CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-11500 vs Intel Core i7-11700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11500 is the mainstream sweet spot of Intel's 11th Gen desktop stack. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with a 2.7 GHz base and a 4.6 GHz boost, it strikes an excellent balance between price and performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Highly capable for office work, programming, and everyday multi-tasking.
8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.
Gaming
Strong gaming performance with a discrete GPU, comparable to more expensive non-K i7s of the prior generation.
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Virtualization
Sufficient for development VMs and basic sandboxing.
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
Efficiency
14nm limits efficiency under full load, but idle and light load power draw is acceptable.
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- Quick Sync can assist in specific video AI workloads
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- High boost clocks ensure strong frame rates
- iGPU allows troubleshooting without a discrete card
- Competes closely with the 11600 in most games
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Includes UHD 750 integrated graphics
- Strong single-threaded performance
- Supports Quick Sync Video
- PCIe 4.0 ready
- Good out-of-the-box cooler included
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Higher power draw than AMD equivalents under load
- Only 6 cores for multi-threaded tasks
- LGA 1200 platform is end-of-life
- iGPU not powerful enough for modern gaming
Pros
- Includes UHD 750 integrated graphics
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Good single-core performance
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is power-hungry under load
- End-of-life LGA 1200 platform
- Runs warm compared to 10nm chips
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-11500
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GRival
APU Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Mainstream Desktop
Cheaper if you already have a discrete graphics card.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better multi-core performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer generation with better IPC and efficiency.
More cores for heavy multi-tasking.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Newer AM5 platform with DDR5 support.
Intel Core i7-11700
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture, better efficiency, and similar performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value and power efficiency.
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior multi-core and gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More efficient 8-core alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-rounded processor that offers strong CPU performance and useful integrated graphics, making it perfect for versatile budget builds.
Best for: Building a versatile family PC or budget gaming rig with GPU fallback
Read the full reviewA well-rounded 8-core CPU that offers great everyday performance and integrated graphics, though it lags in efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 PC and wanting integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-11500 or Intel Core i7-11700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-11500 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 i5-11500 or Intel Core i7-11700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700 leads with a gaming performance score of 84/100 among Intel Core i5-11500 and Intel Core i7-11700.
Do Intel Core i5-11500 and Intel Core i7-11700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-11500: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11700 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-11500 (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11700 (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-11500 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-11500 (9,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.