Intel Core i5-12450HX vs Intel Core i7-11850H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data delivers a clear verdict: the Intel Core i7-11850H wins 13 of the 17 recorded head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core i5-12450HX takes only 4. The margin of victory is often substantial, particularly in multi-core workloads. The largest gap appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i7-11850H scores 16673 against the i5-12450HX's 11390, a 46.4% advantage. This is not a marginal difference; it represents a generational leap in sustained multi-threaded performance from the older Tiger Lake part.

Cinebench results are consistently in favor of the i7-11850H. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7 scores 1680 versus 1512, a lead of 11.1%. The single-core R15 test shows a similar pattern: 237 versus 213, an 11.3% edge. Cinebench R20 repeats the story with a 11.1% multi-core win (7002 versus 6304) and an 11.1% single-core win (988 versus 889). Cinebench R23 single-core also goes to the i7-11850H, with 2353 versus 2119, an 11% advantage.

PassMark tests reveal where each processor excels. The i7-11850H dominates in integer math, scoring 71996 versus 57189, a 25.9% improvement. Prime number finding shows an even larger gap: 87 versus 54, a 61.1% blowout. Random string sorting goes to the i7 by 21.8% (28395 versus 23306). Extended instructions favor the i7 by 14.1% (15788 versus 13832). Data compression is another i7 win at 7.8% (236949 versus 219707). Multithread performance goes to the i7 with 20059 versus 18274, a 9.8% edge. Data encryption is nearly tied, with the i7 ahead by just 0.9% (12214 versus 12110).

The i5-12450HX, however, claims four victories. PassMark single-thread shows the i5 at 3340 versus 3069, an 8.1% advantage. Physics tests go to the i5 by 12.2% (1086 versus 954). Floating point math is a narrow i5 win at 1.4% (43126 versus 42540). These wins indicate that while the i7 leads in most aggregate workloads, the i5 has specific strengths in single-threaded operations and physics calculations.

The overall average benchmark scores reflect this split. The i7-11850H has an average score of 24935, while the i5-12450HX sits at 24576. Both processors land in the 77th percentile of all CPUs in the database, meaning they are closely matched in overall standing despite the i7's head-to-head dominance.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and use different core architectures. The i7-11850H is based on Tiger Lake-H, a 10 nm design with a die size of 190 mm². The i5-12450HX uses Alder Lake-HX, also on a 10 nm process but with a larger die at 215 mm². Both are built by Intel at the same foundry.

Core counts are identical at 8 physical cores, but thread counts differ. The i7-11850H supports 16 threads through Hyper-Threading, while the i5-12450HX has 12 threads. This 4-thread deficit explains part of the i5's multi-core disadvantage, as the i7 can process more concurrent work.

Cache configurations also diverge. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core. The L3 cache, however, is a major differentiator: the i7-11850H has 24 MB shared, while the i5-12450HX has only 12 MB shared. This doubling of L3 cache gives the i7 a significant advantage in workloads that benefit from large, fast on-die storage.

Clock speeds tell a mixed story. The i7-11850H has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The i5-12450HX has a higher base clock at 2.40 GHz but a lower boost at 4.40 GHz. The i7's higher boost clock contributes to its single-core Cinebench wins, while the i5's higher base clock may help in sustained light workloads.

Memory support differs. The i7-11850H supports DDR4 only, with dual-channel memory and a recorded bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The i5-12450HX supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, but the database records no specific bandwidth figure for it. The i5's broader memory compatibility makes it more flexible for system builders.

PCIe connectivity is a clear generation upgrade for the i5. The i7-11850H offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The i5-12450HX jumps to Gen 5 with the same 20 lanes, enabling double the theoretical bandwidth for compatible devices.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-11850H carries UHD Graphics 750, while the i5-12450HX uses UHD Graphics 710. The i7's iGPU is higher-tier, though neither is designed for serious gaming.

Power and socket specifications separate the two further. The i7-11850H has a TDP of 35 watts and uses Intel BGA 1787. The i5-12450HX has a higher TDP of 55 watts and uses Intel BGA 1964, meaning they are not socket-compatible.

