Quick Verdict
A unique desktop part offering excellent 8-core performance and PCIe 4.0 in a specialized NUC form factor, though limited by its proprietary platform.
Overview
Launch
May 11th, 2021
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-11700B is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor built on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, exclusively featured in the NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon'.
The i7-11700B brings 8 Willow Cove cores and 16 threads to the desktop space via Intel's Compute Element design. Operating at a 65W TDP, it boosts up to 4.8 GHz and features 24MB of L3 cache.
It includes 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, allowing for full-size desktop GPUs in the compact Beast Canyon chassis. While architecturally similar to the mobile i7-11800H, it is optimized for sustained desktop workloads and continuous cooling.
Specifications
Performance
Sustains high all-core clocks due to the 65W desktop TDP.
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
- •24MB L3 cache provides a noticeable boost in CPU-bound games
- •PCIe 4.0 ensures no bottleneck with modern desktop GPUs
- •Pairs well with RTX 3060 and 3070 in NUC form factors
- •AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- •8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-H
Codename
8C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i7-11700B utilizes the same 190 mm² Tiger Lake-H die as the mobile i7-11800H, but repackaged for the desktop NUC Compute Element.
CPU Design
Features 8 Willow Cove cores and 16 threads. The base clock is a high 3.2 GHz, and it sustains a 4.3 GHz all-core turbo under desktop cooling.
Memory Subsystem
Supports dual-channel DDR4-3200, which is standard for the 11th Gen Tiger Lake platform.
PCIe & I/O
Provides 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, essential for connecting a desktop discrete GPU and fast NVMe storage within the NUC chassis.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, but the 65W TDP ensures strong out-of-the-box sustained performance.
- Higher IPC (Willow Cove vs Comet Lake)
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Larger L3 cache (24MB vs 16MB)
Key Highlights
- Excellent 8-core desktop performance
- 24MB L3 cache boosts gaming
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Fits in an ultra-compact NUC form factor
- Proprietary Compute Element socket
- No CPU upgrade path
- End-of-life platform
- Locked multiplier
History
The Core i7-11700B was introduced in 2021 alongside the NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon'.</br>Intel took its 8-core mobile Tiger Lake-H silicon and repackaged it into a desktop compute cartridge.</br>This allowed the NUC to support full-size desktop GPUs and PCIe 4.
0 NVMe drives, bridging the gap between mini-PCs and full desktops.</br>The 11700B offered a significant upgrade over the previous NUC 9 Extreme's 9th Gen mobile CPUs.</br>While the Compute Element form factor was eventually retired, the 11700B remains a unique experiment in bringing high-performance mobile architecture to the desktop space.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher IPC (Willow Cove vs Comet Lake)
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Larger L3 cache (24MB vs 16MB)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a used NUC 11 Extreme for a compact, powerful living room gaming PC
Avoid if…
- You want a standard ATX/Micro-ATX build
- You need a CPU upgrade path
- You require DDR5 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'B' suffix denotes it is a desktop part based on mobile silicon.
It is soldered directly onto the NUC 11 Extreme compute board.
Features a base clock of 3.2 GHz, higher than the mobile i7-11800H.
The 65W TDP allows for higher sustained all-core boosts than mobile counterparts.
Exclusive to the NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon' (NUC11BTMi7).
Features Intel vPro and SIPP support despite being a consumer-focused NUC part.
Supports AVX-512 instructions.
The compute element can be removed from the chassis like a cartridge.
Uses the same 190 mm² die as the 11800H.
Features UHD Graphics (Xe-LP) with 32 Execution Units.
People Also Ask
What is the Intel Core i7-11700B?
It is an 8-core desktop processor based on Tiger Lake-H silicon, made exclusively for the Intel NUC 11 Extreme.
What socket does the i7-11700B use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1787 socket, soldered onto the NUC compute element.
Can you upgrade the i7-11700B?
You can upgrade the entire compute element to an i9-11900KB, but the CPU itself cannot be swapped individually.
How many cores does the i7-11700B have?
It has 8 physical cores and 16 threads.
What is the TDP of the i7-11700B?
The TDP is 65W, with a configurable TDP-down of 55W.
Is the i7-11700B good for gaming?
Yes, its high clock speeds and 24MB cache make it excellent for gaming.
Does the i7-11700B support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0.
What is the max turbo of the i7-11700B?
The maximum turbo boost is 4.8 GHz.
Is the i7-11700B unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked. The i9-11900KB is the unlocked version.
When was the i7-11700B released?
It was released on May 11th, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i7-11700B?
The base clock is 3.2 GHz.
What is the all-core turbo of the i7-11700B?
The all-core turbo is up to 4.3 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-11700B have?
It features 24MB of L3 cache.
What NUC uses the i7-11700B?
It is used in the Intel NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon' (NUC11BTMi7).
Does the i7-11700B support AVX-512?
Yes, it supports AVX-512 instructions.
What integrated graphics does the i7-11700B use?
It uses Intel UHD Graphics (Xe-LP).
Does the i7-11700B come with a cooler?
It is bundled with cooling integrated into the NUC compute element.
What memory does the i7-11700B support?
It supports DDR4-3200 memory.
Is the i7-11700B still in production?
No, it is listed as End-of-life.
What chipsets support the i7-11700B?
It is compatible with Z590, QM580, HM570, and WM590 chipsets.