Intel Core i9-8950HK
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
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Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i9-8950HK Specifications
Core i9-8950HK Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i9-8950HK features 6 physical cores and 12 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i9-8950HK Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i9-8950HK benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i9-8950HK by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i9-8950HK Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i9-8950HK processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i9-8950HK's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Coffee Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i9-8950HK is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i9-8950HK incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Coffee Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i9-8950HK by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i9-8950HK Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i9-8950HK has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1440 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i9-8950HK uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1440 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i9-8950HK define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i9-8950HK determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i9-8950HK Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i9-8950HK includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i9-8950HK provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i9-8950HK Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i9-8950HK is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i9-8950HK by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i9-8950HK Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i9-8950HK performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i9-8950HK handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance. A higher single-core score means snappier system responsiveness in everyday use.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i9-8950HK. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i9-8950HK. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i9-8950HK after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i9-8950HK maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i9-8950HK across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i9-8950HK can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i9-8950HK
The Intel Core i9-8950HK is a 6-core, 12-thread mobile processor built on Intel's 14 nm Coffee Lake-H architecture. It runs at a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, with a 95 W TDP. The chip is designed for the Intel BGA 1440 socket and includes UHD 630 integrated graphics. Released on 2018-04-01, it has since been marked end-of-life. Its benchmark performance places it at the 53rd percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 2749.
Benchmark Performance
The i9-8950HK delivers a consistent set of multi-threaded and single-threaded scores across multiple Cinebench and Geekbench versions. In Cinebench R15, it scores 888 multi-core and 125 single-core. Moving to R20, the scores are 3703 multi-core and 522 single-core. In R23, the multi-core score reaches 8817, while single-core is 1244. Geekbench reports 5254 multi-core and 1437 single-core. These numbers show a strong scaling from single-core to multi-core, typical of a 6-core/12-thread design. The aggregate average benchmark score is 2749, which places the processor at the 53rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. This means it outperforms slightly more than half of the tested processors, a respectable position for a mobile part from its era.
When compared to its nearest rivals, the i9-8950HK's average score is essentially identical to that of the Intel Core i7-11390H (2749, 0% delta) and the Intel Xeon 6315P (2748, 0% delta). The Intel Xeon E-2226G and AMD EPYC 7261 both post an average score of 2740, a delta of 0.3% lower than the i9-8950HK. This tight grouping indicates that the i9-8950HK's performance is competitive with a range of other x86 processors, despite differences in architecture and market segment. The single-core scores, such as 1244 in R23, are moderate; they are sufficient for everyday tasks and gaming but not exceptional when compared to later-generation parts. The multi-core scores, however, are robust, making the CPU a capable choice for parallel workloads.
The unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: true) suggests that overclocking could push these scores higher, but the benchmark data presented here reflects stock operation. The 95 W TDP and 149 mm² die size are important physical characteristics that influence thermal behavior in thin-and-light laptops. The ratio between multi-core and single-core scores remains consistent across Cinebench versions, indicating that the CPU scales efficiently with thread count. For instance, the R23 multi-core score of 8817 is over seven times the single-core score of 1244, a strong multiplier for heavily threaded applications. Similarly, Geekbench's multi-core result of 5254 is roughly 3.7 times its single-core score of 1437, further confirming the processor's ability to exploit parallel execution.
How It Compares
Intel Core i7-11390H
The i7-11390H matches the i9-8950HK's average benchmark score of 2749, yielding a 0% delta. This indicates that, in aggregate, the two processors deliver equivalent performance. The i9-8950HK's 6-core/12-thread configuration and 4.70 GHz boost clock are offset by the i7-11390H's newer architecture, but the benchmark results show no net advantage for either part. For users comparing these two, the choice would come down to platform and feature differences rather than raw performance.
Intel Xeon 6315P
The Xeon 6315P posts an average score of 2748, a 0% delta from the i9-8950HK. The near-identical aggregate scores suggest that the two CPUs are interchangeable in terms of throughput in the tested workloads. The Xeon's server-oriented design does not translate into a performance lead here, and the i9-8950HK's mobile positioning does not hinder its aggregate showing.
Intel Xeon E-2226G
The Xeon E-2226G scores 2740 on average, which is 0.3% lower than the i9-8950HK. This marginal difference is well within normal benchmark variance, so the i9-8950HK holds a slight, likely negligible, edge in the aggregate. For practical purposes, the two are comparable, and the i9-8950HK's unlocked multiplier could tip the balance further if overclocked.
AMD EPYC 7261
The EPYC 7261 also scores 2740, with a 0.3% delta. The i9-8950HK's performance is effectively tied with this server processor, demonstrating that the mobile i9 can hold its own against a broader range of x86 CPUs. The small delta means that users upgrading from an EPYC 7261 to an i9-8950HK would see no meaningful change in aggregate performance, though the platform differences are substantial.
Who Should Consider It
The i9-8950HK is best suited for mobile users who need strong multi-threaded performance in a laptop form factor. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 8817 is indicative of solid parallel processing capability, making it suitable for video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation. The single-core score of 1244 in R23 is adequate for general productivity, web browsing, and office applications. For gaming, the single-core performance is sufficient to drive most titles at reasonable settings, but the integrated UHD 630 graphics will limit gaming to low resolutions and detail levels; a discrete GPU is necessary for a serious gaming experience.
Given its end-of-life production status, this processor is not recommended for new system builds. However, for users who already own a laptop with a BGA 1440 socket, the i9-8950HK offers performance that is on par with several newer and server-class parts, as evidenced by the 0-0.3% deltas against its nearest rivals. The unlocked multiplier is a notable feature for enthusiasts who wish to tune clock speeds, provided the laptop's cooling system can handle the additional heat. The 95 W TDP is high for a mobile chip, so it is best paired with a robust cooling solution, which is typical of larger gaming laptops or mobile workstations. The 14 nm process and 149 mm² die size are fixed attributes that define its power and thermal envelope.
FAQ
Q: What is the socket type of the Intel Core i9-8950HK?
A: It uses Intel BGA 1440, a ball-grid array socket designed for mobile processors.
Q: Does the i9-8950HK support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported (eccMemory: false).
Q: What integrated graphics does it include?
A: It includes Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics.
Q: What is the process node?
A: It is built on Intel's 14 nm process.
Q: When was it released?
A: It was released on 2018-04-01.
Q: What is its average benchmark score and percentile?
A: The average benchmark score is 2749, placing it at the 53rd percentile of all CPUs.
Platform and Compatibility
The Intel Core i9-8950HK is a mobile processor that uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket. This socket is soldered directly to the motherboard, meaning the CPU is not upgradeable without replacing the entire logic board. It supports DDR4 memory, but ECC memory is not available. The integrated UHD 630 graphics provides basic display output, but for any graphics-intensive work, a discrete GPU is required. The processor has an unlocked multiplier, which allows overclocking on compatible mobile platforms, though the 95 W TDP and 149 mm² die size impose thermal constraints. As an end-of-life product, the upgrade path is effectively closed; there is no newer processor that fits the same socket. The 14 nm process is a mature node, and the architecture (Coffee Lake-H) is well-documented. The part number SRCKN identifies this specific SKU. For users with existing systems, the i9-8950HK remains a capable performer, but its age and mobile-specific design limit its relevance in modern builds.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i9-8950HK
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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