CPU Comparison

Intel Core i9-10885H vs Intel Core i9-9880H

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-10885H is a high-performance mobile processor that debuted in early 2020 as part of the Comet Lake-H family, designed primarily for gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Built on Intel's mature 14nm process, this 8-core, 16-thread chip represents the pinnacle of the Skylake microarchitecture's mobile evolution, pushing frequencies to unprecedented levels for the H-series lineup. With a base clock of 2.4 GHz and a maximum Thermal Velocity Boost reaching up to 5.3 GHz, the 10885H was engineered to deliver exceptional single-threaded responsiveness while maintaining robust multi-threaded capabilities for content creation. While it retains the dual-channel DDR4-2933 memory controller and 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, its primary differentiator from its siblings is sheer clock speed. The processor integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630, functioning mainly as a display output solution rather than a gaming engine, relying heavily on discrete GPUs paired in the laptops it inhabits. Operating within a 45W configurable TDP, it demands robust cooling solutions to sustain its boost clocks under heavy workloads. As a BGA1440 socketed chip, it is permanently soldered to the motherboard, emphasizing the tight integration required for thin-and-light performance chassis. Despite being outpaced by newer architectures in efficiency, it remains a capable performer for legacy mobile platforms.

Intel · Core i9
Intel Core i9-10885H
8C / 16T5.3 GHz45 W
7.8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i9
Intel Core i9-9880H
8C / 16T4.8 GHz45 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
Mobile Workstation / Enthusiast Laptop
Generation
10th Generation Core i9
9th Gen Core i9 (Coffee Lake-HR)
Launched
2020
2019
Status
End-of-life
Discontinued
Codename
Comet Lake-H
Coffee Lake-HR
Series
Core i9
Core i9
Family
Comet Lake-H (Core i9)
Coffee Lake-HR (Core i9)
Predecessor
Intel Core i9-9880H
Intel Core i9-8950HK
Successor
Intel Core i9-11980HK
Intel Core i9-10880H

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
8
8
Threads
16
16
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.3 GHz
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz
4.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
16 MB
16 MB
TDP
45 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Comet Lake
Coffee Lake-HR (9th Gen Core, Skylake-derived)
Process Node
14nm
14 nm (14nm++)
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4/LPDDR3
Memory Speed
DDR4-2933
DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
BGA1440
FCBGA1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i9-10885H82

Handles multi-threaded creator workloads well, though superseded by newer architectures in render times.

Intel Core i9-9880HBest86

Strong multi-threaded performance for video editing, rendering, and compilation, though newer 8-core parts often match or beat it while using less power.

Gaming

Intel Core i9-10885H78

Maintains strong 1080p performance when paired with a high-end GPU, but limited by PCIe 3.0 bandwidth in modern titles.

Intel Core i9-9880H78

Still competent for 60–144 Hz gaming in most titles, but modern Ryzen and Intel HX CPUs deliver better frame rates and efficiency at similar or lower power.

Virtualization

Intel Core i9-10885H70

Adequate for light VM workloads, but constrained by dual-channel memory limits.

Intel Core i9-9880HBest88

Excellent for running several VMs or containers on a laptop thanks to 8 cores and 16 threads, but limited by 45 W power and laptop cooling in sustained loads.

Efficiency

Intel Core i9-10885H45

High power draw for the performance delivered; 14nm struggles against modern 7nm/Intel 7 alternatives.

Intel Core i9-9880HBest58

14nm Coffee Lake-HR is relatively power-hungry; efficiency lags behind 7nm Ryzen 4000/5000 and Intel 10th/11th-gen mobile parts.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i9-10885HLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware like NPUs or DPUs
  • CPU-based inference is slow compared to modern chips
  • Relies purely on AVX2 instructions without AVX-512
Intel Core i9-9880HLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware such as NPU or Xe matrix extensions.
  • AI workloads run on CPU cores or via discrete GPU; not ideal for large-scale local inference compared to newer chips with NPUs.

Content Creation

Intel Core i9-10885HGood
Adobe Premiere ProAdobe After EffectsBlender CPU RenderingAdobe PhotoshopDaVinci Resolve
Intel Core i9-9880HVery Good
Adobe Premiere ProDaVinci ResolveBlenderCinema 4DAfter Effects

Gaming

Intel Core i9-10885HVery Good
  • High single-core clocks benefit simulation and AI-heavy games
  • Requires substantial cooling to prevent throttling
  • Lacks PCIe 4.0 for direct storage GPU loading
Intel Core i9-9880HGood
  • Solid single-threaded performance for high-refresh-rate eSports titles.
  • Pairs well with midrange or high-end mobile GPUs (RTX 2070/2080-era).
  • Modern 6+ core CPUs from AMD and Intel generally offer better gaming efficiency and 1% low performance.

