Core i7-11850H vs Xeon W-1290

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 i7-11850H vs Xeon W-1290 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 i7-11850H vs Xeon W-1290: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-11850H

2021

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics, while Xeon W-1290 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (19,873 vs 20,112).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-1290

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $498 MSRP, while Core i7-11850H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11850H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1290 better than Core i7-11850H?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-11850H is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-1290 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, Xeon W-1290 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon W-1290 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-1290 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $498 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (40.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-11850H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB), and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-11850H vs Xeon W-1290 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-11850H

The Core i7-11850H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,873 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon W-1290

The Xeon W-1290 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 20,112 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-11850H packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon W-1290 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-1290 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-11850H versus 5.1 GHz on the Xeon W-1290 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-11850H uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Xeon W-1290 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11850H scores 19,873 against the Xeon W-1290's 20,112 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon W-1290. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-11850H vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290.

Feature	Core i7-11850H	Xeon W-1290
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz	5.1 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)+20%	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-H (2021)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	19,873	20,112+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,911	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-11850H uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-1290 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-11850H	Xeon W-1290
Socket	FCBGA1787	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-11850H) / not specified (Xeon W-1290). The Core i7-11850H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics), while the Xeon W-1290 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-11850H targets Workstation Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-11850H rivals Ryzen 7 5800H.