CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11850HE vs Intel Core i9-11980HK
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11850HE is an embedded 8-core, 16-thread processor built for industrial, edge computing, and IoT applications requiring high performance in a 35W envelope.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded throughput for compiling and edge data processing.
Capable in multi-threaded creator workloads, but 8 cores without efficiency cores trail newer hybrid designs in heavily threaded tasks.
Gaming
Capable of gaming if placed in a consumer chassis, but rarely used for such.
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 vPro support make it ideal for edge virtualization.
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
35W base TDP is highly efficient for an 8-core industrial chip.
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 and DL Boost accelerate edge AI inferencing
- Can handle medium-sized local models
- 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
- Not intended for gaming, but architecture is identical to mobile i7-11800H
- Pairs well with discrete edge GPUs
- 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
- 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
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 i7-11850HE
- 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
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 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 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 i7-11850HE or Intel Core i9-11980HK?
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 i7-11850HE or Intel Core i9-11980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11850HE leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-11850HE and Intel Core i9-11980HK.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11850HE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11850HE (35 W), Intel Core i9-11980HK (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11850HE and Intel Core i9-11980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11850HE: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-11980HK: FCBGA1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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), Intel Core i9-11980HK (18,332). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.