CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700F vs Intel Core i7-12700F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700F is a standard desktop processor from the Rocket Lake-S generation, launched in March 2021. It features 8 cores and 16 threads built on Intel's 14nm process. The 'F' suffix denotes the absence of integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output. With a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a maximum turbo of 4.9 GHz, it delivers solid performance for gaming and productivity. The processor includes 16 MB of L3 cache and supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, providing excellent bandwidth for modern graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. Operating at a 65W TDP, it balances power consumption and performance, making it suitable for mid-tower builds with adequate cooling. The 11700F is a cost-effective option for users who already own a dedicated GPU and want strong multi-core capabilities without paying extra for onboard graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 cores handle standard productivity and multi-threaded rendering tasks efficiently.
Excellent multi-core scaling for video encoding and rendering.
Gaming
Performs well in modern titles, though slightly behind AMD's 5800X in heavily multi-threaded games.
Frames are identical to the i7-12700, limited only by the GPU.
Virtualization
16 threads and AVX-512 make it a solid host for local virtual machines.
Handles virtual machines well with 20 total threads.
Efficiency
The 14nm process is power-hungry compared to competing 7nm AMD chips.
Low idle power consumption when paired with efficient components.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support aids CPU-based AI tasks
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Requires discrete GPU for AI workloads
- CPU inference is capable but slower
Content Creation
Gaming
- Strong single-core boost clocks
- PCIe 4.0 prevents GPU bottlenecks
- Requires a dedicated GPU to function
- Requires discrete GPU
- High boost clocks ensure smooth gameplay
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Cheaper than the non-F variant
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Solid 4.9 GHz boost clock
Cons
- No integrated graphics (requires discrete GPU)
- 14nm process runs hot under load
- End-of-life LGA 1200 platform
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Cheaper than the i7-12700
- Identical CPU compute performance
- Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
- Excellent multi-core performance
- Includes a stock cooler
Cons
- No integrated graphics (requires discrete GPU)
- Locked multiplier
- Stock cooler struggles under heavy sustained loads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-11700F
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KFRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700KFRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Newer architecture, better gaming performance, and similar price.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value and power efficiency.
Includes integrated graphics for system troubleshooting.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More efficient 8-core alternative.
Intel Core i7-12700F
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12600KFRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700FRival
Desktop
Get this if you need integrated graphics as a backup.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
A more budget-friendly option for pure gaming.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Better pure gaming performance with 3D V-Cache.
Unlocked and similar price, though fewer cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XAlt
Strong single-core competitor on a newer platform.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid 8-core CPU for users who already have a dedicated GPU, offering good value, though newer 12th gen chips perform significantly better.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 system on a budget.
Read the full reviewIdentical to the i7-12700 but cheaper. The perfect choice if you are buying a dedicated graphics card anyway.
Best for: Gamers and creators buying a dedicated GPU who want to save money on the CPU.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700F or Intel Core i7-12700F?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-12700F 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.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-11700F or Intel Core i7-12700F?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-12700F leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700F and Intel Core i7-12700F.
Do Intel Core i7-11700F and Intel Core i7-12700F use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700F: LGA 1200, Intel Core i7-12700F: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-12700F has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-11700F (8 cores), Intel Core i7-12700F (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12700F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12700F (31,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.