Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between these two mobile processors. The Intel Core i7-11800H wins 10 of the 19 recorded head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V takes 9. However, the margin of victory in each direction tells a more nuanced story than the raw win count.

The Core Ultra 7 258V dominates in single-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 285 against 236 for the i7-11800H, a 20.8% advantage. The Geekbench single-core test shows the same pattern, with the Ultra 7 at 2100 versus 1666, a 26.1% lead. PassMark single-thread results reinforce this, showing 4018 for the Ultra 7 versus 3043, a 32% gap. These are substantial, consistent wins in every single-thread metric recorded.

The i7-11800H fights back in multi-threaded Cinebench tests. The largest single delta in the entire comparison is Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i7-11800H scores 16663 versus 10301 for the Ultra 7, a 38.2% advantage. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a smaller but still decisive 3.7% lead for the i7 (6998 vs 6739), and R15 multi-core gives the i7 a 4.9% edge (1679 vs 1596.5). These Cinebench multi-core results are the i7's strongest territory.

The Ultra 7 counters with notable wins in specific computational tasks. PassMark find prime numbers shows a 117.6% advantage for the Ultra 7 (185 vs 85), the largest single percentage delta in the entire dataset. PassMark physics gives the Ultra 7 a 66.8% lead (1565 vs 938), and floating-point math goes to the Ultra 7 by 35.2% (57372 vs 42423). Data encryption also favors the Ultra 7 by 10.6% (13534 vs 12241).

The i7-11800H takes the remaining workloads. PassMark integer math shows a 40% lead for the i7 (71423 vs 42889). Data compression favors the i7 by 26.2% (239304 vs 176686), and random string sorting gives the i7 a 24% edge (28411 vs 21580). Extended instructions go to the i7 by 8.4% (16068 vs 14717), and PassMark multithread overall shows a 5.6% i7 advantage (20012 vs 18887).

Geekbench multi-core is one of the few multi-thread tests where the Ultra 7 wins, scoring 9325 versus 7986, a 16.8% lead. This contrasts sharply with the Cinebench multi-core results, suggesting the two processors handle threaded workloads differently depending on the benchmark's characteristics.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design generations. The Core Ultra 7 258V uses Lunar Lake architecture on a 3 nm process from TSMC, while the Core i7-11800H uses Tiger Lake-H on Intel's 10 nm process. This process gap explains much of the efficiency and single-thread performance difference.

Core counts are identical at 8, but thread counts differ: the Ultra 7 has 8 threads (no hyperthreading), while the i7-11800H has 16 threads. This explains the i7's multi-thread advantages in Cinebench, where additional thread count directly improves scores. The Ultra 7 compensates with higher base and boost clocks: 2.20 GHz base and 4.80 GHz boost versus 1.90 GHz base (listed as 1900.00) and 4.60 GHz boost for the i7.

Cache hierarchies diverge significantly. The Ultra 7 has 192 KB L1 per core and 2.5 MB L2 per core, with 12 MB shared L3. The i7-11800H has 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core, but 24 MB shared L3. The i7's larger L3 cache likely contributes to its multi-thread performance, while the Ultra 7's larger per-core L2 helps single-thread responsiveness.

Memory support differs completely. The Ultra 7 uses LPDDR5X with 136.5 GB/s bandwidth, while the i7-11800H uses DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. This memory bandwidth gap is enormous, with the Ultra 7 offering more than double the bandwidth. Neither supports ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The Ultra 7 has Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-11800H has Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The i7 offers more total lanes, but the Ultra 7's newer generation provides higher per-lane bandwidth.

Integrated graphics differ substantially: the Ultra 7 has Arc 140V, while the i7-11800H has UHD Graphics 750. The die size for the i7 is 190 mm², while the Ultra 7's die size is not recorded. The power envelope is also clearly different, with the Ultra 7 at 17 W TDP versus 35 W for the i7-11800H.

Release dates are far apart: the Ultra 7 launched in September 2024, while the i7-11800H launched in May 2021. The i7 has a recorded launch MSRP of $395, while the Ultra 7 has no MSRP recorded.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V is the clear winner for single-threaded performance and efficiency. Every single-thread metric in the database favors it, with margins from 20.8% to 32%. This makes it the better choice for workloads that depend on raw per-core speed, such as light productivity, web browsing, and applications that are poorly optimized for multi-threading.

