Intel Core i9 8950HK Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$580
  • PassMark benchmark result: 10346
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz

Intel Core i9 8950HK review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

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%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

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%

4.1

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.7

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.0

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

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

  • 4.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.0

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.9

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

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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 i9-8950HK is a high-performance mobile processor from the 8th Generation Coffee Lake-H series, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 12MB Smart Cache. It operates at a base frequency of 2.90 GHz and can reach a max turbo frequency of 4.80 GHz via Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, all within a 45W TDP. As an unlocked 'HK' model, its primary pros include a fully unlocked multiplier for overclocking and significant performance gains in 4K video editing and gaming compared to previous generations. However, its main cons are high power consumption and significant thermal challenges, often leading to thermal throttling in thin laptop chassis unless paired with robust cooling solutions or managed through undervolting.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 8950HK

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

4.8
Intel Core i9 8950HK has a technical score of 4.75 points, which is lower than that of 59.5% 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 8950HK 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%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.0

Price

5.7
Intel Core i9 8950HK has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% 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 8950HK 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

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i9 8950HK uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% 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

QM370, HM370
Intel Core i9 8950HK supports QM370, HM370 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 61.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% 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 8950HK 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.
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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+

6
Intel Core i9 8950HK has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% 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+

12
Intel Core i9 8950HK offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% 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 8950HK 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

4.8 GHz
Intel Core i9 8950HK reaches a boost clock of 4.8 GHz which is higher than that of 71.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% 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

6 x 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i9 8950HK has a base clock of 6x2.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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

14 nm
Intel Core i9 8950HK uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% 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 14 nm
Intel Core i9 8950HK is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% 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

12 MB
Intel Core i9 8950HK has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% 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

1.5 MB
Intel Core i9 8950HK has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% 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

384 KB
Intel Core i9 8950HK has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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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 8950HK 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

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i9 8950HK supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% 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

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i9 8950HK supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% 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

?
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

64 GB
Intel Core i9 8950HK supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% 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 8950HK 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 630
Intel Core i9 8950HK uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% 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

24
Intel Core i9 8950HK has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% 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 8950HK 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

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1
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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 8950HK 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 8950HK 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

?
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

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 8950HK has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% 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 8950HK supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 9-8950 W
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Intel Core i9 8950HK vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 8950HK 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 8950HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 11.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 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 8950HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 8950HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 8950HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 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 8950HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
  • 16.3% smaller die size
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower die size than the average processor (149 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 8950HK has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².149 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 8950HK has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    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

    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.12 MB vs 8 MB
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 11.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 16.3% smaller die size
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 8950HK supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 8950HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 8950HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    April 2018
  • 8.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (442 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    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

    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 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 8950HK has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 8.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (442 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (442 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.442 vs 484
  • 92% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 8950HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 8950HK is more expensive than the average processor (£480 vs £250).£480 vs £250
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 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 8950HK has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 8950HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 8950HK does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.AES vs AES, SHA
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 8950HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 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 8950HK uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).FCBGA1440 vs FP2
  • 11.2% worse value for money
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has worse value for money than the average processor (5.72 vs 6.367).
    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.
    Intel Core i9 8950HK has worse value for money than the average processor (5.72 vs 6.367).5.72 vs 6.37

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 8950HK and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 8950HK?

  • High single-core clock speeds (up to 4.8GHz) via Thermal Velocity Boost when properly cooled
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking in supported systems
  • Significant 6-core performance boost for multi-threaded tasks like 4K video editing and content creation compared to previous generations
  • Supports Intel Optane memory for improved storage responsiveness
  • Includes Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 capable of basic 4K video playback

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 8950HK?

  • Severe thermal throttling in thin-and-light laptop chassis, sometimes causing it to perform worse than the Core i7 model
  • High operating temperatures (frequently reaching 90°C–95°C) under heavy load
  • High power consumption (45W TDP) limits battery life in mobile use
  • Often requires user-applied fixes like undervolting or repasting to maintain stable high clock speeds
  • Expensive price premium over the i7-8750H with marginal real-world performance gains in most mobile cooling configurations

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
29/03/2026

The Intel Core i9-8950HK is a high-performance 6-core/12-thread laptop processor based on the Coffee Lake-H architecture, featuring an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast-level overclocking and a 4.8 GHz boost speed. It delivers roughly 29% better performance than its 7th-gen predecessor, making it excellent for content creation and gaming, although it requires robust cooling to...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026

The Intel Core i9-8950HK is a 2018 Coffee Lake-H high-performance mobile processor with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 4.80 GHz max turbo frequency. Featuring a 45W TDP, it offers significant performance gains over older quad-core models, including support for 64GB DDR4-2666 memory, making it suitable for professional applications and video encoding. Key disadvantages include extreme...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
30/01/2019

The Tom’s Hardware review of the Gigabyte Aero 15-X9 highlights a sleek, 4.7-pound "black slab of metal" that serves as a powerful, portable workstation for creators and gamers, featuring a "gorgeous" 4K Pantone-calibrated display, an Intel Core i9-8950HK CPU, and an Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU. While offering premium performance in a slim form factor, the laptop suffers from...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
24/04/2019

