Quick Verdict
A slightly faster, better-binned version of the 9750H, offering excellent performance for heavy mobile workloads.
Overview
Launch
2019
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
9th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-9850H is a premium mobile processor launched in April 2019 for high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Based on the Coffee Lake-HR architecture, this 14nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, delivering robust multi-threaded performance. Operating at a base clock of 2.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.6 GHz, it offers slightly higher single-core turbo frequencies compared to the popular i7-9750H. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for performance-oriented chassis with substantial cooling solutions. The processor includes 12MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. It features Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing basic display capabilities and Quick Sync media acceleration when the discrete GPU is idle. Often found in top-tier mobile workstations and premium gaming laptops, the i7-9850H strikes a balance between high frequency and multi-core capability, making it suitable for demanding professional applications like CAD, 3D rendering, and software compilation on the go.
The Core i7-9850H is a step up from the 9750H, offering a higher 4.6 GHz turbo boost. Found in premium mobile workstations, it excels at CAD and 3D rendering, though it shares the same 45W TDP and thermal constraints as the rest of the Coffee Lake mobile lineup.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Coffee Lake-HR
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on the Coffee Lake-HR microarchitecture, the Core i7-9850H utilizes Intel's 14nm++ process. The core design features 6 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 12 threads to be processed simultaneously. The processor features a ring bus architecture connecting the cores to a full 12MB shared L3 cache, minimizing latency for professional workloads and large datasets.
CPU Design
6 physical cores, 12 threads, premium binning for higher turbo.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2666 integrated controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for dedicated mobile GPUs and NVMe SSDs.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; relies on OEM thermal tuning.
- Higher boost clocks (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz)
- Better silicon binning
Key Highlights
- Excellent single and multi-core performance
- High 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Full 12MB L3 cache
- Supports ECC memory (with compatible chipset)
- Runs hot in mobile chassis
- Soldered BGA package
- Expensive
- Only supports PCIe 3.0
History
The Core i7-9850H launched in 2019 as a premium tier mobile processor, sitting just below the Core i9 series. As the laptop market increasingly split between budget and high-end devices, Intel needed a chip that offered guaranteed high binning for premium mobile workstations. The 9850H provided a 100 MHz advantage over the ubiquitous 9750H, making it attractive for manufacturers wanting to market a slight performance edge.
It found a home in professional-grade laptops like the Dell Precision series, where stability, ECC memory support, and sustained turbo frequencies were paramount. This release underscored Intel's strategy of maximizing the yield of its 14nm Coffee Lake silicon by creating highly specific SKU tiers. While it didn't revolutionize the market, the i7-9850H served as a reliable workhorse for professionals who needed desktop-class performance in a portable form factor, bridging the gap until 10th Gen mobile processors arrived with significantly higher core counts.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher boost clocks (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz)
- Better silicon binning
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used premium mobile workstation
Avoid if…
- You need long battery life
- You are on a tight budget
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i7-9850H is essentially a better-binned i7-9750H.
It features a 100 MHz higher turbo boost than the 9750H.
Often found in Dell Precision and HP ZBook mobile workstations.
Supports ECC memory, unlike standard consumer mobile CPUs.
Shares the same 45W TDP as the rest of the H-series.
Uses the Coffee Lake-HR refresh silicon.
Max memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s.
Features Intel Turbo Boost 2.0.
Integrated UHD 630 operates up to 1150 MHz.
Can handle heavy 3D rendering tasks efficiently.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i7-9850H and i7-9750H?
The 9850H has a 100 MHz higher turbo boost (4.6 GHz vs 4.5 GHz) and supports ECC memory.
Is the i7-9850H good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for gaming and performs slightly better than the already great 9750H.
Does the i7-9850H support ECC memory?
Yes, it supports ECC memory when paired with a compatible workstation chipset.
What is the TDP of the i7-9850H?
It has a base TDP of 45 Watts.
What is the max turbo of the i7-9850H?
It can turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz.
Can you overclock the i7-9850H?
No, the multiplier is locked, but OEMs can adjust power limits.
What socket does the i7-9850H use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket and is soldered.
Does the i7-9850H have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel UHD Graphics 630.
Is the i7-9850H better than the i9-8950HK?
Yes, the 9850H has higher turbo clocks and better multi-core performance due to architectural improvements.
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 6 cores and 12 threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the i7-9850H in my laptop?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1440).
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 12 MB of L3 cache.
Does it support PCIe 4.0?
No, it supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-9850H good for video editing?
Yes, its 6 cores and high turbo make it excellent for mobile video editing.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially unsupported, but workarounds exist.
Does it support Optane Memory?
Yes, it supports Intel Optane Memory.
What memory speed does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR4-2666.
What is the base clock?
The base clock is 2.6 GHz.
Is the i7-9850H unlocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
Does it support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro enterprise management.