The i5-12450HX has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the i7-11850H is locked. Release dates are about a year apart: the i7 launched on May 10, 2021, and the i5 on May 9, 2022.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-11850H is the clear choice for multi-threaded productivity. Its 16 threads, 24 MB L3 cache, and higher boost clock deliver decisive wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core (46.4% ahead), integer math (25.9% ahead), and prime number finding (61.1% ahead). Users running video encoding, 3D rendering, compilation, or any workload that scales across threads will prefer the i7. The data compression win of 7.8% and the multithread win of 9.8% reinforce this profile.

The i7 also wins in most single-core Cinebench tests, but not in PassMark single-thread. This suggests that the i7's architecture handles Cinebench's specific single-thread workload better, while the i5's higher base clock and newer core design excel in other single-threaded scenarios.

The i5-12450HX wins in PassMark single-thread (8.1% ahead), physics (12.2% ahead), and floating point math (1.4% ahead). These wins point to specific use cases: physics simulations, scientific computing with heavy floating-point operations, and lightly threaded applications that rely on high base clocks. The i5's unlocked multiplier also makes it attractive for users who plan to overclock, though the database does not record overclocked scores.

For gaming, the data is mixed. The i5 wins PassMark physics, which some games use, but the i7 wins most other relevant tests. The i7's higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz versus 4.40 GHz likely helps in frame rate consistency, but the i5's single-thread PassMark win suggests it may handle certain game engines better.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-11850H has 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-12450HX has 12 threads. Both have 8 physical cores.

Q: How big is the L3 cache difference?

A: The i7-11850H has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, exactly double the 12 MB found in the i5-12450HX.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-11850H wins with a score of 16673 versus 11390 for the i5-12450HX, a 46.4% margin.

Q: Does the i5-12450HX win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the i5 wins PassMark single-thread (3340 versus 3069, an 8.1% edge), PassMark physics (1086 versus 954, a 12.2% edge), and PassMark floating point math (43126 versus 42540, a 1.4% edge).

Q: What memory types does each support?

A: The i7-11850H supports DDR4 only. The i5-12450HX supports both DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: Are the two processors socket-compatible?

A: No. The i7-11850H uses Intel BGA 1787, while the i5-12450HX uses Intel BGA 1964.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-11850H | Intel Core i5-12450HX |

|---|---|---|

| Series | Core 11th Gen | Core 12th Gen |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 55 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1787 | Intel BGA 1964 |

| Architecture | Tiger Lake | Alder Lake |

| Codename | Tiger Lake-H | Alder Lake-HX |

| Generation | Core i7 (Tiger Lake-H) | Core i5 (Alder Lake-HX) |

| Die Size | 190 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not recorded |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 750 | UHD Graphics 710 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SRKT4 | SRLGJ |

| Launch MSRP | $395 | $284 |

| Release Date | May 10, 2021 | May 9, 2022 |

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core i7-11850H as the superior processor for most workloads. It wins 13 of 17 head-to-head tests, many by double-digit margins. The 46.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is the standout result, making the i7 the obvious pick for rendering, encoding, and any thread-hungry task. Its 24 MB L3 cache and 16 threads give it a structural advantage that the i5 cannot overcome in aggregate performance.

The i5-12450HX is not without merit, however. Its wins in PassMark single-thread and physics show that it handles certain single-threaded and simulation workloads better. The higher base clock of 2.40 GHz and the unlocked multiplier are features the i7 lacks. The i5 also supports DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5, making it a more future-proof platform choice. Users who prioritize those modern connectivity options or who plan to overclock may prefer the i5 despite its benchmark losses.

Both processors sit at the 77th percentile of all CPUs, indicating similar overall standing in the database. The i7's average benchmark score of 24935 edges out the i5's 24576, but both are competitive in their class. The i5 also launched at a lower MSRP of $284 versus $395 for the i7, though this page does not analyze value.

For a user who needs maximum multi-threaded performance and does not require DDR5 or PCIe Gen 5, the i7-11850H is the data-backed choice. For a user who values single-thread PassMark performance, overclocking headroom, or the latest memory and PCIe standards, the i5-12450HX offers specific advantages. The recorded benchmarks do not show the i5 catching up in overall compute, but its targeted wins are real and should inform the decision based on workload priorities.