinner chassis.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior multi-threading and integrated graphics.
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 highly capable mobile processor offering desktop-derived architecture, excellent PCIe expandability, and robust multi-threading for budget enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range gaming laptop that requires desktop-class I/O and sustained performance.
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, Intel Core i5-12450HX 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, Intel Core i5-12450HX or Intel Core i7-11800H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i5-12450HX and Intel Core i7-11800H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11800H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-12450HX (55 W), Intel Core i7-11800H (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-12450HX and Intel Core i7-11800H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-12450HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core i7-11800H: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.