CPU Comparison
Core i5-11260H vs Intel Core i7-11800H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11260H is a mid-range mobile processor engineered on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, designed to power the latest generation of high-performance laptops. Released in May 2021, this 10nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, making it a capable contender for both demanding productivity tasks and modern gaming. Operating with a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it strikes a balance between single-threaded responsiveness and multi-threaded grunt. With a default TDP of 35W, configurable up to 45W, it is tailored for thin-and-light gaming rigs and creator notebooks. The inclusion of 12MB of L3 cache and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes ensures swift data access and ample bandwidth for dedicated GPUs and fast NVMe storage. While it lacks the highest clock speeds of its i7 siblings, the i5-11260H remains a highly efficient workhorse, delivering excellent value for users who need solid performance without stepping into enthusiast pricing territories.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently.
Blazes through heavy multi-threaded applications like Premiere Pro and Blender.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Consistently high frame rates in modern titles, limited only by the discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Adequate for basic virtual machine workloads.
16 threads make it highly capable for local VMs and containerized development.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio thanks to the 10nm process.
Consumes more power than newer 12th Gen Alder Lake parts under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Includes AVX-512 for basic AI tasks
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Suitable for light inference workloads
- Capable of running medium-sized local AI models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles 1080p gaming well with a discrete GPU
- May struggle with CPU-heavy titles at ultra settings
- Good foundation for budget gaming laptops
- Massive 24MB L3 cache boosts game performance significantly
- Handles CPU-bound titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator well
- Pairs perfectly with RTX 3060 and 3070 mobile GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good 6-core, 12-thread performance
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Power-efficient 10nm node
- Supports high-speed DDR4-3200 memory
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lower clock speeds than i7 variants
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Basic integrated graphics
Pros
- Excellent 8-core, 16-thread performance
- Massive 24MB L3 cache significantly boosts gaming
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage and GPUs
- Competitive single-core clock speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 35W base TDP can run hot in poorly cooled laptops
- Does not support DDR5 or LPDDR5
- Surpassed by 12th Gen Alder Lake in hybrid efficiency
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11260H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11370HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
Offers slightly higher clock speeds for a marginal price increase.
For users needing 8 cores for heavier workloads.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-11300HAlt
A lower power option (28W) for thinner laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HAlt
Superior multi-core performance for demanding creators.
Intel Core i7-11800H
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
ARM Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
Better for thin-and-light laptops if 8 cores are not needed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
A budget-friendly alternative with 6 cores that performs well in gaming.
A newer generation with significantly better multi-core performance via a hybrid architecture.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A solid, budget-friendly 6-core mobile CPU that balances power and efficiency for everyday gaming and productivity.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-11260H remains a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable mobile processor. If you are in the market for a mid-range gaming laptop or a creator notebook priced under $1000, this processor provides excellent bang for your buck. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration is still highly relevant for modern multitasking, moderate video editing, and mainstream gaming when paired with an RTX 3050 or RX 6600M. However, if your workflow involves heavy 3D rendering or intense streaming, stepping up to an i7 or a newer Ryzen 7 might yield better long-term value. When evaluating laptops with this chip, ensure the cooling solution is robust, as thermal throttling can significantly impact sustained performance. Overall, for students and casual creators, the i5-11260H delivers a well-rounded experience that shouldn't be overlooked.
Read the full reviewA massive leap for Intel's mobile lineup, offering excellent 8-core multi-threaded performance and strong single-core speeds for gaming.
Best for: Buying a discounted 11th Gen gaming laptop for high-end 1080p/1440p gaming
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11260H or Intel Core i7-11800H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11800H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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, Core i5-11260H or Intel Core i7-11800H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11800H leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Core i5-11260H and Intel Core i7-11800H.
Do Core i5-11260H and Intel Core i7-11800H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1787 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11800H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-11260H (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11800H (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11800H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11800H (18,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.