CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Intel Core i9-11900
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.
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
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
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
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
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
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
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 is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
- 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
- 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 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
- 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
- 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 i7-11700B
- 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 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 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 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 i7-11700B or Intel Core i9-11900?
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 i7-11700B or Intel Core i9-11900?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700B leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-11900.
Do Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-11900 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787, 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 i7-11700B (19,500), Intel Core i9-11900 (22,350). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.