CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Core i7-11700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700B is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor built on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, exclusively featured in the NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon'.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sustains high all-core clocks due to the 65W desktop TDP.
Strong application performance thanks to high clocks and IPC improvements.
Gaming
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
Excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance, trading blows with AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X.
Virtualization
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
16 threads handle virtualization well, but lacks quad-channel memory of HEDT.
Efficiency
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
Power draw can exceed 250W under all-core load; efficiency lags behind TSMC 7nm nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
- AVX-512 support accelerates specific workloads
- DL Boost for AI inference
- Limited by 14nm power scaling under sustained load
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Exceptional single-core speed
- Low latency for competitive gaming
- PCIe 4.0 benefits high-end GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent single-core and gaming performance
- 19% IPC uplift over 10th Gen
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for storage and GPUs
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Drop-in upgrade for LGA 1200 motherboards
- AVX-512 instruction support
Cons
- High power consumption under multi-core loads
- Runs very hot under heavy stress
- 14nm process is stretched to its limits
- End-of-life platform with no future upgrade path
- Stock cooler not included
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-11700K
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XRival
Desktop
Better efficiency, more cores, and DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Superior gaming performance with 3D V-Cache.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Incredible budget value with similar gaming performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Modern AM5 platform with great efficiency.
Massive multi-core and gaming leap over 11700K.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA powerful 8-core CPU with excellent single-core speeds and PCIe 4.0, though its 14nm process runs hot and draws significant power under heavy load.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 system without buying a new motherboard.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-11700B or Core i7-11700K?
For gaming, the Core i7-11700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-11700B and Core i7-11700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11700B has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11700B (65 W), Core i7-11700K (125 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11700B and Core i7-11700K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787, Core i7-11700K: Intel Socket 1200), 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), Core i7-11700K (18,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.