CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-11600 vs Intel Core i7-8086K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11600 is the fastest non-K i5 in the Rocket Lake stack, offering 6 cores and 12 threads with a robust 2.8 GHz base and a 4.8 GHz turbo boost. This processor is designed for users who want near-flagship single-threaded performance without paying the premium for an unlocked multiplier.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong burst and single-threaded productivity; multi-thread is limited by 6 cores.
Handles any productivity task with ease.
Gaming
Exceptional gaming performance that frequently matches or beats the 11600K at stock settings.
Elite single-core performance translates to massive frame rates in CPU-bound games.
Virtualization
Capable for development VMs, though ECC memory is not supported.
Good for VMs, though 6 cores is slightly limiting for heavy servers.
Efficiency
Pushes 14nm hard, resulting in high power draw and heat output under max turbo.
Requires significant power to maintain 5.0 GHz.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- AVX-512 can assist in vector-based workloads
- No AI hardware
- High clocks help CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- 4.8 GHz boost ensures max frame rates
- Requires a discrete GPU (no iGPU)
- Capable of driving high-end GPUs at 1440p/4K
- Elite single-core speed
- Perfect for high-refresh-rate monitors
- Won't bottleneck any GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Outstanding single-threaded performance
- 4.8 GHz boost clock
- Strong gaming frame rates
- PCIe 4.0 support
- AVX-512 instructions
Cons
- No integrated graphics (unusual for non-F SKU)
- Locked multiplier
- High power draw under full load
- 14nm process runs hot
- Poor multi-threaded value vs Ryzen
Pros
- First 5.0 GHz stock CPU
- High-quality silicon binning
- Unlocked multiplier
- Collector's item packaging
Cons
- Expensive due to collector status
- Runs hot at 5.0 GHz
- Only 6 cores vs newer 8+ core CPUs
- No PCIe 4.0
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-11600
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better efficiency and similar gaming performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better value and efficiency on the newer platform.
Much cheaper for very similar gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores for heavy productivity at a similar price.
Intel Core i7-8086K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900XRival
HEDT
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
Successor with 8 cores and 5.0 GHz.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Better efficiency and modern platform.
Similar performance, slightly newer.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Vastly superior gaming performance.
Our Verdict on Each
The ultimate locked i5 of the 11th Gen, pushing 4.8 GHz for top-tier single-threaded performance. Just be aware of its unusual lack of integrated graphics and high power draw.
Best for: High-refresh-rate gaming builds where an unlocked multiplier is unnecessary
Read the full reviewA historic processor that hit 5.0 GHz out of the box. It's a fantastic collector's item and an exceptional gaming CPU.
Best for: Collectors or enthusiasts upgrading an LGA 1151 system for max gaming FPS.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-11600 or Intel Core i7-8086K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8086K comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 i5-11600 or Intel Core i7-8086K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8086K leads with a gaming performance score of 94/100 among Intel Core i5-11600 and Intel Core i7-8086K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-11600 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-11600 (65 W), Intel Core i7-8086K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-11600 and Intel Core i7-8086K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-11600: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i7-8086K: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8086K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-11600 (10,500), Intel Core i7-8086K (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.