CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400H vs Core i5-11400H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10400H is a 10th generation mobile processor tailored for mainstream gaming laptops and portable workstations. Launched in April 2020, it belongs to the Comet Lake-H family and is built on Intel's 14nm process. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, delivering reliable multi-threaded performance for its segment. The base clock speed is 2.6 GHz, which can boost up to 4.6 GHz under load, offering strong single-core performance for gaming. With a 45W TDP, it strikes a balance between power and thermal output, fitting well in mid-range laptop designs. It includes 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 2933 MT/s. Like other H-series chips, it includes basic integrated graphics but is intended to be paired with a dedicated GPU. Its 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes ensure sufficient bandwidth for mobile graphics and fast storage solutions.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
4 cores hold it back in heavy multi-threaded productivity apps.
Easily handles heavy multitasking and office applications.
Gaming
Performs slightly better than 10300H due to higher clocks, good for 1080p.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, but limited by core count.
Capable of running light virtual machines efficiently.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm mobile efficiency, gets warm under load.
Strong efficiency metrics due to the 10nm SuperFin node.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- CPU-based inference is basic.
- AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Higher clock speeds give a slight edge over the 10300H.
- Good pairing for GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2060 mobile.
- Bottlenecks can occur in modern CPU-heavy games.
- Ideal for RTX 3060 / RX 6600M tier laptops
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Handles modern AAA titles at high settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Higher clock speeds than 10300H
- Good single-core performance
- Supports DDR4-2933
- Reliable for eSports and older AAA games
Cons
- Still only 4 cores
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- 14nm process is not power efficient
- Outclassed by AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
Pros
- Strong single-core performance
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Good power efficiency
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Only supports DDR4 (no DDR5)
- Basic integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10400H
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10300HRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-10750HRival
Mobile High-End
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
Mobile High-End
- Intel Core i5-9300HRival
Previous Gen Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
Better IPC and architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HAlt
Much faster and more efficient.
Modern hybrid architecture.
Compare head-to-head
Core i5-11400H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11260HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11500HAlt
Offers higher clocks and better integrated graphics (UHD 750).
Better single-core performance for older games.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Lower power alternative for thin-and-light laptops.
A newer 12th Gen alternative with better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A solid 4-core mobile CPU with slightly higher clocks than the 10300H, providing a small bump in performance for mainstream gaming laptops.
Best for: Buying a used mid-range gaming laptop at a discount.
Read the full reviewA highly balanced 6-core mobile CPU offering excellent mid-range performance for gaming and productivity.
Best for: If you are shopping for a mid-range gaming laptop from the 2021-2022 era, the Intel Core i5-11400H remains a highly viable option. It provides excellent value, delivering 6-core performance that easily handles modern games when paired with a mid-tier GPU like an RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3060. For students and casual content creators, this processor offers more than enough power for 1080p video editing and coding. However, if you are buying new today, you might find better efficiency and multi-threaded performance in newer Ryzen 6000 or 13th-gen Intel chips. When considering a laptop with the 11400H, prioritize models with robust cooling, as thermal throttling can limit its boost clocks. Overall, for budget buyers who don't need the absolute latest architecture, it remains a solid, cost-effective choice for everyday computing and gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400H or Core i5-11400H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-11400H comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10400H or Core i5-11400H?
For gaming, the Core i5-11400H leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-10400H and Core i5-11400H.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-11400H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-10400H (45 W), Core i5-11400H (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-10400H and Core i5-11400H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10400H: BGA 1440, Core i5-11400H: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-11400H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400H (4 cores), Core i5-11400H (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10400H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10400H (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.