CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700T vs Core i7-12700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700T is a low-power desktop processor from the Rocket Lake-S family, released in March 2021. Featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, it is built on a 14nm process and designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs where thermal and power constraints are critical. With a base clock of just 1.4 GHz and a max turbo of 4.6 GHz, it operates at a strict 35W TDP. Despite the low power limit, it includes 16 MB of L3 cache and supports PCIe 4.0 with 20 lanes. It also features integrated UHD Graphics 750, making it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU. The 11700T is ideal for office environments, HTPCs, and compact builds that require reliable multi-threaded performance without the heat output of standard 65W or 125W desktop chips.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and moderate compilation well, but slows down in sustained all-core workloads.
12 cores handle heavy office workloads, compiling, and multitasking easily.
Gaming
The low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-heavy games unless the turbo is aggressively sustained.
Excellent when paired with a discrete GPU; the 35W base limit rarely bottlenecks modern games.
Virtualization
8 cores are nice, but power limits throttle heavy VM deployments.
Great for homelabs and running multiple VMs in a compact, power-efficient form factor.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency, drawing minimal power at idle and under load.
Outstanding idle power and low-heat operation, perfect for always-on devices.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Not suitable for heavy AI workloads due to power throttling
- 12 cores provide solid CPU inference
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Good for running local coding assistants
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock affects minimum FPS
- Fine for casual or older games
- Pair with a low-power GPU for best results
- Pairs perfectly with RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT in a mini-ITX case
- High boost clocks prevent severe bottlenecking
- UHD 770 iGPU is only a backup, not for real gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Includes 8 cores and 16 threads
- Built-in UHD 750 graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
Cons
- Very low base clock of 1.4 GHz
- End-of-life platform
- Overpriced compared to 65W variants
- Throttles quickly under sustained load
Pros
- Extremely low 35W base power
- 12 cores and 20 threads
- High 4.7 GHz boost clock
- Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
- Excellent basis for a quiet SFF PC
Cons
- Hard to find as a standalone retail part
- Locked multiplier
- Will throttle if the motherboard enforces strict 35W limits
- Low 1.4 GHz base clock
- UHD 770 graphics are weak for 3D workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-11700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
Newer architecture with better efficiency and performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better gaming performance and upgrade path.
Core i7-12700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600TRival
Low Power Desktop
Standard 65W version with higher base clocks and better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-12700TEAlt
Embedded variant with guaranteed long-term availability for industrial builds.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Alt
Much faster single-core, though higher base power for standard SFF builds.
Newer generation low-power option with similar multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
If you have the cooling capacity, offers vastly superior multi-core rendering.
Our Verdict on Each
Great for specialized SFF builds needing 8 cores at 35W, but the low base clock heavily limits out-of-the-box performance compared to 65W parts.
Best for: Building a PC inside a severely thermally constrained Mini-ITX case.
Read the full reviewA phenomenal low-power CPU for SFF builds, offering desktop-class hybrid performance with near-silent operation.
Best for: Building a high-end mini-ITX system for a living room or small office
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700T or Core i7-12700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-12700T comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 i7-11700T or Core i7-12700T?
For gaming, the Core i7-12700T leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-11700T and Core i7-12700T.
Do Intel Core i7-11700T and Core i7-12700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700T: LGA 1200, Core i7-12700T: Intel Socket 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-12700T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-11700T (8 cores), Core i7-12700T (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-12700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-12700T (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.