CPU Comparison
Core i5-11400 vs Intel Core i7-11700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11400 is a mainstream desktop processor that brought next-generation features to the budget segment with the Rocket Lake-S architecture. Launched in March 2021, this 6-core, 12-thread chip operates on a 14nm process but utilizes the Cypress Cove microarchitecture to deliver improved IPC over the 10th Gen. With a base clock of 2.6 GHz and a boost up to 4.4 GHz, it offers solid performance for both gaming and productivity. The standard 65W TDP makes it compatible with a wide range of cooling solutions. A major highlight is the inclusion of 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, enabling faster storage and GPU communication without stepping up to a more expensive motherboard. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 provides basic display functionality, though it is not intended for gaming. For budget-conscious builders, the i5-11400 became an instant favorite, offering an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio that made it a staple in entry-level gaming rigs and home office builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday multitasking and creator workloads efficiently.
8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.
Gaming
Excellent gaming performance, minimizing bottlenecks for RTX 3060/RX 6600 class GPUs.
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Virtualization
Good for running light virtual machines.
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
Efficiency
14nm process is less efficient than newer nodes, drawing more power under load.
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support included
- Good for basic CPU-based AI tasks
- No dedicated AI hardware
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Fantastic 1080p gaming performance
- Pairs perfectly with budget GPUs
- Good single-core boost speeds
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Good IPC improvements
- Includes integrated graphics (UHD 730)
Cons
- 14nm process is power-hungry under load
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform (LGA 1200)
- Runs warm compared to newer architectures
Pros
- Includes UHD 750 integrated graphics
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Good single-core performance
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is power-hungry under load
- End-of-life LGA 1200 platform
- Runs warm compared to 10nm chips
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11400
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
A newer 12th gen alternative with better single-core performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Excellent alternative with strong multi-core performance.
Slightly cheaper alternative if you already have a dedicated GPU.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
A much faster, next-generation alternative.
A great budget alternative for pure gaming.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-11700
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture, better efficiency, and similar performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value and power efficiency.
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior multi-core and gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More efficient 8-core alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
An exceptional value desktop CPU that brought PCIe 4.0 and strong IPC to the budget market.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-11400 remains an incredibly smart purchase for budget PC builders, especially on the used market. If you are assembling a 1080p gaming rig or a general-purpose home PC and want to keep costs low, this processor offers phenomenal value. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration is more than sufficient for modern games when paired with a mid-range GPU. Because it is not unlocked, you should pair it with a B560 or H570 motherboard to at least allow memory overclocking, maximizing its potential. However, if you are buying brand new components, you might find better overall efficiency and upgradeability with a 12th Gen Alder Lake i5-12400F or a Ryzen 5 7600. Still, for under $100 on the secondhand market, the i5-11400 is an absolute steal that will comfortably handle everyday computing and mainstream gaming for years to come.
Read the full reviewA well-rounded 8-core CPU that offers great everyday performance and integrated graphics, though it lags in efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 PC and wanting integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11400 or Intel Core i7-11700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-11400 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i5-11400 or Intel Core i7-11700?
For gaming, the Core i5-11400 leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i5-11400 and Intel Core i7-11700.
Do Core i5-11400 and Intel Core i7-11700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-11400: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11700 has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-11400 (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11700 (8 cores).