The Ultra 7 also dominates in specific computational categories. Prime number finding, physics calculations, and floating-point math are all areas where the Ultra 7 leads by large margins (117.6%, 66.8%, and 35.2% respectively). Data encryption also favors the Ultra 7 by 10.6%. These are compute-heavy tasks that benefit from the newer architecture and higher clock speeds.

The Intel Core i7-11800H is the multi-threaded workhorse. Cinebench multi-core results are consistently in its favor, with the largest gap being 38.2% in R23. This indicates sustained multi-thread rendering workloads, such as video encoding or 3D rendering, will perform better on the i7.

The i7 also wins in integer-heavy tasks. PassMark integer math shows a 40% advantage, data compression 26.2%, and random string sorting 24%. These tasks benefit from the i7's 16 threads and larger 24 MB L3 cache. Extended instructions also favor the i7 by 8.4%.

For overall multithreaded performance, the PassMark multithread score gives the i7 a 5.6% edge, but the Geekbench multi-core result gives the Ultra 7 a 16.8% lead. This mixed picture suggests the two processors excel in different multi-thread scenarios, with the Ultra 7 handling Geekbench's workload patterns more efficiently while the i7 dominates Cinebench's rendering tasks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V wins every single-thread benchmark. It leads by 20.8% in Cinebench R15 single-core, 26.1% in Geekbench single-core, and 32% in PassMark single-thread.

Q: Why does the Intel Core i7-11800H win multi-core Cinebench tests?

A: The i7-11800H has 16 threads versus 8 for the Ultra 7. This thread advantage directly benefits Cinebench's multi-core rendering workload, where the i7 leads by 38.2% in R23, 3.7% in R20, and 4.9% in R15.

Q: How do the memory systems compare?

A: The Ultra 7 uses LPDDR5X with 136.5 GB/s bandwidth, while the i7-11800H uses DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. The Ultra 7 offers more than double the memory bandwidth.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The Ultra 7 has a 17 W TDP, while the i7-11800H has a 35 W TDP. The Ultra 7's lower power envelope combined with its single-thread wins suggests better efficiency per watt.

Q: What is the process node difference?

A: The Ultra 7 uses a 3 nm process from TSMC, while the i7-11800H uses Intel's 10 nm process. The smaller process node contributes to the Ultra 7's better single-thread performance and lower power draw.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The Ultra 7 has Arc 140V graphics, while the i7-11800H has UHD Graphics 750. The Ultra 7's newer graphics solution is part of its architecture advantage.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to a clear division of roles. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V is the superior choice for single-threaded performance, efficiency, and specific compute tasks. Its wins in all single-thread tests, plus large margins in prime finding, physics, and floating-point math, make it ideal for users who prioritize per-core speed and battery-friendly operation.

The Intel Core i7-11800H is the better option for multi-threaded rendering and integer-heavy workloads. Its 38.2% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is decisive, and its wins in integer math, data compression, and random string sorting show strength in data-processing tasks. The 16-thread configuration is the key differentiator.

The overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical: the Ultra 7 sits at 20454 with a 74th percentile ranking, while the i7-11800H is at 19998 with the same 74th percentile. Both processors occupy the same performance tier overall, but they achieve it through different means. The Ultra 7 leverages a newer process node and faster single-core speeds, while the i7 relies on additional threads and a larger L3 cache.

Users should choose based on workload. For general productivity, single-thread responsiveness, and power-conscious mobile use, the Ultra 7 is the data-backed pick. For sustained multi-thread rendering, data compression, and integer processing, the i7-11800H is the clear winner.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core i7-11800H |

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

| Threads | 8 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 17 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2833 | Intel BGA 1787 |

| Architecture | Lunar Lake | Tiger Lake |

| Process Node | 3 nm (TSMC) | 10 nm (Intel) |

| L1 Cache | 192 KB per core | 80 KB per core |

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB per core | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB shared | 24 MB shared |

| Memory Support | LPDDR5X | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 136.5 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 4 Lanes | Gen 4, 20 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Arc 140V | UHD Graphics 750 |

| Release Date | 2024-09-23 | 2021-05-10 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $395 |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 190 mm² |