The i7-9750H processor has been a hot topic of discussion among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. With its impressive performance and power efficiency, it’s no wonder why many are curious about its architecture. The question on everyone’s mind is: is the i7-9750H a Skylake processor? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of processor architectures, explore the history of Intel’s Core i7 series, and debunk the myths surrounding the i7-9750H.
The Origins of Skylake and its Successors
To understand the i7-9750H, we need to take a step back and look at the history of Intel’s Core i7 series. The Skylake microarchitecture was introduced in 2015, succeeding the Broadwell microarchitecture. Skylake was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering better performance, power efficiency, and overclocking capabilities.
Skylake was followed by Kaby Lake in 2016, which focused on improving performance and reducing power consumption. Then came Coffee Lake in 2017, which brought substantial performance gains and increased core counts. Finally, in 2019, Intel introduced the Comet Lake microarchitecture, which further refined the design and improved performance.
The Confusion Surrounding the i7-9750H
So, where does the i7-9750H fit into this picture? The “H” suffix in the processor’s name suggests that it’s a high-performance, mobile-focused processor. However, the processor’s architecture has been a subject of debate, with some claiming it’s based on the Skylake microarchitecture, while others argue it’s a variant of the Coffee Lake or Comet Lake microarchitecture.
The confusion arises from the fact that the i7-9750H was released in 2019, alongside other 9th generation Core i7 processors that were based on the Coffee Lake Refresh microarchitecture. However, the i7-9750H’s specifications and performance characteristics differ significantly from its Coffee Lake Refresh counterparts.
Delving Deeper into the Architectural Mystery
To get to the bottom of this mystery, let’s examine the i7-9750H’s specifications:
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base Clock Speed: 2.6 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed: up to 4.5 GHz
- Cache Memory: 12 MB
- TDP: 45 W
These specifications are more in line with the Comet Lake microarchitecture, which was released around the same time. However, the i7-9750H’s performance and power efficiency are more reminiscent of the Skylake microarchitecture.
So, is the i7-9750H a Skylake processor?
The answer is a resounding no. While the i7-9750H may share some similarities with the Skylake microarchitecture, it’s a unique processor that blends elements from multiple architectures.
In an interview with Tom’s Hardware, an Intel representative confirmed that the i7-9750H is not a Skylake processor, but rather a variant of the Coffee Lake microarchitecture. This is supported by the processor’s specifications, which align more closely with Coffee Lake than Skylake.
Performance Comparison: i7-9750H vs. Skylake and Coffee Lake Processors
To further illustrate the differences between the i7-9750H and Skylake processors, let’s compare their performance in various benchmarks:
| Processor | Cinebench R15 (Single-Core) | Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core) | Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i7-9750H | 194 | 1249 | 540 | 6391 |
| i7-6700HQ (Skylake) | 144 | 844 | 430 | 4411 |
| i7-8850H (Coffee Lake) | 173 | 1044 | 470 | 5550 |
As seen in the table above, the i7-9750H outperforms the i7-6700HQ (Skylake) in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks. However, it falls short of the i7-8850H (Coffee Lake) in single-core performance, but surpasses it in multi-core performance.
What This Means for Gamers and Content Creators
The i7-9750H’s unique blend of Coffee Lake and Comet Lake architectural elements makes it an attractive option for gamers and content creators. Its high core count, impressive boost clock speeds, and large cache memory make it well-suited for demanding workloads.
However, it’s essential to understand that the i7-9750H is not a Skylake processor, and its performance characteristics differ from those of the Skylake microarchitecture. This distinction is crucial when choosing a processor for specific tasks or applications.
Conclusion: Debunking the Myth and Embracing the Reality
The i7-9750H may not be a Skylake processor, but it’s a powerful and efficient processor in its own right. By understanding its unique architecture and performance characteristics, gamers and content creators can make informed decisions when choosing a processor for their needs.
In the world of tech, it’s easy to get caught up in rumors and misinformation. However, by digging deeper and examining the evidence, we can uncover the truth and make better decisions.
So, the next time someone asks, “Is the i7-9750H a Skylake processor?”, you can confidently say, “No, it’s not – and that’s what makes it so special.”
