Core i7-9850H
CPU·Budget

Core i7-9850H

Intel

PassMark

10,862

23 April 2019 (6 years ago)
45 Watt
Coffee Lake-HR (2019)

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.

Overview

The Core i7-9850H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 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: 10,862 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-9850H is positioned at rank #755 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9850H

#743
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1080%
#744
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1064%
#745
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
977%
#746
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
973%
#747
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
964%
#749
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
931%
#750
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
892%
#751
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
891%
#752
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
867%
#755
Core i7-9850H
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#757
Core i7-11370H
MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A
100%
#762
Core i3-N300
MSRP: $309|Avg: $309
99%
#767
Core i7-1250U
MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-9850H specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9850H is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 10,862, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,250, while multi-core reaches 5,000.

SpecificationCore i7-9850H
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCoffee Lake-HR (2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor149 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score10,862
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming1,250
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance5,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9850H fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i7-9850H
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM370,CM246
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-9850H is primarily designed for High Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i7-9850H
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryHigh Performance Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-9850H has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationCore i7-9850H
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #755 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1249 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-9850H
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#755
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1249
Release DateLaunch date23 April 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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