CPU Comparison
Core i5-11300H vs Intel Core i7-11390H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11300H is a mobile processor designed for thin-and-light laptops that require a bit more performance than standard ultrabooks. Launched in January 2021 as part of the Tiger Lake-H family, it features 4 cores and 8 threads. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, it operates at a 28W TDP, which can be configured up to 35W. The chip has a base clock of 2.6 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz, ensuring snappy performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. While it shares the 4-core layout of the 11320H, it integrates Intel Iris Xe graphics with 80 Execution Units. This processor was aimed at the premium thin-and-light segment, offering a balance of single-threaded speed and integrated graphics power for users who needed more than a 15W U-series chip could provide.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clock speeds ensure smooth office and browsing performance.
The 4.6 GHz all-core boost makes it feel exceptionally snappy in daily tasks.
Gaming
80EU graphics are good for light gaming, but fall short of the 11320H's 96EU.
High frame rates in CPU-bound esports titles, limited in modern AAA by 4 cores.
Virtualization
4 cores can handle light VMs but will bottleneck quickly.
4 cores restrict heavy VM usage, but fine for light containerization.
Efficiency
28W TDP runs warmer than U-series but is manageable in thin chassis.
28W TDP is well-optimized, though sustaining 5.0 GHz requires good cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel GNA 2.0 for AI-accelerated background tasks
- Includes Intel DL Boost
- 4 cores limit local AI inference performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- 80EU Iris Xe is sufficient for Minecraft, Sims 4, and CS:GO
- Not recommended for modern AAA games
- 5.0 GHz boost is excellent for CS:GO and Valorant
- Higher all-core turbo helps maintain frame pacing
- 4 cores will bottleneck in highly threaded games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good single-core performance
- 28W TDP allows for sustained boosts
- 80EU Iris Xe graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Solid choice for everyday ultrabooks
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- No DDR5 support
- Slightly weaker graphics than the 11320H
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- 5.0 GHz single-core boost
- 4.6 GHz all-core turbo is excellent for a 4-core chip
- Iris Xe graphics with 1400 MHz boost
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Niche availability in laptops
- Base clock slightly lower than 11375H
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11300H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11370HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11320HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
A 15W alternative if you want better battery life.
Newer Alder Lake hybrid chip with 12 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
More efficient with comparable multi-core performance.
Intel Core i7-11390H
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11375HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
Newer 12th Gen architecture with better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-11320HAlt
A budget-friendly 4-core alternative with very close single-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better power efficiency for purely ultraportable use.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 4-core chip that brought H-series performance to thin-and-light laptops, though outclassed by newer generations.
Best for: Budget thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewEssentially a slightly tuned i7-11375H, offering excellent single-threaded performance but showing its age with only 4 cores.
Best for: Finding a thin-and-light laptop with excellent single-core snappiness
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11300H or Intel Core i7-11390H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11390H 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, Core i5-11300H or Intel Core i7-11390H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11390H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i5-11300H and Intel Core i7-11390H.
Do Core i5-11300H and Intel Core i7-11390H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11390H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-11300H (0), Intel Core i7-11390H (11,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.