Quick Verdict
A solid, budget-friendly 6-core mobile CPU that balances power and efficiency for everyday gaming and productivity.
Overview
Launch
2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-11260H is a mid-range mobile processor engineered on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, designed to power the latest generation of high-performance laptops. Released in May 2021, this 10nm chip features 6 cores and 12 threads, making it a capable contender for both demanding productivity tasks and modern gaming. Operating with a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it strikes a balance between single-threaded responsiveness and multi-threaded grunt. With a default TDP of 35W, configurable up to 45W, it is tailored for thin-and-light gaming rigs and creator notebooks. The inclusion of 12MB of L3 cache and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes ensures swift data access and ample bandwidth for dedicated GPUs and fast NVMe storage. While it lacks the highest clock speeds of its i7 siblings, the i5-11260H remains a highly efficient workhorse, delivering excellent value for users who need solid performance without stepping into enthusiast pricing territories.
Featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and PCIe 4.0 support, the i5-11260H offers reliable performance for budget-conscious gamers and creators needing a capable mobile workhorse.
Specifications
Performance
Handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently.
Adequate for basic virtual machine workloads.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio thanks to the 10nm process.
- •Handles 1080p gaming well with a discrete GPU
- •May struggle with CPU-heavy titles at ultra settings
- •Good foundation for budget gaming laptops
- •Includes AVX-512 for basic AI tasks
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •Suitable for light inference workloads
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-11260H is built upon Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, utilizing the Tiger Lake-H microarchitecture. This represents a significant shift from the 14nm Sky Lake derivatives, bringing enhanced power efficiency and higher transistor density. The processor utilizes the Willow Cove core design, which improves upon Sunny Cove by refining the cache structure, thereby increasing L2 and L3 cache bandwidth. With 6 cores and 12 threads facilitated by Hyper-Threading, the chip handles parallel workloads adeptly. It supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory, providing substantial memory bandwidth for integrated and discrete graphics alike. Furthermore, the architecture introduces 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU, a first for Intel mobile platforms, enabling direct communication with high-speed GPUs and SSDs. The integrated UHD Graphics operates at frequencies up to 1400MHz, handling basic display outputs efficiently. AVX-512 instruction set support further accelerates specialized workloads like cryptography and complex mathematical computations, making this architecture highly versatile.
CPU Design
Willow Cove cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200 support.
PCIe & I/O
20 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, not suitable for manual overclocking.
- Higher core count (6 vs 4)
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 10nm process for better efficiency
Key Highlights
- Good 6-core, 12-thread performance
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Power-efficient 10nm node
- Supports high-speed DDR4-3200 memory
- Locked multiplier
- Lower clock speeds than i7 variants
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Basic integrated graphics
History
The Core i5-11260H emerged during a critical transitional period for Intel. Announced in May 2021 alongside the broader Tiger Lake-H lineup, it marked Intel's aggressive push to reclaim performance leadership in the mobile sector. Prior to this, Intel's mobile high-performance segment relied heavily on the 14nm Comet Lake-H architecture, which was struggling to match AMD's Ryzen 4000 series in efficiency.
The introduction of the 10nm SuperFin process addressed these shortcomings, delivering tangible improvements in power-to-performance ratios. Positioned as an entry point into the H-series, the 11260H targeted budget-conscious gamers and creators who desired next-generation features like PCIe 4.0 without paying an i7 premium.
It served as a foundational model for mid-range gaming laptops during the 2021-2022 cycle, bridging the gap until Raptor Lake's eventual release. Its release solidified Intel's 10nm foothold in the high-performance mobile market.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher core count (6 vs 4)
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 10nm process for better efficiency
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Intel Core i5-11260H remains a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable mobile processor. If you are in the market for a mid-range gaming laptop or a creator notebook priced under $1000, this processor provides excellent bang for your buck. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration is still highly relevant for modern multitasking, moderate video editing, and mainstream gaming when paired with an RTX 3050 or RX 6600M. However, if your workflow involves heavy 3D rendering or intense streaming, stepping up to an i7 or a newer Ryzen 7 might yield better long-term value. When evaluating laptops with this chip, ensure the cooling solution is robust, as thermal throttling can significantly impact sustained performance. Overall, for students and casual creators, the i5-11260H delivers a well-rounded experience that shouldn't be overlooked.
Avoid if…
- You need 8 cores for heavy 3D rendering
- You want DDR5 memory support
- You require top-tier single-core performance
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-11260H is the lowest-tier H-series processor in the 11th Gen mobile lineup.
It was released on the exact same day as the rest of the Tiger Lake-H family, May 11, 2021.
Despite being a 10nm chip, it has a relatively large die size of 190 mm².
It utilizes the BGA 1787 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard.
The integrated UHD Graphics have a dynamic frequency ranging from 350 MHz to 1400 MHz.
It shares the exact same 12MB L3 cache as the more expensive i7 variants.
The processor supports Intel's Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0.
It features 1.25MB of L2 cache per core, a significant increase over previous generations.
The base clock of 2.1 GHz is conservatively set to maintain the 35W TDP.
It supports Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) for enhanced AI inference.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i5-11260H good for gaming?
Yes, it performs well in mid-range gaming laptops when paired with a dedicated GPU.
What is the difference between i5-11260H and i5-11400H?
The 11400H has slightly higher base and boost clock speeds.
Can the i5-11260H handle video editing?
Yes, its 6 cores and 12 threads are adequate for 1080p and light 4K editing.
What is the die size of the i5-11260H?
The die size is 190 mm².
Does the i5-11260H support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
What process node is the i5-11260H built on?
It is built on Intel's 10nm process.
What is the max memory speed supported?
It supports memory speeds up to 3200 MT/s.
Is the i5-11260H unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the all-core turbo frequency?
The all-core turbo is up to 4.0 GHz.
What chipsets are compatible with the i5-11260H?
It is compatible with QM580, HM570, and WM590 chipsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core i5-11260H support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0 directly from the CPU.
What is the base TDP of the i5-11260H?
The base TDP is 35W, but it is configurable up to 45W.
What memory type does the Core i5-11260H use?
It supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory.
Does the i5-11260H have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel UHD Graphics.
How many cores and threads does the i5-11260H have?
It features 6 cores and 12 threads.
What socket is used for the Core i5-11260H?
It uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket.
Can you overclock the Core i5-11260H?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What is the maximum turbo frequency?
It can boost up to 4.4 GHz.
What generation is the i5-11260H?
It is an 11th Generation Tiger Lake-H processor.
Does it support AVX-512 instructions?
Yes, the Tiger Lake-H architecture includes AVX-512 support.