Quick Verdict
A robust embedded processor offering excellent multi-threaded performance and long-term availability for industrial applications.
Overview
Launch
Aug 3rd, 2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Embedded
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.
Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, the i7-11850HE features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 4.7 GHz turbo boost. It includes 24MB of L3 cache and 20 PCIe 4.
0 lanes. As an embedded part, it guarantees long-term availability (typically 7-15 years) and operates on a 35W base TDP, configurable up to 45W. It supports vPro, TXT, and other enterprise security features, making it ideal for secure edge deployments and industrial automation.
Specifications
Performance
Excellent multi-threaded throughput for compiling and edge data processing.
16 threads and vPro support make it ideal for edge virtualization.
Capable of gaming if placed in a consumer chassis, but rarely used for such.
35W base TDP is highly efficient for an 8-core industrial chip.
- •Not intended for gaming, but architecture is identical to mobile i7-11800H
- •Pairs well with discrete edge GPUs
- •AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate edge AI inferencing
- •Can handle medium-sized local models
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
8C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i7-11850HE is the embedded variant of the Tiger Lake-H architecture, sharing the same 10nm SuperFin die as the mobile i7-11800H.
CPU Design
Features 8 Willow Cove cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.1 GHz and boost up to 4.7 GHz. The 'E' suffix denotes embedded market segmentation.
Memory Subsystem
Supports dual-channel DDR4-3200, ensuring high bandwidth for edge data processing and memory-intensive applications.
PCIe & I/O
20 PCIe 4.0 lanes provide high-speed I/O for specialized industrial cards, capture devices, and fast NVMe storage.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, but supports configurable TDP up to 45W and down to 28W for thermal flexibility in rugged enclosures.
- Higher IPC and clock speeds
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Larger L3 cache (24MB vs 16MB)
Key Highlights
- Long-term embedded availability
- 8 cores and 24MB L3 cache
- Intel vPro and SIPP support
- Configurable TDP for rugged environments
- Hard to source for consumers
- Locked multiplier
- BGA soldered, requiring specialized motherboards
- Does not support DDR5
History
The Core i7-11850HE was introduced in late 2021 to address the growing demand for high-performance edge computing.</br>As IoT and industrial automation systems required more processing power for local AI and data analytics, Intel repurposed its 8-core Tiger Lake-H silicon for the embedded market.</br>The 11850HE brought PCIe 4.
0 and a massive 24MB L3 cache to industrial form factors, replacing the older 10th Gen Comet Lake embedded parts.</br>Its release underscored Intel's strategy to segment its architectures not just by power, but by deployment lifecycle, ensuring long-term availability for manufacturers building critical infrastructure.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher IPC and clock speeds
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Larger L3 cache (24MB vs 16MB)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Designing industrial PCs or edge servers requiring long-term availability
Avoid if…
- Building a consumer laptop
- You need standard desktop socket compatibility
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'E' in 11850HE stands for Embedded.
It supports Intel Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP) for consistent driver support.
Features Intel vPro Enterprise for remote management.
Base clock is 2.1 GHz, slightly higher than the 11800H's 1.9 GHz.
Boost clock reaches 4.7 GHz, slightly higher than the 11800H's 4.6 GHz.
Compatible with RM590E and QM580E embedded chipsets.
Designed for a 7 to 15-year lifecycle typical of Intel embedded parts.
Features 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for industrial expansion.
Supports AVX-512 for specialized edge compute workloads.
Launch price was $400, highly competitive for an embedded 8-core.
People Also Ask
What is the i7-11850HE?
It is an embedded version of the 11th Gen Tiger Lake-H processor, designed for industrial and IoT applications.
What is the difference between i7-11800H and i7-11850HE?
The 11850HE is an embedded part with slightly higher base (2.1GHz) and boost (4.7GHz) clocks, and supports vPro and SIPP.
How many cores does the i7-11850HE have?
It has 8 physical cores and 16 threads.
What is the TDP of the i7-11850HE?
The base TDP is 35W, configurable up to 45W.
Does the i7-11850HE support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro Enterprise for remote management.
What is SIPP?
Intel Stable Image Platform Program ensures consistent hardware and driver availability for embedded deployments.
Can the i7-11850HE be used in laptops?
While architecturally similar, it is intended for embedded systems and edge devices, not consumer laptops.
What is the max turbo of the i7-11850HE?
The maximum turbo boost is 4.7 GHz.
Does the i7-11850HE support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0.
When was the i7-11850HE released?
It was released on August 3rd, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What socket does the i7-11850HE use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket.
Does the i7-11850HE support ECC memory?
It does not explicitly list ECC support in standard ARK specs, relying on the chipset and platform configuration.
What is the all-core turbo of the i7-11850HE?
The all-core turbo is up to 4.3 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-11850HE have?
It features 24MB of L3 cache.
What is the launch price of the i7-11850HE?
The launch price was $400.
What integrated graphics does the i7-11850HE use?
It uses Intel UHD Graphics (Xe-LP).
Does the i7-11850HE support AVX-512?
Yes, it supports AVX-512 instructions.
Is the i7-11850HE unlocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What memory speed does the i7-11850HE support?
It supports DDR4-3200 MT/s memory.
What chipsets support the i7-11850HE?
It is compatible with RM590E and QM580E embedded chipsets.