CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i9-9880H
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-threaded performance for video editing, rendering, and compilation, though newer 8-core parts often match or beat it while using less power.
Gaming
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Still competent for 60–144 Hz gaming in most titles, but modern Ryzen and Intel HX CPUs deliver better frame rates and efficiency at similar or lower power.
Virtualization
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
Excellent for running several VMs or containers on a laptop thanks to 8 cores and 16 threads, but limited by 45 W power and laptop cooling in sustained loads.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
14nm Coffee Lake-HR is relatively power-hungry; efficiency lags behind 7nm Ryzen 4000/5000 and Intel 10th/11th-gen mobile parts.
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 such as NPU or Xe matrix extensions.
- AI workloads run on CPU cores or via discrete GPU; not ideal for large-scale local inference compared to newer chips with NPUs.
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
- Solid single-threaded performance for high-refresh-rate eSports titles.
- Pairs well with midrange or high-end mobile GPUs (RTX 2070/2080-era).
- Modern 6+ core CPUs from AMD and Intel generally offer better gaming efficiency and 1% low performance.
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads for heavy multi-threaded workloads.
- High single-core boost up to 4.8 GHz with Thermal Velocity Boost.
- 16 MB L3 cache improves performance in data-heavy applications.
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630 for quick sync and basic display tasks.
- Well-established platform with mature drivers and firmware.
Cons
- 14nm process results in relatively high power draw and heat output.
- Discontinued and harder to find as a standalone part.
- No DDR5 or PCIe 4.0/5.0 support compared to newer platforms.
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking headroom.
- Newer mobile CPUs offer better efficiency and 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 i9-9880H
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
Mobile Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 9 4900HRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i9-10880HRival
Mobile Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-10750HRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Xeon E-2276MRival
Mobile Workstation
Newer 8-core, 16-thread CPU with higher IPC and better efficiency, often at a similar price point in newer laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HAlt
Zen 3 architecture offers significantly better performance per watt and strong gaming and creator performance.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Higher performance and overclocking headroom with better power efficiency, ideal for high-end laptops.
More modern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 4.0, sufficient for many users at a lower price point.
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 still-capable 8-core mobile CPU for creators and workstation users, but its 14nm process and high power make it less attractive compared to newer Ryzen and Intel HX chips.
Best for: Used or discounted high-end laptop where the i9-9880H is already installed and cooling is robust.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11800H or Intel Core i9-9880H?
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 i9-9880H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i9-9880H.
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 i9-9880H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11800H and Intel Core i9-9880H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11800H: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-9880H: FCBGA1440), 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 i9-9880H (7,780). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.