CPU Comparison

Core i7-10700 vs Intel Core i7-11700

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-10700 is a mainstream desktop processor from the 10th Gen Comet Lake family, launched in April 2020. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, a significant upgrade over previous i7 desktop models, making it highly capable for both gaming and productivity. Built on Intel's 14nm process, it operates at a 2.9 GHz base clock and boosts up to 4.8 GHz. Unlike the 'F' variant, it includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, allowing basic display output without a dedicated GPU. The 65W TDP rating ensures it runs cool and efficient under normal loads, though it can draw significantly more power during turbo boost. It utilizes the LGA 1200 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 2933 MT/s. While superseded by newer architectures, it remains a popular choice for budget-oriented builders upgrading older LGA 1201 systems or building entry-level workstations.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-10700
8C / 16T4.8 GHz65 W
8.2
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-11700
8C / 16T4.9 GHz65 W
7.8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
10th Generation Core i7
11th Generation
Launched
2020
2021
Status
Active
End-of-life
Codename
Comet Lake
Rocket Lake
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
10th Gen
Rocket Lake-S
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-9700
Intel Core i7-10700
Successor
Intel Core i7-11700
Intel Core i7-12700

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
8
8
Threads
16
16
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
2.5 GHz
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz
4.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
16 MB
16 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Comet Lake
Rocket Lake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
DDR4-2933
3200 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
LGA 1200
LGA 1200
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
16
20
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-10700Best90

16 threads handle heavy multitasking and office applications flawlessly.

Intel Core i7-1170086

8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.

Gaming

Core i7-10700Best90

Excellent gaming performance when paired with a dedicated GPU.

Intel Core i7-1170084

Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.

Virtualization

Core i7-10700Best85

8 cores provide ample resources for running multiple VMs.

Intel Core i7-1170082

Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.

Efficiency

Core i7-10700Best65

14nm process is less efficient than modern competitors under heavy load.

Intel Core i7-1170060

14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-10700Limited
  • No AI acceleration hardware
  • Relies on discrete GPU for AI
  • Standard CPU vector processing only
Intel Core i7-11700Moderate
  • AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
  • No dedicated NPU

Content Creation

Core i7-10700Very Good
Premiere ProPhotoshopOBS StudioUnity
Intel Core i7-11700Good
Premiere ProPhotoshopBlenderOBS Studio

Gaming

Core i7-10700Excellent
  • Strong single-core speeds
  • iGPU available for troubleshooting
  • PCIe 3.0 only
Intel Core i7-11700Very Good
  • Strong single-core boost speeds
  • Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
  • iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
1080p Gaming
Excellent
Software Development
Excellent
Light 3D Rendering
Good
Good
Media Consumption
Excellent
1440p Gaming
Very Good
Video Editing
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-10700

Pros

  • 8 cores and 16 threads
  • Includes UHD 630 integrated graphics
  • 65W base TDP
  • Excellent value in the used market
  • Wide motherboard compatibility

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • 14nm process runs hot under boost
  • PCIe 3.0 only
  • UHD 630 is very weak for gaming
Intel Core i7-11700

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 i7-10700

Intel Core i7-11700

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-10700Recommended

A highly reliable 8-core desktop CPU with integrated graphics, offering great value for general computing and mid-range gaming.

Best for: Building a budget office PC or upgrading an older LGA 1200 system.

Read the full review

A 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-10700 or Intel Core i7-11700?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-10700 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 i7-10700 or Intel Core i7-11700?

For gaming, the Core i7-10700 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i7-10700 and Intel Core i7-11700.

Do Core i7-10700 and Intel Core i7-11700 use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1200 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-10700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-10700 (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.