CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11850H vs Core i7-12800H
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.
The 8 E-cores significantly reduce render times in Premiere and Blender.
Gaming
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
Excellent frame rates in modern titles, rarely bottlenecking current mobile GPUs.
Virtualization
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
20 threads provide ample resources for running multiple VMs locally.
Efficiency
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
Can draw up to 115W under load, requiring robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU hardware
- Iris Xe provides some AI acceleration
- Capable of running local LLMs at acceptable speeds for a mobile chip
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
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3070/3080 mobile GPUs
- High average FPS in CPU-heavy titles like CS:GO
- Depends heavily on laptop thermal design
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
- Excellent 14-core, 20-thread multi-threaded performance
- Iris Xe 96EU provides great fallback graphics
- High 4.8 GHz single-core boost
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Intel Thread Director optimizes workload scheduling
Cons
- High power draw under turbo (115W)
- Soldered to motherboard, no upgrade path
- Can run hot in thin-and-light chassis
- Locked multiplier
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
Core i7-12800H
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
Mobile Flagship
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i9-12900HRival
Mobile Flagship
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-12650HAlt
Cheaper alternative if multi-threading is less critical.
- Intel Core i7-1280PAlt
Better efficiency for thinner, lighter laptops.
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 phenomenal mobile CPU that delivers near-desktop multi-threaded performance and excellent Iris Xe integrated graphics, making it the go-to choice for premium creator and gaming laptops.
Best for: Premium gaming laptops or creator machines where a mix of single and multi-core performance is needed.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11850H or Core i7-12800H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-12800H 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 Core i7-12800H?
For gaming, the Core i7-12800H leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11850H and Core i7-12800H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11850H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11850H (35 W), Core i7-12800H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11850H and Core i7-12800H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11850H: Intel BGA 1787, Core i7-12800H: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-12800H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-11850H (8 cores), Core i7-12800H (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-12800H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-12800H (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.