CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i7-11850H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11800H is an 8-core, 16-thread high-performance mobile processor built on the 10nm SuperFin process, designed for heavy-duty gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Blazes through heavy multi-threaded applications like Premiere Pro and Blender.
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy productivity workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
Virtualization
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Capable of running medium-sized local AI models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate CPU-based inference
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core performance
- PCIe 4.0 reduces GPU bandwidth bottlenecks
- Performs exceptionally well in CPU-bound esports titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent 8-core mobile performance
- Includes 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Large 24MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX-512 instructions
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Requires robust laptop cooling at 45W
- Does not support DDR5 memory
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-11850H
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
Better value for purely gaming workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HSAlt
Lighter and more efficient for thin-and-light gaming.
Newer hybrid architecture with significantly more performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly capable mobile processor that delivers excellent multi-core performance and PCIe 4.0 connectivity, though newer generations offer better efficiency.
Best for: Purchasing a discounted gaming laptop on the used market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11800H or Intel Core i7-11850H?
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 i7-11800H or Intel Core i7-11850H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i7-11850H.
Do Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i7-11850H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1787 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
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.