CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11850H vs Intel Core i7-11850HE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11850H is a high-performance mobile processor launched in May 2021, designed for premium gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, it belongs to the Tiger Lake-H family and features 8 cores and 16 threads. With a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and a maximum turbo boost of 4.8 GHz, it delivers robust single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. The processor includes 24 MB of L3 cache and supports DDR4-3200 memory in a dual-channel configuration. It also offers 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, enabling high-speed connectivity for dedicated GPUs and fast NVMe storage. The default TDP is set at 35 Watts, with a configurable TDP up to 45 Watts, allowing manufacturers to balance performance and thermal constraints. Equipped with UHD Graphics 750, it provides basic display capabilities when a discrete GPU is not active. This CPU remains a capable option for demanding mobile workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy productivity workloads efficiently.
Excellent multi-threaded throughput for compiling and edge data processing.
Gaming
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
Capable of gaming if placed in a consumer chassis, but rarely used for such.
Virtualization
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
16 threads and vPro support make it ideal for edge virtualization.
Efficiency
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
35W base TDP is highly efficient for an 8-core industrial chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU hardware
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate edge AI inferencing
- Can handle medium-sized local models
Content Creation
Gaming
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core performance
- PCIe 4.0 reduces GPU bandwidth bottlenecks
- Performs exceptionally well in CPU-bound esports titles
- Not intended for gaming, but architecture is identical to mobile i7-11800H
- Pairs well with discrete edge GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Long-term embedded availability
- 8 cores and 24MB L3 cache
- Intel vPro and SIPP support
- Configurable TDP for rugged environments
Cons
- Hard to source for consumers
- Locked multiplier
- BGA soldered, requiring specialized motherboards
- Does not support DDR5
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-11850HE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2748Rival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544Rival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon W-11865MRival
Mobile Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Atom x6425ERival
Embedded Low-Power
For slightly higher clock speeds in an embedded form factor.
Compare head-to-headAnother embedded/NUC focused Tiger Lake-H part.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA robust embedded processor offering excellent multi-threaded performance and long-term availability for industrial applications.
Best for: Designing industrial PCs or edge servers requiring long-term availability
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11850H or Intel Core i7-11850HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11850HE comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-11850H or Intel Core i7-11850HE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11850H leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-11850H and Intel Core i7-11850HE.
Do Intel Core i7-11850H and Intel Core i7-11850HE 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 i7-11850HE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11850HE (19,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.