CPU Comparison
Core i5-11400T vs Intel Core i7-11700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11400T is a low-power desktop processor based on the Rocket Lake-S architecture, designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs and compact office setups. Released in March 2021, this 14nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, providing a balance of multitasking capability and energy efficiency. With a remarkably low base frequency of 1.3 GHz and a maximum turbo of 3.7 GHz, it is tailored for environments where thermal constraints and power consumption are primary concerns. The processor operates at a TDP of just 35W, significantly lower than the standard 65W desktop models. It includes 12MB of L3 cache and supports PCIe 4.0 with 20 lanes, allowing for high-speed storage and expansion even in compact builds. While not intended for high-end gaming, the i5-11400T is perfectly suited for home theater PCs (HTPCs), office workstations, and entry-level systems where quiet operation and low heat output are prioritized over raw computational power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well, but slower for heavy processing.
Handles office tasks and moderate compilation well, but slows down in sustained all-core workloads.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern gaming due to low base clock.
The low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-heavy games unless the turbo is aggressively sustained.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by clocks.
8 cores are nice, but power limits throttle heavy VM deployments.
Efficiency
Exceptional power efficiency with a 35W TDP.
Outstanding efficiency, drawing minimal power at idle and under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support included
- Low clocks limit AI inference performance
- Not recommended for machine learning
- Not suitable for heavy AI workloads due to power throttling
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock heavily bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable only for older or 2D games
- Best paired with low-end discrete graphics or iGPU
- Low base clock affects minimum FPS
- Fine for casual or older games
- Pair with a low-power GPU for best results
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- 6 cores for solid multitasking
- Quiet operation potential
Cons
- Very low base clock (1.3 GHz)
- Not suitable for gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Uses older 14nm process
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Includes 8 cores and 16 threads
- Built-in UHD 750 graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
Cons
- Very low base clock of 1.4 GHz
- End-of-life platform
- Overpriced compared to 65W variants
- Throttles quickly under sustained load
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GERival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-10400TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-10100TRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300GERival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
Offers higher base clocks and 65W TDP for better performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Much better integrated graphics and similar power efficiency.
Newer Alder Lake alternative with better single-core speed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
A newer 12th gen alternative with improved IPC and efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
A reliable budget APU with strong integrated graphics.
Intel Core i7-11700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
Newer architecture with better efficiency and performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better gaming performance and upgrade path.
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent low-TDP processor for SFF builds, offering 6 cores and PCIe 4.0 with minimal heat output.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-11400T is highly recommended for builders constructing a small form factor PC, home theater PC, or a silent office workstation. Its 35W TDP means it can be cooled passively or with a low-RPM fan, ensuring a completely silent computing experience. It is perfect for 1080p media playback, light office work, and web browsing. However, it is not advisable for gaming or heavy content creation, as its low base clock of 1.3 GHz will bottleneck modern GPUs and slow down rendering tasks significantly. If your primary goal is a compact, energy-efficient system that runs 24/7 without generating excess heat, the 11400T is an excellent choice. Just ensure you pair it with fast NVMe storage to leverage the PCIe 4.0 lanes, maximizing system responsiveness for everyday tasks.
Read the full reviewGreat for specialized SFF builds needing 8 cores at 35W, but the low base clock heavily limits out-of-the-box performance compared to 65W parts.
Best for: Building a PC inside a severely thermally constrained Mini-ITX case.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11400T or Intel Core i7-11700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-11400T comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i5-11400T or Intel Core i7-11700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700T leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i5-11400T and Intel Core i7-11700T.
Do Core i5-11400T and Intel Core i7-11700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-11400T: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i7-11700T: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11700T has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-11400T (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11700T (8 cores).