CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Intel Core i7-11850HE
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.
Excellent multi-threaded throughput for compiling and edge data processing.
Gaming
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
Capable of gaming if placed in a consumer chassis, but rarely used for such.
Virtualization
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
16 threads and vPro support make it ideal for edge virtualization.
Efficiency
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
35W base TDP is highly efficient for an 8-core industrial chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
- AVX-512 and DL Boost accelerate edge AI inferencing
- Can handle medium-sized local models
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
- Not intended for gaming, but architecture is identical to mobile i7-11800H
- Pairs well with discrete edge 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
- Long-term embedded availability
- 8 cores and 24MB L3 cache
- Intel vPro and SIPP support
- Configurable TDP for rugged environments
Cons
- Hard to source for consumers
- Locked multiplier
- BGA soldered, requiring specialized motherboards
- Does not support DDR5
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.
Intel Core i7-11850HE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2748Rival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544Rival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon W-11865MRival
Mobile Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Atom x6425ERival
Embedded Low-Power
For slightly higher clock speeds in an embedded form factor.
Compare head-to-headAnother embedded/NUC focused Tiger Lake-H part.
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 robust embedded processor offering excellent multi-threaded performance and long-term availability for industrial applications.
Best for: Designing industrial PCs or edge servers requiring long-term availability
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700B or Intel Core i7-11850HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11850HE comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-11700B or Intel Core i7-11850HE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700B leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i7-11850HE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11850HE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11700B (65 W), Intel Core i7-11850HE (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i7-11850HE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1787 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
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), Intel Core i7-11850HE (19,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.