OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core i9 11980HK Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$580
  • PassMark benchmark result: 22134
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

Intel Core i9 11980HK review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.6

Performance

18.0%

7.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.8

Platform

1.0%

7.5

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    6.4

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    4.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.6
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    4.4

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £480

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-11980HK is a high-performance mobile processor based on the 10nm SuperFin Tiger Lake-H architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. It operates with a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can reach a maximum turbo boost of 5.0 GHz, supported by 24 MB of L3 cache and a thermal design power (TDP) that ranges between 45W and 65W. Key strengths include its unlocked multiplier for overclocking, support for PCIe 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, and high single-core performance ideal for gaming and intensive creative tasks. However, it faces drawbacks such as high power consumption and significant heat generation that requires advanced cooling solutions, and it is often considered a poor value choice compared to the Core i7-11800H, which provides similar performance for a lower cost.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 11980HK

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

6.2
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a technical score of 6.19 points, which is higher than that of 67.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.0

Price

6.7
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i9 11980HK belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1787
Intel Core i9 11980HK uses the FCBGA1787 CPU socket, which is older than that of 69.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

QM580, HM570, WM590
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports QM580, HM570, WM590 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 56.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 11980HK uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Intel Core i9 11980HK has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

16
Intel Core i9 11980HK offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i9 11980HK offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.0 GHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 2.6 GHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a base clock of 8x2.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i9 11980HK uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 10 nm SuperFin
Intel Core i9 11980HK is built on the Intel 10 nm SuperFin foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 54% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

24 MB
Intel Core i9 11980HK has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 81.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

10 MB
Intel Core i9 11980HK has an L2 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 80.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

640 KB
Intel Core i9 11980HK has an L1 cache of 640 KB which is larger than that of 74.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

3,200 MHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports memory speeds up to 3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.5% of processors and equal to 8.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-3200 MHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

3,200 MHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 90.7% of processors and equal to 1.5% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i9 11980HK includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 750
Intel Core i9 11980HK uses the Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 55.7% of processors and equal to that in 1.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
Intel Core i9 11980HK has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i9 11980HK has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

109 W
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a boost power of 109 W which is higher than that of 71.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

33 seconds
Intel Core i9 11980HK has a turbo duration of 33 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.6% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i9 11980HK supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i9 11980HK vs the average processor

  • 2.11x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,875 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,875 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.5,875 vs 2,783
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.2x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,540 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,540 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.10,540 vs 4,793
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.10 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 51.3% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,226 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,226 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,226 vs 1,471
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 11980HK includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 2.11x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,875 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2.2x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,540 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 51.3% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,226 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 2.1x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,134 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 30.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,236 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 22.5% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (593 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 2.61x better overclocked performance
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher overclocked performance than the average processor (23,665 vs 9,051). The average processor scores 9,051 in overclocked PassMark.
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 75% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 3x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 11980HK uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Tiger Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 66.7% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (640 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i9 11980HK uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm SuperFin vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 11980HK supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11980HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 2 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (98 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 11980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).
  • 88.5% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (38.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 6.7% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher die size than the average processor (190 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11980HK supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 70.3% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (109 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 5 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (33 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 88.5% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (38.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (38.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.38.24 vs 331.88
  • 70.3% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (109 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (109 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.109 W vs 64 W
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11980HK supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 11980HK supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 92% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 11980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 11980HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).£480 vs £250
  • 6.7% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher die size than the average processor (190 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a higher die size than the average processor (190 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².190 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 11980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i9 11980HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).FCBGA1787 vs FP2
  • 5 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (33 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
    When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=28 s

    Intel Core i9 11980HK has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (33 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.33 seconds vs 28 seconds
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 11980HK and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 11980HK?

  • Industry-leading single-core and lightly-threaded performance for its generation
  • Significant 15-20% IPC improvement over previous 10th-gen Intel mobile processors
  • Excellent productivity performance in Adobe Suite and AI-driven tasks
  • Platform advantages including support for PCIe 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4
  • Fully unlocked for overclocking, allowing for higher frequency scaling in high-end laptops
  • Strong gaming performance, often surpassing competitors in CPU-bound titles

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 11980HK?

  • Poor value proposition compared to the Core i7-11800H, which offers ~95% of the performance for much less
  • High power consumption, often requiring a 65W TDP to reach its maximum potential
  • Severe thermal challenges in slim laptop chassis, leading to temperatures over 95°C and loud fan noise
  • Multi-threaded efficiency lags behind contemporary AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors at lower power levels
  • Frequent thermal throttling reported in thinner laptop designs during sustained workloads

Expert reviews

T
tomshardware.com
17/05/2021
Tiger Lake-H Tested: We Benchmark Intel's Top-End 8-Core i9-11980HK

Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake-H series introduces 10nm SuperFin, 8-core mobile processors with PCIe 4.0 lanes, targeting high-end gaming and enthusiast laptops, spearheaded by the 65W Core i9-11980HK. Pros include industry-leading single-threaded performance for gaming, native Thunderbolt 4 support, and competitive AI-enhanced content creation, narrowing the gap with AMD. Cons...Read more

H
hothardware.com
17/05/2021
Intel Core i9-11980HK Preview: 8-Core Tiger Lake-H Unleashed

The Intel Core i9-11980HK, featured in the HotHardware performance preview, is an 8-core, 10nm SuperFin mobile processor offering significant IPC improvements and a 5GHz boost clock. Key advantages include superior single-threaded performance, 20 lanes of PCIe Gen 4, and improved connectivity. However, the chip requires a high 65W TDP to reach peak performance, resulting in...Read more

