CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i9-10885H
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.
Handles multi-threaded creator workloads well, though superseded by newer architectures in render times.
Gaming
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Maintains strong 1080p performance when paired with a high-end GPU, but limited by PCIe 3.0 bandwidth in modern titles.
Virtualization
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
Adequate for light VM workloads, but constrained by dual-channel memory limits.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
High power draw for the performance delivered; 14nm struggles against modern 7nm/Intel 7 alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Capable of running medium-sized local AI models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate CPU-based inference
- No dedicated AI hardware like NPUs or DPUs
- CPU-based inference is slow compared to modern chips
- Relies purely on AVX2 instructions without AVX-512
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 single-core clocks benefit simulation and AI-heavy games
- Requires substantial cooling to prevent throttling
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for direct storage GPU loading
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
- Exceptional 5.3 GHz single-core boost for mobile
- Solid 8-core multi-threaded performance
- Mature platform with highly stable drivers
- Good for high-refresh 1080p gaming
Cons
- Runs extremely hot under sustained load
- Poor power efficiency compared to AMD Ryzen 4000/5000 series
- Stuck on PCIe 3.0 and DDR4
- Outdated UHD 630 integrated graphics
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 i9-10885H
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HSRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10875HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980HKRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Mobile
11th Gen successor offering better IPC, PCIe 4.0, and improved efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Higher performance per watt and better multi-core output on a modern Zen 3 architecture.
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
Hybrid architecture with massive multi-core and single-core leaps over 10th Gen.
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Highly efficient modern platform with superior integrated graphics and battery life.
Budget modern alternative that matches or beats the 10885H in most workloads while running cooler.
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 powerhouse mobile CPU for its time that delivers exceptional single-core speeds, but its 14nm heritage results in high thermals and lower efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Purchasing a laptop with the Intel Core i9-10885H today only makes sense if you are buying a refurbished or heavily discounted machine. While its 8-core, 5.3 GHz capabilities still hold up reasonably well for 1080p gaming and moderate content creation, its 14nm architecture suffers from poor power efficiency and high thermal output compared to modern alternatives. Laptops housing this chip often run hot and suffer from loud fan noise under load, with limited battery life. It lacks modern connectivity like PCIe 4.0 or DDR5 support. If you find a used mobile workstation or gaming laptop with this processor at a substantial discount, it can serve as a capable entry-level system. However, for new purchases, investing in a 12th or 13th Gen Intel platform or an AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 series laptop will provide significantly better efficiency, cooler temperatures, and longer software support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11800H or Intel Core i9-10885H?
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 i9-10885H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i9-10885H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11800H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11800H (35 W), Intel Core i9-10885H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i9-10885H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11800H: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-10885H: BGA1440), 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), Intel Core i9-10885H (8,650). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.