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Intel Core Ultra 9 386H specifications and in-depth review

Intel Core Ultra 9 386H

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is a laptop processor that balances performance and efficiency, offering a solid foundation for demanding tasks. With a turbo clock speed of up to 4.9GHz, it provides powerful processing capabilities across a range of applications.

This processor supports 16 threads and has a total clock speed configuration of 4 x 2.1 GHz, 8 x 1.6 GHz, and 4 x 1.6 GHz. It also features integrated graphics with DirectX 12 Ultimate support and a maximum RAM capacity of 128GB with DDR5 memory at speeds up to 8533 MHz. The CPU runs at a thermal design power (TDP) of 25W and is built to utilize PCIe 5 technology for fast data transfer.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
  • Features Turbo Boost 2.0, enabling the processor to reach a 4.9GHz turbo clock speed for demanding workloads.
  • Includes integrated graphics with DirectX 12 Ultimate support, making it suitable for light gaming and graphical tasks without needing a discrete GPU.
  • Supports PCIe 5, allowing faster data transfer speeds and better connectivity with modern hardware components.
  • Has 16 threads, enabling better performance in multi-threaded applications and enhancing overall system responsiveness.
Cons
  • The CPU temperature can reach 100 °C, which may indicate higher thermal output under load, potentially requiring efficient cooling solutions.
  • Lacks dedicated GPU support, limiting its performance in highly demanding graphics or gaming scenarios.
  • The processor uses big.LITTLE technology, which may complicate workload management for certain software optimizations or tasks.
Who is this for?

This processor is ideal for users who need a reliable and efficient CPU for light-to-moderate workloads. With 16 threads, it excels in multitasking scenarios such as web browsing, office work, and media consumption. It also offers integrated graphics with DirectX 12 Ultimate support, making it suitable for basic gaming or graphical tasks without requiring a dedicated GPU. The 128GB RAM support and PCIe 5 compatibility provide future-proofing for more demanding applications and fast data transfer, making it an excellent choice for general laptop users looking for solid performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor may not be suitable for users who need high-end gaming or professional-grade graphics performance. While it has integrated graphics, it lacks a dedicated GPU, which may hinder its ability to handle graphically intensive applications. Additionally, the CPU temperature reaching up to 100 °C under load suggests that users in high-performance environments may require more advanced cooling solutions. Those who prioritize ultra-high-speed processing or advanced power efficiency for specialized tasks might find its big.LITTLE technology less ideal, as it can introduce complications for software optimization in specific workloads.

General info:

Type Laptop
Has integrated graphics ✓
release date January 2026
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 25W
CPU temperature 100 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit ✓

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is a laptop processor featuring integrated graphics and designed to run at a thermal design power (TDP) of 25W. It supports PCI Express (PCIe) version 5 for faster data transfer and is compatible with 64-bit systems, ensuring smooth performance across modern applications. The CPU can reach temperatures up to 100 °C under load, indicating robust performance capability within its design limits.

Performance:

CPU speed 4 x 2.1 & 8 x 1.6 & 4 x 1.6 GHz
CPU threads 16 threads
turbo clock speed 4.9GHz
L3 cache 18 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology ✓
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor features a versatile clock speed configuration with 4 x 2.1 GHz, 8 x 1.6 GHz, and 4 x 1.6 GHz for efficient task management. It supports 16 threads for multitasking and includes 18 MB of L3 cache for faster data access. With Turbo Boost 2.0, the processor can reach a peak turbo clock speed of 4.9 GHz, and it leverages big.LITTLE technology to optimize power and performance for various workloads.

Benchmarks:

Integrated graphics:

GPU turbo 2500 MHz
DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
supported displays 4
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3

The integrated graphics of the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor are designed for smooth visual performance, featuring a GPU turbo speed of 2500 MHz. It supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, ensuring compatibility with modern graphics-intensive applications, and is capable of handling up to 4 displays. Additionally, the GPU supports OpenGL 4.6 and OpenCL 3 for enhanced graphical and computational tasks.

Memory:

RAM speed (max) 8533 MHz
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
maximum memory amount 128GB

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor supports DDR5 memory with a maximum speed of 8533 MHz for fast data access. It operates with 2 memory channels, allowing for efficient data flow between the CPU and RAM, and can handle up to 128GB of total memory, providing ample capacity for demanding applications and multitasking.

Features:

instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit ✓

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor supports a wide range of instruction sets, including MMX, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, and SSE 4.1/4.2, which enhance performance in multimedia and computational tasks. It also includes the NX bit, a security feature that helps protect against certain types of attacks by marking memory pages as non-executable.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is a versatile laptop processor that strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it suitable for general computing tasks and light graphical workloads. With 16 threads and Turbo Boost 2.0 for a peak clock speed of 4.9 GHz, it offers strong performance for multitasking and everyday applications. Its integrated graphics and support for PCIe 5 and up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM ensure future-proofing for a variety of use cases. While it may not be ideal for high-end gaming or intensive graphics tasks, it provides a solid foundation for users seeking a reliable and efficient processor for everyday and moderate professional use.