According to Tom's Hardware, the 2019 Alienware m17 is a high-performance, relatively portable 17-inch gaming laptop featuring a striking design, strong Intel Core i9-8950HK/Nvidia RTX 2080 Max-Q performance, and a brilliant 4K display. While the laptop boasts great audio and a sturdy, slim magnesium alloy chassis, it is hindered by a very high price, thick screen bezels, and a...Read more

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notebooks-und-mobiles.de
29/06/2019

The Notebooks & Mobiles review highlights the Intel Core i9-8950HK as a 6-core, 12-thread mobile powerhouse, featuring an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and utilizing Thermal Velocity Boost to reach 4.8 GHz. Tested in an Alienware m17, the CPU provided 30% higher multi-thread performance over its predecessor, making it ideal for demanding workstations. Pros of the i9-8950HK...Read more

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techtest.org
30/04/2018

The Alienware 15 R4, featuring an Intel Core i9-8950HK and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, is a high-performance, robustly built laptop designed as a "portable powerhouse". It offers excellent, overclockable processing power for demanding tasks, alongside a high-quality keyboard and a dedicated Alienware Graphics Amplifier port for future-proofing. However, the machine faces...Read more

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notebookcheck.com
07/06/2018

The Asus ROG Chimera G703GI is a heavy, 4.8 kg desktop replacement featuring an unlocked Intel Core i9-8950HK and factory-overclocked GTX 1080, delivering extreme performance for demanding games on its 144 Hz G-Sync display. Pros include an effective Anti-Dust Cooling system, a high-quality 2.5 mm travel keyboard, robust build quality, and an integrated Xbox Wireless module. Major...Read more

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laptopspirit.fr
07/04/2018

The Coffee Lake-H architecture introduced six-core, twelve-thread processors (i7-8750H, i9-8950HK) to laptops, yielding up to 50% higher multi-threaded performance than previous quad-core models, though single-core speeds remained largely stagnant. The i9-8950HK offers top-tier performance through Thermal Velocity Boost (4.8 GHz) and an unlocked multiplier, yet faces significant...Read more

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minipc-review.com
27/10/2025

The 2025 Intel Core i9-8950HK Mini PC is a compact, aluminum-alloy workstation designed for productivity, featuring Windows 11 Pro, fast NVMe storage, and 4K output capabilities. The i9-8950HK model offers robust performance for multi-core tasks, along with modern Wi-Fi 6 and efficient, quiet cooling under standard loads. However, key limitations include the lack of a dedicated GPU...Read more

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notebookcheck.org
01/11/2018

The Dell Precision 7530, featuring an Intel Core i9-8950HK and NVIDIA Quadro P3200, is a high-performance 15-inch mobile workstation offering exceptional professional-grade power and durable, MIL-STD 810G certified construction. It excels with massive expandability, including up to 128GB of RAM, three storage slots, and a capable P3200 GPU, though this performance is offset by...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
11/04/2018

This LaptopMedia comparison highlights the Intel Core i9-8950HK (6C/12T, 45W) and AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (8C/16T, 65W) as top 2018-era mobile performers, with the Intel chip focused on high-speed mobile efficiency and the AMD offering desktop-level power. Benchmark results show a split, with the Ryzen 7 1700 dominating in multi-threaded rendering (36% faster in Cinebench 15), while the...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
2018 (Aggiornato)

The Intel Core i9-8950HK, a flagship 8th Gen "Coffee Lake-H" mobile processor, introduced 6 cores and 12 threads with a 14nm++ process, boasting a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and a 4.8 GHz Turbo Boost. Key features include 12MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, targeting high-end gaming and professional workstations. Pros include up to a 29% performance increase...Read more

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hardware.info
28/05/2018

The MSI GT75 Titan 8RG is reviewed as a "monstrously powerful" desktop replacement that prioritizes raw performance over portability, featuring the Intel Core i9-8950HK and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. The machine is praised for its 17.3-inch 120Hz G-Sync display and a tactile SteelSeries mechanical keyboard. Key drawbacks include an extreme weight over 4.5kg, very loud fans, high...Read more

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hardware.info
03/04/2018

Hardware Info's review of the Coffee Lake expansion highlights the Intel Core i7-8700 and i5-8600 as efficient, 65W alternatives to K-series chips, bringing 6-core processing to mainstream desktops with included coolers. The i7-8700 (6C/12T, 4.6GHz) offers superior multi-threaded performance over the i5-8600 (6C/6T, 4.3GHz), though both excel in high-performance computing, with the...Read more

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hardware.info
08/09/2018

The Hardware.info review of the mid-2018 MacBook Pro 13 and 15-inch models highlights a significant jump in processing power, thanks to the transition to 8th-generation Intel Core processors, including quad-core CPUs for the 13-inch and six-core options for the 15-inch. Key improvements include the Apple T2 chip for security, True Tone display technology, and support for up to 32GB...Read more

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