Core i5-9500 vs Core i7-9850HE
Core i5-9500
Core i7-9850HE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9500
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9850HE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-9850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-HR (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-9850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-9500 and Core i7-9850HE
Core i5-9500
The Core i5-9500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,829 points. Launch price was $192.
Core i7-9850HE
The Core i7-9850HE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,972 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9500 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i7-9850HE's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-9500 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-9850HE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-9500 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9850HE uses Coffee Lake-HR (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9500 scores 9,829 against the Core i7-9850HE's 9,972 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-9850HE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,468 vs 1,329, a 9.9% lead for the Core i5-9500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 9 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-9850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+11% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Coffee Lake-HR (2019) |
| PassMark | 9,829 | 9,972+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,468+10% | 1,329 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,990 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9850HE uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9500 versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i7-9850HE — the Core i7-9850HE supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9500 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B360,H370,H310,Q370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-9500) and Intel QM370,Intel HM370 (Core i7-9850HE).
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-9850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4 2666 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9500) vs true (Core i7-9850HE). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-9500) and Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9850HE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9500 targets Desktop, Core i7-9850HE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500 rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-9850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | Embedded |
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