M
m.hexus.net
21/06/2021
Review: Intel Core i9-11980HK (Tiger Lake-H) - CPU - HEXUS.net

The Intel Core i9-11980HK (Tiger Lake-H) brings significant performance improvements, featuring the 10nm SuperFin process and "Willow Cove" architecture for massive IPC gains and roughly 40% higher multi-threaded performance than its predecessor. It boasts 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for faster storage and graphics, although achieving these speeds requires a 65W cTDP that resulted in high...Read more

T
techspot.com
15/07/2021
Intel Core i9 11980HK Review: The Fastest Tiger Lake CPU

The Intel Core i9-11980HK review by TechSpot highlights a significant move to a 10nm SuperFin node, offering 8 cores, 16 threads, and substantial productivity gains, including up to 30% faster multi-threaded performance than its predecessor. Key advantages include leading single-threaded performance and support for modern platforms like PCIe 4.0. However, the chip faces stiff...Read more

P
pcworld.com
20/05/2021
Intel Core i9-11980HK performance review: Slugging it out with Ryzen

The PCWorld review of the Core i9-11980HK highlights the 10nm "Tiger Lake-H" flagship as a high-performance 8-core processor, offering a massive 37% gain in content creation tasks over previous generations. Pros include top-tier single-threaded speeds, excellent AI-accelerated performance, and modern features like PCIe Gen 4 and Thunderbolt 4. However, the chip is a "power hog" that...Read more

C
computerbase.de
17/09/2021
Laptop CPU TDP: Core i9 vs. Core i7 Comparison

The ComputerBase review of the 11th-gen Intel Core i9-11980HK and i7-11800H highlights that laptop cooling and power limits (TDP) are more critical for performance than the processor model itself. While the i9-11980HK serves as the flagship with higher 5.0 GHz clock speeds and an unlocked multiplier, it requires robust cooling to avoid performance dips. The i7-11800H emerges as the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
04/06/2021
The Intel Core i9-11980HK processor in all its glory", "Putting the Intel Core i9-11980HK through its paces

According to Les Numériques, the Intel Core i9-11980HK represents a significant performance leap, boasting a 27% increase over the previous generation due to the 10nm SuperFin architecture. It excels in productivity and intensive tasks like video encoding, effectively competing with high-end AMD Ryzen 9 chips. Pros include top-tier single-threaded speeds, unlocked overclocking...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lemondeinformatique.fr
24/05/2021
Intel i9-11980HK Review: Intel's flagship chip takes on Ryzen

The Intel Core i9-11980HK, a 10nm "Tiger Lake-H" flagship with 8 cores/16 threads, offers superior single-core performance (up to 5.0 GHz) and robust PCIe 4.0 support to challenge AMD's Ryzen 5000 dominance. While it excels in AI-accelerated tasks and offers high-frame-rate gaming, it often struggles with high power consumption, significant thermal output reaching 95°C, and lower...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
07/10/2021
Dell XPS 17 9710 Review (with Intel Core i9-11980HK)

The Dell XPS 17 9710 is a premium, highly portable 17-inch creator laptop featuring a robust CNC-milled aluminum chassis and an impressive 16:10 "InfinityEdge" display. It boasts a massive, responsive touchpad, user-upgradable storage (two M.2 slots) and RAM (two SODIMM slots), along with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, though it lacks native USB-A and HDMI ports. Performance highlights...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
techgaming.nl
09/11/2021
Review: Cooler Master MasterCase EG200 (Tested with i9-11980HK)

The Cooler Master MasterCase EG200 is a compact 9.7-litre eGPU enclosure featuring a 550W SFX Gold power supply and 60W laptop charging via Thunderbolt 3. Beyond graphics, it functions as a dock with a built-in vertical laptop stand and a hot-swappable SATA drive bay. Key advantages include its versatile, space-saving design, robust build quality with a 92mm slim PWM fan, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
06/10/2021
Lenovo Legion 7 16ITH6 Review: 11980HK and RTX 3080 Performance

The Lenovo Legion 7 16ITH6 is a premium 16-inch gaming laptop featuring an aluminum chassis, comprehensive RGB lighting, and a high-brightness 16:10 WQXGA display. It delivers top-tier performance via an Intel Core i9-11980HK and a high-TGP RTX 3080 (165W), utilizing a vapor chamber for effective cooling. Notable pros include excellent build quality, a fast 165Hz panel, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
21/07/2021
Dell XPS 17 9710 11th Gen Intel Laptop Review (Benchmark data for i9-11980HK)

The Dell XPS 17 9710 review from Notebookcheck indicates that while the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the laptop features significant internal upgrades to 11th Gen Intel processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs, along with a fix for the previous generation's battery drain issue. Pros highlighted include the premium CNC-machined aluminum chassis, an excellent 4K 500-nit...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

intel-core-ultra-9-285k
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors

8.9
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9965WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9995wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-9960x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-7970x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Processors

8.7
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9985WX

Processors

8.7
intel-core-ultra-9-285
Intel Core Ultra 9 285

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9975wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9975WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d
AMD Ryzen 9 9950x3d

Processors

8.6
intel-core-i9-13900k
Intel Core i9 13900K

Processors

8.5
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX

Processors

8.5

Compare Intel Core i9 11980HK with other processors

VS
VS

Compare