CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-11600T vs Intel Core i7-8700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Core i5-11600T is a 35W low-power desktop processor that packs a surprising punch. Clocking in at 1.7 GHz base and up to 4.1 GHz turbo, it bridges the gap between power efficiency and responsive performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for daily tasks; the 4.1 GHz turbo handles bursty office workloads well.
Handles heavy office workloads and multitasking smoothly.
Gaming
UHD 750 allows for very light gaming, but the low TDP strictly limits discrete GPU pairings without bottlenecking.
Good gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Can manage basic virtualization but constrained by the 35W power envelope.
Excellent for running multiple light VMs.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency, perfect for 24/7 operation in home servers or media centers.
One of the most efficient hexa-core desktop chips of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Low base clock restricts CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 750 sufficient for 2D and older 3D games
- Not designed for high-end GPU pairings
- Sustained CPU loads throttle due to power limits
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Low base clock won't bottleneck as much due to high turbo
- Great for SFF gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- UHD 750 integrated graphics
- Surprisingly high 4.1 GHz boost clock
- Supports Quick Sync Video
- PCIe 4.0 support
Cons
- Low base clock of 1.7 GHz
- Sustained multi-core performance is heavily limited
- Locked multiplier
- Mostly available through OEM channels
- 14nm process is less efficient than modern nodes
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- High 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Great for passive cooling
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lower base clock
- Hard to find retail
- 14nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-11600T
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GERival
Low Power Desktop
Higher sustained performance if you can accommodate 65W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12500TAlt
Better IPC and efficiency on the newer platform.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Significantly faster integrated graphics for light gaming.
Cheaper, lower power alternative for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head- Apple Mac Mini M1Alt
Different ecosystem but similar target for compact efficiency.
Intel Core i7-8700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8670TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Similar performance, newer generation.
If you have the cooling for 65W, it's much faster.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and IPC.
Our Verdict on Each
An outstanding choice for thermally constrained and silent builds, offering robust burst performance and UHD 750 graphics at a mere 35W.
Best for: Building a quiet HTPC or compact home server
Read the full reviewAn outstanding 35W processor that doesn't compromise on core count, perfect for silent builds requiring strong multi-threaded capability.
Best for: Building a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC for silent operation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-11600T or Intel Core i7-8700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700T 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 i5-11600T or Intel Core i7-8700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700T leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-11600T and Intel Core i7-8700T.
Do Intel Core i5-11600T and Intel Core i7-8700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-11600T: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i7-8700T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-11600T (7,800), Intel Core i7-8700T (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.