CPU Comparison
Core i5-11320H vs Intel Core i7-11390H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11320H is a mobile processor that blurs the line between thin-and-light portability and enthusiast performance. Released in June 2021 as part of the Tiger Lake-H family, it is designed for thinner gaming laptops and creator devices. Unlike standard U-series chips, the 11320H packs a 28W TDP, allowing for higher sustained performance. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process. What makes this SKU particularly interesting is its integrated graphics; it boasts Intel Iris Xe graphics with 96 Execution Units, the highest configuration available for an i5 at the time. This makes it uniquely capable for a chip without a dedicated GPU. With a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a max turbo of 4.5 GHz, it delivers snappy single-threaded performance, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious creators and gamers.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fast single-core performance makes everyday tasks feel instant.
The 4.6 GHz all-core boost makes it feel exceptionally snappy in daily tasks.
Gaming
Impressive for integrated graphics; can play older AAA and eSports titles well.
High frame rates in CPU-bound esports titles, limited in modern AAA by 4 cores.
Virtualization
4 cores limit heavy VM workflows, but adequate for one or two instances.
4 cores restrict heavy VM usage, but fine for light containerization.
Efficiency
28W TDP is efficient for an H-series but runs warmer than U-series.
28W TDP is well-optimized, though sustaining 5.0 GHz requires good cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA 2.0 for AI noise cancellation and background blur
- Includes Intel DL Boost
- 4 cores limit local AI inference performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- 96 EUs provide a noticeable step up over 80 EUs
- Can play GTA V, CS:GO, and Valorant easily
- 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
- Powerful 96EU Iris Xe graphics
- High 4.5 GHz turbo boost
- 28W TDP allows for sustained performance
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Good single-core speed
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- No DDR5 support
- 10nm process is now outdated
- 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 i5-11320H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11375HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11300HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
6-core variant within the same generation for better multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Lower TDP alternative with similar graphics if you want an ultrabook.
Newer Alder Lake chip with 8 cores for significantly better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
More efficient and offers 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 unique Tiger Lake chip that offers the best integrated graphics Intel had to offer, perfect for budget creators.
Best for: Budget creator or gaming 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 i5-11320H 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 i5-11320H or Intel Core i7-11390H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11390H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i5-11320H and Intel Core i7-11390H.
Do Core i5-11320H 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 i5-11320H (0), Intel Core i7-11390H (11,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.