Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i7-11700

The Intel Core i5-10400 (Comet Lake S), introduced in the second quarter of 2020, is a mainstream processor for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

It is manufactured using the 14 nm process and features 6 cores, 12 threads, a Level 2 cache of 0 MB, and 12 MB of Level 3 cache. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 and PCIe 3.0 offer a solid foundation, with the maximum memory bandwidth limited to 43 GB/s. In performance tests, it shows basic performance.

In terms of price, it was an attractive, cost-effective option with a TDP that allows for simple cooling. It is the choice for users looking for a reliable processor for basic requirements. The Intel Core i7-11700 (Rocket Lake S), launched in the first quarter of 2021, targets more demanding users such as content creators and gamers.

Manufactured using the 14 nm process, this processor offers 8 cores, 16 threads, 4 MB of Level 2 cache, and 16 MB of Level 3 cache. With its Intel UHD Graphics 750, PCIe 4.0 support, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s, it significantly outperforms the Core i5-10400 in single-core and multi-core performance, with differences well over 10 percent.

This makes it more powerful for gaming and multi-threaded applications but potentially requires more robust cooling. It is recommended for users who desire higher performance and future-proofing.