CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Intel Core i7-12700
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.
Handles heavy multi-threaded workloads like rendering and compiling with ease.
Gaming
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
Pushes high framerates in modern titles without bottlenecking high-end GPUs.
Virtualization
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently thanks to 20 threads.
Efficiency
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
65W base power ensures low idle consumption and manageable heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
- Good for basic local AI inference
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware found in newer generations
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
- High single-core boost clocks
- Minimal stuttering due to E-core background task offloading
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 price-to-performance ratio
- Hybrid architecture boosts multitasking
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5
- Includes a stock cooler
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Stock cooler is inadequate for sustained loads
- High power draw under maximum turbo
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 i7-12700
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900KRival
Desktop
Slightly cheaper if you don't need integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Superior gaming performance due to 3D V-Cache.
Older generation but sufficient for basic office use.
Compare head-to-headHigher clocks and unlocked for enthusiasts.
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 reviewAn exceptionally well-balanced processor offering near-flagship multi-core performance at a highly competitive price point, making it the sweet spot for most users.
Best for: High-end gaming and productivity build without paying the K-series premium.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700B or Intel Core i7-12700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-12700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-11700B and Intel Core i7-12700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i7-12700: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-12700 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-11700B (8 cores), Intel Core i7-12700 (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11700B (19,500), Intel Core i7-12700 (32,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.