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
High
Content Creation
High
High
Virtualization
Low
High

Best CPU by Use Case

Competitive Gaming
Excellent
4K Video Editing
Very Good
Very Good
Software Compilation
Very Good
3D Modeling
Good
Streaming
Good
3D Rendering & Animation
Very Good
Virtual Machines & Dev Environments
Very Good
High-Refresh-Rate Gaming
Good
Office & Web Use
Overkill

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i9-10885H

Pros

  • Exceptional 5.3 GHz single-core boost for mobile
  • Solid 8-core multi-threaded performance
  • Mature platform with highly stable drivers
  • Good for high-refresh 1080p gaming

Cons

  • Runs extremely hot under sustained load
  • Poor power efficiency compared to AMD Ryzen 4000/5000 series
  • Stuck on PCIe 3.0 and DDR4
  • Outdated UHD 630 integrated graphics
Intel Core i9-9880H

Pros

  • 8 cores and 16 threads for heavy multi-threaded workloads.
  • High single-core boost up to 4.8 GHz with Thermal Velocity Boost.
  • 16 MB L3 cache improves performance in data-heavy applications.
  • Integrated UHD Graphics 630 for quick sync and basic display tasks.
  • Well-established platform with mature drivers and firmware.

Cons

  • 14nm process results in relatively high power draw and heat output.
  • Discontinued and harder to find as a standalone part.
  • No DDR5 or PCIe 4.0/5.0 support compared to newer platforms.
  • Locked multiplier limits overclocking headroom.
  • Newer mobile CPUs offer better efficiency and integrated graphics.

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i9-10885H

  • AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-10875H

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

    Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i9-10980HK

    Enthusiast Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Apple M1

    ARM Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • 11th Gen successor offering better IPC, PCIe 4.0, and improved efficiency.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
    Alt

    Higher performance per watt and better multi-core output on a modern Zen 3 architecture.

  • Intel Core i9-12900H
    Alt

    Hybrid architecture with massive multi-core and single-core leaps over 10th Gen.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
    Alt

    Highly efficient modern platform with superior integrated graphics and battery life.

  • Budget modern alternative that matches or beats the 10885H in most workloads while running cooler.

    Compare head-to-head

Intel Core i9-9880H

  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

    Mobile Enthusiast

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 9 4900H

    Mobile Workstation

    Rival
  • Intel Core i9-10880H

    Mobile Enthusiast

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-10750H

    Mobile Mainstream

    Rival
  • Intel Xeon E-2276M

    Mobile Workstation

    Rival
  • Newer 8-core, 16-thread CPU with higher IPC and better efficiency, often at a similar price point in newer laptops.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
    Alt

    Zen 3 architecture offers significantly better performance per watt and strong gaming and creator performance.

  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
    Alt

    Higher performance and overclocking headroom with better power efficiency, ideal for high-end laptops.

  • More modern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 4.0, sufficient for many users at a lower price point.

    Compare head-to-head

Our Verdict on Each

A powerhouse mobile CPU for its time that delivers exceptional single-core speeds, but its 14nm heritage results in high thermals and lower efficiency compared to newer generations.

Best for: Purchasing a laptop with the Intel Core i9-10885H today only makes sense if you are buying a refurbished or heavily discounted machine. While its 8-core, 5.3 GHz capabilities still hold up reasonably well for 1080p gaming and moderate content creation, its 14nm architecture suffers from poor power efficiency and high thermal output compared to modern alternatives. Laptops housing this chip often run hot and suffer from loud fan noise under load, with limited battery life. It lacks modern connectivity like PCIe 4.0 or DDR5 support. If you find a used mobile workstation or gaming laptop with this processor at a substantial discount, it can serve as a capable entry-level system. However, for new purchases, investing in a 12th or 13th Gen Intel platform or an AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 series laptop will provide significantly better efficiency, cooler temperatures, and longer software support.

Read the full review

A still-capable 8-core mobile CPU for creators and workstation users, but its 14nm process and high power make it less attractive compared to newer Ryzen and Intel HX chips.

Best for: Used or discounted high-end laptop where the i9-9880H is already installed and cooling is robust.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i9-10885H or Intel Core i9-9880H?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-9880H comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Do Intel Core i9-10885H and Intel Core i9-9880H use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-10885H: BGA1440, Intel Core i9-9880H: FCBGA1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i9-10885H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-10885H (8,650), Intel Core i9-9880H (7,780). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.