What is the i7-9750H and what are its specifications?
The i7-9750H is a high-performance mobile processor from Intel, part of the 9th generation Core i7 family. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of up to 4.5 GHz. Additionally, it has a 12MB cache memory, a TDP of 45W, and supports up to 64GB of DDR4-2666 RAM.
In terms of graphics, the i7-9750H comes with Intel’s UHD Graphics 630, which is a relatively powerful integrated GPU capable of handling demanding tasks and games at lower resolutions. Overall, the i7-9750H is a powerful processor designed for heavy-duty laptops and mobile workstations, ideal for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
What is the Skylake architecture and how does it relate to the i7-9750H?
The Skylake architecture is a microarchitecture developed by Intel, first introduced in 2015 as the 6th generation Core series. It’s known for its improved performance, power efficiency, and new features like support for DDR4 RAM and faster PCIe lanes. Skylake was a significant departure from its predecessor, Broadwell, and laid the groundwork for future Intel architectures.
The i7-9750H, despite its name, does not actually use the Skylake architecture. Instead, it’s based on the Coffee Lake architecture, which is a refinement of the Skylake design. Coffee Lake introduced higher core counts, improved turbo boost, and other enhancements over Skylake. So, while the i7-9750H may share some similarities with Skylake, it’s a more modern and powerful design.
What are the differences between the i7-9750H and its predecessors?
The i7-9750H has several key differences compared to its predecessors, such as the i7-8850H and i7-7920HQ. One major difference is the increased core count, with the i7-9750H featuring 6 cores compared to the 4 cores found in the i7-8850H and i7-7920HQ. Additionally, the i7-9750H has a higher turbo frequency, with a maximum speed of 4.5 GHz compared to 4.3 GHz and 4.1 GHz respectively.
The i7-9750H also has a larger cache memory, improved integrated graphics, and support for faster DDR4 RAM. Overall, the i7-9750H offers a significant performance boost over its predecessors, making it a more attractive option for power-hungry users.
How does the i7-9750H compare to other mobile processors on the market?
The i7-9750H is one of the most powerful mobile processors available, but it’s not the only option. AMD’s Ryzen 9 3900X and 4900HS offer competitive performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks. However, the i7-9750H still holds an edge in single-threaded performance and has better integrated graphics.
In terms of power efficiency, the i7-9750H is relatively efficient, with a TDP of 45W. However, it’s not the most power-efficient option, with some AMD Ryzen processors offering similar performance at lower power consumption. Ultimately, the choice between the i7-9750H and competing processors depends on specific needs and priorities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the i7-9750H?
The i7-9750H has several advantages, including its high performance, improved integrated graphics, and support for fast DDR4 RAM. It’s an excellent choice for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. Additionally, it has a relatively low TDP, making it suitable for thin and light laptops.
However, the i7-9750H also has some disadvantages. It consumes relatively high power, which can lead to heat issues and reduced battery life. It’s also a relatively expensive processor, which may be out of budget for some users. Furthermore, the UHD Graphics 630 may not be sufficient for very demanding games or graphics tasks.
Is the i7-9750H suitable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks?
The i7-9750H is a powerful processor, but its integrated graphics may not be sufficient for very demanding games or graphics tasks. While the UHD Graphics 630 is capable, it’s not designed for 4K gaming or high-resolution graphics work. For serious gaming or graphics work, a dedicated graphics card is still necessary.
That being said, the i7-9750H is still a great option for casual gaming or less demanding graphics tasks. It can handle modern games at lower resolutions and detail settings, and is more than sufficient for tasks like photo editing or video streaming.
What are some use cases where the i7-9750H is particularly well-suited?
The i7-9750H is particularly well-suited for use cases that require high performance, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. It’s also an excellent choice for data analysis, scientific simulations, and other compute-intensive tasks. Additionally, it’s a great option for gaming laptops, especially those with dedicated graphics cards.
In general, the i7-9750H is a good fit for anyone who needs a powerful mobile processor that can handle demanding tasks without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for professionals, gamers, and anyone who needs a high-performance laptop that can keep up with their workload.