Quick Verdict
A top-tier i5 mobile CPU offering excellent clock speeds and superior integrated graphics for creators.
Overview
Launch
2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-11500H is a step-up mobile processor within the Tiger Lake-H series, designed to offer enhanced performance for demanding gaming and creator laptops. Launched in May 2021, this 10nm processor features 6 cores and 12 threads, but distinguishes itself with higher clock speeds, boasting a 2.4 GHz base and boosting up to 4.6 GHz. This makes it one of the fastest i5 mobile chips of its generation. With a base TDP of 35W configurable up to 45W, it is built for thicker chassis that can handle sustained performance loads. The chip comes with 12MB of Intel Smart Cache and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, ensuring robust bandwidth for dedicated GPUs and fast storage. Unlike lower-tier i5s, it also features the UHD Graphics 750 with Xe architecture, providing better integrated graphics performance. For users seeking near-i7 performance at an i5 price, the 11500H strikes an excellent balance.
With 6 cores, 12 threads, and Intel UHD Graphics 750, the i5-11500H delivers near-i7 performance for gaming laptops and creator notebooks.
Specifications
Performance
Handles heavy multitasking and creator workloads with ease.
Solid performance for running multiple VMs.
Excellent performance in modern titles, minimizing bottlenecks for mid-to-high end GPUs.
Good efficiency, though it draws more power at max turbo.
- •Minimizes bottlenecks for RTX 3060/3070 mobile GPUs
- •High single-core boost for CPU-heavy games
- •Smooth high-refresh-rate 1080p experience
- •AVX-512 support accelerates AI tasks
- •Intel DL Boost for deep learning
- •GNA 2.0 for voice processing
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-11500H utilizes the advanced Tiger Lake-H architecture, manufactured on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process. At its heart lies the Willow Cove core design, which improves frequency capabilities and power efficiency compared to the older Sunny Cove. The processor integrates 12MB of L3 cache, reducing latency and feeding data to the cores rapidly during intense workloads. A key differentiator for the 11500H is its inclusion of the UHD Graphics 750, based on Intel's Xe graphics architecture, offering 32 Execution Units (EUs) that provide significantly better graphical output than basic UHD models. It maintains dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory support and offers 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for direct connection to high-speed peripherals. The architecture also supports AVX-512 instructions, accelerating complex computational tasks like AI processing and cryptography, making the 11500H a highly versatile chip for both gaming and professional workloads.
CPU Design
6 Willow Cove cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200.
PCIe & I/O
20 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; no manual overclocking.
- Higher max turbo (4.6 GHz vs 4.0 GHz)
- Upgraded to Xe UHD 750 graphics
- Added PCIe 4.0 support
Key Highlights
- High 4.6 GHz turbo clock
- Superior UHD Graphics 750 (Xe 32 EUs)
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Includes vPro support for business
- Locked multiplier
- High power draw under full load (45W)
- Soldered to motherboard
- Still limited to DDR4
History
The Core i5-11500H was introduced in May 2021 as the premium i5 offering in Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake-H mobile lineup. Its release was part of Intel's strategy to offer more granular performance tiers, giving consumers an option that bridged the gap between standard i5s and the more expensive i7s. Unlike the 11260H and 11400H, the 11500H featured enhanced integrated graphics (UHD 750), making it more appealing for creator laptops that might not always utilize a discrete GPU.
Throughout 2021, it was commonly found in higher-end mid-range gaming laptops and mobile workstations, often paired with RTX 3060 or RTX 3070 GPUs. The processor represented Intel's commitment to maximizing the potential of their 10nm process, delivering higher clock speeds and better overall performance to stay competitive against AMD's Ryzen 7 mobile offerings, ensuring Intel remained a top choice for mobile gamers.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher max turbo (4.6 GHz vs 4.0 GHz)
- Upgraded to Xe UHD 750 graphics
- Added PCIe 4.0 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Intel Core i5-11500H is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance mobile processor without paying the premium of an i7. If you are considering a used or refurbished gaming laptop from 2021-2022, this processor offers exceptional value, delivering near top-tier single-core speeds that are highly beneficial for gaming. It is particularly attractive for content creators who can leverage the Xe-based UHD 750 integrated graphics for quick encodes and basic graphical tasks. However, buyers should ensure that the laptop's cooling system is adequate, as the 45W configurable TDP can generate significant heat under load. For new purchases, comparing it against newer 12th or 13th Gen i5s is advisable, as the newer generations offer better efficiency. Nonetheless, for a budget gaming rig or creator notebook, the 11500H remains a highly capable and cost-effective processor.
Avoid if…
- You need DDR5 memory support
- Your laptop has inadequate cooling
- You require 8 cores for extreme multi-threading
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-11500H is the only i5 in the Tiger Lake-H mobile lineup to feature UHD Graphics 750.
The UHD Graphics 750 is based on Intel's Xe architecture with 32 Execution Units.
It supports Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for identifying the fastest core.
The processor supports up to 4 independent displays.
It was designed to offer near-i7 performance at a lower price point.
The chip includes Intel Deep Learning Boost for faster AI processing.
It features a Tcase max of 72°C, requiring robust cooling in laptops.
The 11500H supports Intel vPro Enterprise for business-grade security.
It shares the same 190 mm² die size as the rest of the Tiger Lake-H family.
The base frequency of 2.4 GHz is the highest among the 11th gen i5 mobile H-series chips.
People Also Ask
Is the i5-11500H better than the i5-11400H?
Yes, it has higher clock speeds and better integrated graphics.
Can the i5-11500H be used for video editing?
Yes, it is very capable for 1080p and 4K video editing.
What is the difference between i5-11500H and i7-11800H?
The i7 has 8 cores and higher clock speeds, while the i5 has 6 cores.
Does the i5-11500H support Thunderbolt?
Yes, it supports Thunderbolt 4 via the motherboard.
What is the Tjmax of the i5-11500H?
The maximum junction temperature is 100°C.
What socket does the i5-11500H use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket.
Is the i5-11500H good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
What is the all-core turbo frequency?
The all-core turbo is up to 4.2 GHz.
Can I overclock the i5-11500H?
No, it is not unlocked for multiplier overclocking.
Does the i5-11500H support vPro?
Yes, it includes vPro and SIPP features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What integrated graphics does the i5-11500H have?
It features Intel UHD Graphics 750.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-11500H?
It boosts up to 4.6 GHz.
Does the i5-11500H support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it has 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
What is the base TDP of the i5-11500H?
The base TDP is 35W, configurable up to 45W.
How many cores and threads does it have?
It has 6 cores and 12 threads.
What is the base clock speed?
The base clock is 2.4 GHz.
What memory type does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR4-3200.
Is the i5-11500H unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 12MB of L3 cache.
When was the i5-11500H released?
It was launched on May 11, 2021.