CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-12800HE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-12700H is a high-performance mobile processor from the Alder Lake-H series, launched in early 2022. Designed for gaming and creator laptops, it features 14 cores and 20 threads, combining six Performance-cores and eight Efficient-cores. Built on the Intel 7 process, it operates at a 45W base TDP, scaling up to 115W under turbo loads. This processor is engineered to deliver desktop-class performance in portable form factors. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed storage and peripherals. The inclusion of Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units provides solid graphical output when the discrete GPU is inactive, saving battery life. The i7-12700H became a staple in mid-to-high-end gaming laptops, offering an excellent balance of single-threaded speed for gaming and multi-threaded power for content creation and streaming.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded performance for heavy rendering tasks.
Excellent multi-core scaling for compiling and rendering on the go.
Gaming
Pushes high framerates in modern games when paired with an RTX 30/40 series mobile GPU.
Iris Xe can handle e-sports titles and older games at low settings.
Virtualization
Handles local development VMs well.
14 cores allow for efficient local virtualization.
Efficiency
Good power scaling, though 115W turbo can drain batteries quickly.
The 45W TDP ensures a good balance of performance and battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Good for local inference
- Typically paired with Nvidia GPUs for AI workloads
- Iris Xe includes matrix acceleration for basic AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Scales well with high-end mobile GPUs
- Single-core speed is top-tier
- Depends on Iris Xe graphics
- Not intended for AAA gaming without a discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Incredible 14-core mobile performance
- Excellent single-core boost speeds
- Iris Xe graphics save battery when gaming is not needed
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can run hot in poorly cooled laptop chassis
- High turbo power draw limits battery life under load
Pros
- 14 cores in a 45W mobile envelope
- Long-term embedded availability
- Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Supports DDR5 memory
- Excellent multi-threaded efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard (not upgradeable)
- Not for gaming without a discrete GPU
- Base clock is relatively low for single-threaded tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-12700H
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
Newer generation with better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-headBetter budget option for mid-range gaming laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-12800HE
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
Higher clock speeds for more demanding mobile workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A phenomenal mobile CPU that balances gaming speeds with heavy multi-core rendering power, making it the heart of premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a high-end gaming or creator laptop that needs to balance heavy workloads with portability.
Read the full reviewA versatile mobile CPU packing 14 cores into a 45W envelope, perfect for embedded systems and portable workstations.
Best for: Buying a mobile workstation or industrial PC requiring long-term support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-12800HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-12700H 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 i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-12800HE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-12700H leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-12800HE.
Do Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-12800HE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12700H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12700H (26,000), Intel Core i7-12800HE (25,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.