CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11850H vs Intel Core i9-11980HK
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.
Capable in multi-threaded creator workloads, but 8 cores without efficiency cores trail newer hybrid designs in heavily threaded tasks.
Gaming
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
Strong single-threaded performance and high turbo clocks keep the 11980HK competitive in CPU-bound games, but modern 12th/13th Gen Intel and Ryzen 7000 H/HX chips often match or beat it while using less power.
Virtualization
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
Adequate for light VM use and local dev containers, but limited memory channels and core count make it less ideal than modern HX or desktop-replacement CPUs for heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
The 10 nm SuperFin process and 45–65 W envelope result in high power draw and heat under load compared to newer Intel 7 and TSMC N5/N4 mobile CPUs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU hardware
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX-512 VNNI) accelerates INT8 inference workloads.
- No dedicated NPU; AI acceleration is modest compared to later Core Ultra and Ryzen AI mobile chips.
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
- 5.0 GHz single-core turbo gives strong FPS in CPU-heavy titles.
- Most gaming laptops pair it with RTX 3070/3080-class GPUs, where the CPU is rarely the bottleneck at 1080p/1440p.
- Newer Alder Lake/Raptor Lake H/HX CPUs often deliver slightly better 1% lows and efficiency.
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads with high 5.0 GHz turbo
- 20 PCIe 4.0 CPU lanes for fast GPUs and storage
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking in supported laptops
- Strong single-threaded performance for gaming and light tasks
- Familiar x86 ecosystem with good software and driver support
Cons
- High power draw and heat at 45–65 W compared to newer mobile CPUs
- 10 nm SuperFin process is less efficient than Intel 7 and TSMC N5/N4
- No hybrid architecture; 8 big cores only, trailing newer HX chips in multi-thread
- Platform is EOL with no upgrade path beyond existing laptop designs
- Integrated UHD Graphics 32 EU is basic; a discrete GPU is required for serious gaming or compute
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 i9-11980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 5980HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900HKRival
High-End Mobile (Alder Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11950HRival
High-End Mobile (Tiger Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980HKRival
High-End Mobile (Comet Lake-H)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXAlt
Much higher multi-thread performance and better efficiency on a modern platform.
Significantly more cores and threads with stronger creator and multi-tasking performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Top-end mobile Zen 4 CPU for users who need maximum multi-threaded performance.
Good balance of price, performance and efficiency compared to older 11980HK.
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 powerful but power‑hungry 8‑core mobile CPU that delivers strong single‑core and gaming performance at 45–65 W, now outclassed by newer 12th/13th Gen Intel and Ryzen 7000 mobile chips in efficiency and multi‑thread.
Best for: Buying a used or discounted 11980HK gaming laptop where the CPU is already paired with a strong GPU and you prioritize raw CPU frequency over efficiency or platform longevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11850H or Intel Core i9-11980HK?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11850H comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i9-11980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11850H leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-11850H and Intel Core i9-11980HK.
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), Intel Core i9-11980HK (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11850H and Intel Core i9-11980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11850H: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-11980HK: FCBGA1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-11980HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-11980HK (18,332). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.