CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10400H vs Core i5-11500H
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.
Handles heavy multitasking and creator workloads with ease.
Gaming
Performs slightly better than 10300H due to higher clocks, good for 1080p.
Excellent performance in modern titles, minimizing bottlenecks for mid-to-high end GPUs.
Virtualization
Basic VM support, but limited by core count.
Solid performance for running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Standard 14nm mobile efficiency, gets warm under load.
Good efficiency, though it draws more power at max turbo.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- CPU-based inference is basic.
- AVX-512 support accelerates AI tasks
- Intel DL Boost for deep learning
- GNA 2.0 for voice processing
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.
- Minimizes bottlenecks for RTX 3060/3070 mobile GPUs
- High single-core boost for CPU-heavy games
- Smooth high-refresh-rate 1080p experience
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
- High 4.6 GHz turbo clock
- Superior UHD Graphics 750 (Xe 32 EUs)
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Includes vPro support for business
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- High power draw under full load (45W)
- Soldered to motherboard
- Still limited to DDR4
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 i5-11500H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
A slightly cheaper option with lower clocks and basic UHD graphics.
Newer 12th gen with better overall efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 6600HAlt
A newer alternative with Zen 3+ architecture and DDR5 support.
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 top-tier i5 mobile CPU offering excellent clock speeds and superior integrated graphics for creators.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-11500H is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance mobile processor without paying the premium of an i7. If you are considering a used or refurbished gaming laptop from 2021-2022, this processor offers exceptional value, delivering near top-tier single-core speeds that are highly beneficial for gaming. It is particularly attractive for content creators who can leverage the Xe-based UHD 750 integrated graphics for quick encodes and basic graphical tasks. However, buyers should ensure that the laptop's cooling system is adequate, as the 45W configurable TDP can generate significant heat under load. For new purchases, comparing it against newer 12th or 13th Gen i5s is advisable, as the newer generations offer better efficiency. Nonetheless, for a budget gaming rig or creator notebook, the 11500H remains a highly capable and cost-effective processor.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10400H or Core i5-11500H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-11500H comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-11500H?
For gaming, the Core i5-11500H leads with a gaming performance score of 82/100 among Intel Core i5-10400H and Core i5-11500H.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-11500H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-10400H (45 W), Core i5-11500H (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-10400H and Core i5-11500H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10400H: BGA 1440, Core i5-11500H: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-11500H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-10400H (4 cores), Core i5-11500H (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.