CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700 vs Intel Core i7-11700B
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in March 2021 as part of the Rocket Lake-S family. It features 8 cores and 16 threads built on a 14nm process. With a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz, it delivers robust performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. The processor includes 16 MB of L3 cache and supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed connectivity. Unlike the 'F' variant, it includes integrated UHD Graphics 750, allowing for system operation without a dedicated GPU. Operating at a 65W TDP, it balances power and thermal output, making it suitable for a wide range of desktop chassis. The 11700 is a versatile chip, ideal for users who need strong multi-core performance and the safety net of integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.
Sustains high all-core clocks due to the 65W desktop TDP.
Gaming
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
Virtualization
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
Efficiency
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
- AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
- 24MB L3 cache provides a noticeable boost in CPU-bound games
- PCIe 4.0 ensures no bottleneck with modern desktop GPUs
- Pairs well with RTX 3060 and 3070 in NUC form factors
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent 8-core desktop performance
- 24MB L3 cache boosts gaming
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Fits in an ultra-compact NUC form factor
Cons
- Proprietary Compute Element socket
- No CPU upgrade path
- End-of-life platform
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-11700B
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
The higher-end unlocked version available for NUC 11 Extreme.
Compare head-to-head- Intel NUC 12 Extreme (i7-12700)Alt
The newer generation NUC with Alder Lake hybrid architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
If building a custom SFF PC with vastly superior gaming performance.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA unique desktop part offering excellent 8-core performance and PCIe 4.0 in a specialized NUC form factor, though limited by its proprietary platform.
Best for: Purchasing a used NUC 11 Extreme for a compact, powerful living room gaming PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700 or Intel Core i7-11700B?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11700B comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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, Intel Core i7-11700 or Intel Core i7-11700B?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700B leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700 and Intel Core i7-11700B.
Do Intel Core i7-11700 and Intel Core i7-11700B use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200, Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11700B posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11700B (19,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.