Quick Verdict
A highly capable mobile processor that delivers excellent multi-core performance and PCIe 4.0 connectivity, though newer generations offer better efficiency.
Overview
Launch
May 11th, 2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Mobile
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.
Featuring 8 Willow Cove cores on a 10nm process, the i7-11850H provides exceptional performance for mobile platforms. It supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes and DDR4-3200 memory, ensuring no bottlenecks for modern GPUs and fast NVMe storage.
With a 45W configurable TDP, it balances power and thermal limits effectively.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy productivity workloads efficiently.
16 threads and AVX-512 support make it highly capable for local virtual machine hosting.
Excellent gaming performance, capable of driving high-refresh-rate displays when paired with RTX 30-series mobile GPUs.
10nm process improves efficiency, but 45W configurations still require robust laptop cooling.
- •High boost clocks ensure strong single-core performance
- •PCIe 4.0 reduces GPU bandwidth bottlenecks
- •Performs exceptionally well in CPU-bound esports titles
- •AVX-512 instructions accelerate some AI workloads
- •No dedicated NPU hardware
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
8C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Tiger Lake-H represents Intel's ambitious push to bring 10nm SuperFin technology to high-performance mobile platforms.
CPU Design
Unlike its lower-power counterparts, the H-series utilizes a larger die to accommodate 8 Willow Cove cores, improving power delivery and frequency scaling.
Memory Subsystem
Memory support remains DDR4-3200, utilizing a dual-channel controller for up to 51.2 GB/s bandwidth.
PCIe & I/O
The architecture introduces 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU, a significant upgrade allowing for faster data transfer to discrete graphics and storage drives.
Overclocking
Willow Cove cores bring enhancements to the cache hierarchy, with 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core and 24 MB of shared L3 cache.
- Transition from 14nm to 10nm process
- Introduction of PCIe 4.0 support
- Significant IPC improvements via Willow Cove
Key Highlights
- Excellent 8-core mobile performance
- Includes 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Large 24MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX-512 instructions
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Requires robust laptop cooling at 45W
- Does not support DDR5 memory
History
The Core i7-11850H was introduced in May 2021 as part of Intel's 11th Generation Tiger Lake-H lineup. This launch was crucial for Intel, as it aimed to reclaim performance leadership in the mobile gaming and creator segments against AMD's Ryzen 5000 mobile processors. The Tiger Lake-H series marked the first time Intel brought its 10nm SuperFin process to high-wattage mobile chips, addressing the limitations of the previous 14nm Comet Lake-H series.
The i7-11850H specifically targeted the upper-mid-range market, offering 8 cores and 16 threads at a slightly lower clock speed than the flagship i9-11900H. It provided an excellent balance of price and performance for premium laptops. Although succeeded by the Alder Lake series, the 11850H remains a notable milestone in Intel's transition to 10nm manufacturing for high-performance mobile computing, setting the stage for the hybrid architecture that followed.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Transition from 14nm to 10nm process
- Introduction of PCIe 4.0 support
- Significant IPC improvements via Willow Cove
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a discounted gaming laptop on the used market.
Avoid if…
- Buying a brand new laptop at full price
- Needing DDR5 memory support
- Requiring maximum battery life for light tasks
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process.
Features 8 cores and 16 threads.
Supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Includes UHD Graphics 750 with 32 Execution Units.
Has a configurable TDP ranging from 35W to 45W.
Utilizes the Willow Cove microarchitecture.
Supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory.
Boasts 24 MB of shared L3 cache.
Maximum turbo frequency reaches 4.8 GHz.
Launched in May 2021 for premium laptops.
People Also Ask
Is Core i7-11850H good for video editing?
Yes, its 8 cores and 16 threads handle 4K video editing very well.
Does the 11850H have Thunderbolt support?
Yes, Tiger Lake-H natively supports Thunderbolt 4.
What is the difference between 11800H and 11850H?
The 11850H has slightly lower base and turbo clock speeds compared to the 11800H.
Can the i7-11850H run DDR5 memory?
No, it only supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory.
How does the 11850H compare to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H?
They are very close, with Intel often winning in single-core and PCIe support.
What cooling is needed for a laptop with 11850H?
A robust vapor chamber or dual-fan setup is recommended for sustained 45W loads.
Does it support AVX-512?
Yes, it includes AVX-512 instructions for specialized compute workloads.
Is 35W TDP enough for gaming?
45W is preferred for sustained gaming; 35W is the base configurable limit.
Can I upgrade the i7-11850H?
No, it is soldered directly to the BGA 1787 socket.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has a 24 MB shared L3 cache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i7-11850H support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it features 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Can you overclock the i7-11850H?
No, the multiplier is locked on this mobile processor.
What integrated graphics are included?
It includes Intel UHD Graphics 750.
What is the base TDP?
The base TDP is 35 Watts, configurable up to 45 Watts.
What memory type does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory.
How many cores does the i7-11850H have?
It has 8 physical cores.
What socket does it use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket.
When was the i7-11850H released?
It was released on May 11th, 2021.
What is the maximum turbo clock?
The maximum turbo clock is 4.8 GHz.
Is it good for gaming?
Yes, it offers excellent performance for mobile gaming.