CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700 vs Intel Core i9-11900
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.
Solid for typical desktop workloads and moderate content creation; 8 cores handle multitasking well but fall behind higher-core Ryzen 9 and 12th/13th Gen Intel parts in heavily threaded workloads.
Gaming
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Smooth high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p and 1440p when paired with a modern GPU; single-core performance and high boost clocks keep it competitive, though newer CPUs and Zen 3/4 often pull ahead in CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
Adequate for light VM usage, but 8 cores without SMT-only efficiency cores limit how many VMs you can run comfortably compared to newer CPUs with more threads.
Efficiency
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
65 W TDP is modest for an 8-core high-end desktop CPU, but under multi-threaded boost the CPU can still draw substantial power and runs warm, reflecting the 14 nm process limits.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
- No dedicated NPU or AI accelerator; relies on CPU-based AVX-512 and DL Boost for AI workloads.
- Suitable only for lightweight CPU-based inference, not serious training or large-scale inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
- High single-core clocks and good IPC keep 1% lows strong in most games.
- PCIe 4.0 and ample CPU lanes benefit high-end GPU and NVMe configurations.
- Modern Ryzen 7/9 and 12th+ Gen Intel CPUs often deliver better performance per watt and per dollar.
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
- Strong single-threaded performance and high boost clocks for gaming and snappy response.
- 65 W TDP makes cooling and power budgeting easier than 125 W K-series.
- Integrated UHD Graphics 750 with Quick Sync Video for encode/decode.
- Native PCIe 4.0 and 20 CPU lanes for modern GPUs and fast NVMe storage.
- Good backward/forward compatibility with 400- and 500-series LGA1200 motherboards.
Cons
- Only 8 cores, trailing 10-core Comet Lake and 12+ core Ryzen alternatives in multi-threaded workloads.
- 14 nm Cypress Cove cores are large and power-hungry compared to newer 10 nm/7 nm designs.
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking headroom; enthusiasts should look at the i9-11900K.
- Platform (LGA1200) is end-of-life with no upgrade path beyond 11th Gen.
- Under multi-threaded loads, real power draw can significantly exceed 65 W TDP.
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 i9-11900
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Intel Core i7-11700KRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10900KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XRival
Enthusiast/Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer Alder Lake architecture with better efficiency and similar gaming performance at lower system cost.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Modern Zen 4 platform with DDR5, stronger multi-threaded performance, and better upgrade path.
Hybrid architecture with more threads and significantly better multi-threaded performance for similar or lower power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XAlt
Higher IPC and efficiency on AM5 with DDR5 and a longer platform lifespan.
Great value gaming CPU with no integrated graphics needed, offering strong modern performance on a newer platform.
Compare head-to-head
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 capable 8-core desktop CPU with excellent single-threaded performance and reasonable power consumption, but overshadowed by more efficient newer designs and by its own unlocked sibling.
Best for: Used or discounted LGA1200 gaming/build where you want strong single-threaded performance and integrated graphics without the 125 W TDP of the K-series.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700 or Intel Core i9-11900?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-11900 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i7-11700 and Intel Core i9-11900 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200, Intel Core i9-11900: FCLGA1200 (LGA1200)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-11900 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-11900 (22,350). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.