Core i3-1215U vs Core i7-8850H

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1215U vs Core i7-8850H FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1215U vs Core i7-8850H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1215U

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of BGA1440 and DDR4.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU), while Core i7-8850H needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-8850H

2018

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,074 vs 10,281).
❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on BGA1440 with DDR4, while Core i3-1215U moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1215U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1215U better than Core i7-8850H?

Yes. Core i3-1215U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-1215U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1215U is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-1215U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-1215U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1215U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of BGA1440, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1215U vs Core i7-8850H Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1215U

The Core i3-1215U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,281 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-8850H

The Core i7-8850H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,074 points. Launch price was $395.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1215U packs 6 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i7-8850H's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1215U versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i7-8850H — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-1215U (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-1215U uses the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-8850H uses Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1215U scores 10,281 against the Core i7-8850H's 10,074 — a 2% lead for the Core i3-1215U. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core i3-1215U vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8850H.

Feature	Core i3-1215U	Core i7-8850H
Cores / Threads	6 / 8	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+2%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+117%
L3 Cache	10 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-U (2022)	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)
PassMark	10,281+2%	10,074
Geekbench 6 Single	2,079	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1215U uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-8850H uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-1215U	Core i7-8850H
Socket	FCBGA1744	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-5200	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1215U) / not specified (Core i7-8850H). The Core i3-1215U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU)), while the Core i7-8850H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1215U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1215U rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.

Feature	Core i3-1215U	Core i7-8850H
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	—