Quick Verdict
A highly balanced 6-core mobile CPU offering excellent mid-range performance for gaming and productivity.
Overview
Launch
2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-11400H is a high-performance mobile processor that sits comfortably in the mid-range tier of the Tiger Lake-H lineup. Released in May 2021, this 10nm chip is engineered to deliver robust performance for gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, it offers a base clock of 2.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz, ensuring snappy single-threaded performance for everyday applications and gaming. With a 35W base TDP that can be configured up to 45W, it is designed to balance power consumption and raw computational power. The processor is equipped with 12MB of L3 cache and supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0, enabling high-speed connectivity for dedicated graphics cards and rapid NVMe storage. While it shares the same core count as the i5-11260H, its slightly higher clock speeds provide a marginal edge in frame rates and rendering times, making it a popular choice for mid-tier gaming laptops.
Featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and up to 4.5 GHz turbo, the i5-11400H is a staple in mid-range gaming laptops, providing PCIe 4.0 support and solid multi-threaded performance.
Specifications
Performance
Easily handles heavy multitasking and office applications.
Capable of running light virtual machines efficiently.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Strong efficiency metrics due to the 10nm SuperFin node.
- •Ideal for RTX 3060 / RX 6600M tier laptops
- •Strong single-core boost speeds
- •Handles modern AAA titles at high settings
- •AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- •GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- •No dedicated NPU
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, the Core i5-11400H leverages Intel's 10nm SuperFin manufacturing process to achieve higher frequencies and improved power efficiency over previous 14nm generations. The Willow Cove microarchitecture at its core enhances performance through a redesigned cache hierarchy, boasting 1.25MB of L2 cache per core and 12MB of shared L3 cache. This design minimizes latency and maximizes data throughput for multi-threaded applications. Memory support includes dual-channel DDR4-3200, delivering ample bandwidth for integrated and discrete graphics solutions. A standout feature is the direct CPU attachment of 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, allowing for uncompromised communication with the latest GPUs and high-speed SSDs. The integrated UHD Graphics handle basic display tasks, clocking up to 1450MHz. Furthermore, the inclusion of AVX-512 instructions provides a significant boost for specialized workloads like scientific simulations and AI inference, making the architecture highly adaptable for diverse computing needs.
CPU Design
6 Willow Cove cores with 12 threads.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200.
PCIe & I/O
20 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; no manual CPU overclocking.
- 2 additional cores (6 vs 4)
- 10nm process vs 14nm
- PCIe 4.0 support added
Key Highlights
- Strong single-core performance
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Good power efficiency
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Only supports DDR4 (no DDR5)
- Basic integrated graphics
History
Launched in May 2021, the Core i5-11400H arrived at a crucial juncture for Intel, as the company sought to counter AMD’s highly successful Ryzen 5000 mobile series. As part of the 11th Generation Tiger Lake-H family, the 11400H represented Intel’s definitive shift to 10nm for high-performance mobile chips, leaving behind the thermal limitations of 14nm Comet Lake-H. This processor specifically targeted the sweet spot of the gaming laptop market, offering PCIe 4.
0 support and respectable clock speeds at a lower price point than the i7 variants. It became a staple in numerous mid-range gaming machines throughout 2021 and 2022, frequently paired with RTX 3060 GPUs. The i5-11400H effectively democratized high-performance mobile computing, allowing manufacturers to produce compelling budget-friendly laptops without sacrificing essential modern features like Gen 4 storage speeds.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 2 additional cores (6 vs 4)
- 10nm process vs 14nm
- PCIe 4.0 support added
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
If you are shopping for a mid-range gaming laptop from the 2021-2022 era, the Intel Core i5-11400H remains a highly viable option. It provides excellent value, delivering 6-core performance that easily handles modern games when paired with a mid-tier GPU like an RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3060. For students and casual content creators, this processor offers more than enough power for 1080p video editing and coding. However, if you are buying new today, you might find better efficiency and multi-threaded performance in newer Ryzen 6000 or 13th-gen Intel chips. When considering a laptop with the 11400H, prioritize models with robust cooling, as thermal throttling can limit its boost clocks. Overall, for budget buyers who don't need the absolute latest architecture, it remains a solid, cost-effective choice for everyday computing and gaming.
Avoid if…
- Buying a brand new laptop at full MSRP
- You require DDR5 memory
- You need 8+ cores for heavy rendering
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-11400H was one of the most popular CPUs used in mid-range 2021 gaming laptops.
It has a configurable TDP that allows manufacturers to prioritize either battery life or performance.
The integrated UHD graphics can boost up to 1450 MHz, slightly higher than the 11260H.
It supports Intel's Gaussian & Neural Accelerator (GNA) for efficient audio processing.
The chip's die area is 190 mm², which is quite large for a 10nm part.
It features hardware support for AVX-512 Deep Learning Boost.
The processor can address up to 128GB of DDR4 memory.
It is pin-compatible with other Tiger Lake-H processors on the BGA 1787 socket.
The part number for the processor is SRKT1.
It marked Intel's transition to 10nm for mainstream high-performance laptops.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-11400H better than the i5-11260H?
Yes, it offers slightly higher base and boost clocks.
Can the i5-11400H run Windows 11?
Yes, it fully supports Windows 11.
Is the i5-11400H good for 3D rendering?
It can handle moderate 3D rendering, though an i7 is better for heavy workloads.
What is the thermal junction max (Tjmax) of the i5-11400H?
The Tjmax is 100°C.
Does the i5-11400H support Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, Tiger Lake-H platforms generally support Thunderbolt 4.
What is the manufacturing process of the i5-11400H?
It is built on a 10nm process.
Can I upgrade the i5-11400H in my laptop?
No, it uses a BGA socket and is soldered to the board.
What is the all-core turbo speed?
The all-core turbo is up to 4.1 GHz.
Does the i5-11400H have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 12 threads across 6 cores.
What is the max memory bandwidth?
The max memory bandwidth is 51.2 GB/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max turbo clock of the i5-11400H?
It boosts up to 4.5 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i5-11400H have?
It has 12MB of shared L3 cache.
What is the base clock speed?
The base frequency is 2.2 GHz.
Does the i5-11400H support DDR4 memory?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR4-3200.
What is the default TDP?
The default TDP is 35W, configurable up to 45W.
Is the multiplier unlocked on the i5-11400H?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What generation is the i5-11400H?
It belongs to the 11th Gen Tiger Lake-H family.
How many PCIe lanes does it have?
It provides 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
What integrated graphics does it use?
It uses Intel UHD Graphics.
When was the i5-11400H released?
It was released on May 11, 2021.