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Intel Core i5 11500 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$210
  • PassMark benchmark result: 17077
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.6 GHz

Intel Core i5 11500 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.5

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

5.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.5

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.5

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

7.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(139)
amazon
4.7
(33)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.7

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
  • intel-core-i5-11500
intel-core-i5-11500
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intel-core-i5-11500

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-11500 is an 11th Gen Rocket Lake desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with a 2.7 GHz base clock and a max turbo boost of 4.6 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with a 65W TDP, it includes 12MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports DDR4-3200 memory, and provides 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed connectivity. Its main advantages include a significant IPC improvement over previous generations, integrated UHD Graphics 750 (32 EUs) which is capable of 4K output and light gaming without a dedicated GPU, and solid multitasking performance for productivity and content creation. However, it lacks an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, can exhibit high peak power consumption of up to 154W under heavy turbo loads, and is limited to the older LGA 1200 socket, offering no upgrade path to newer DDR5-based platforms.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 11500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

5.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.5

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.5

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

5.5
Intel Core i5 11500 has a technical score of 5.51 points, which is higher than that of 55.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

7.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(139)
amazon
4.7
(33)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.6
Intel Core i5 11500 has a user score of 8.59 points, which is higher than that of 86.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
7.4
Intel Core i5 11500 has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 85.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.0
Intel Core i5 11500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 72.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 11500 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1200
Intel Core i5 11500 uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, Q470, Q570, W480, W580
Intel Core i5 11500 supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, Q470, Q570, W480, W580 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 64.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 11500 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
Intel Core i5 11500 has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

12
Intel Core i5 11500 offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i5 11500 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.6 GHz
Intel Core i5 11500 reaches a boost clock of 4.6 GHz which is higher than that of 62.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i5 11500 has a base clock of 6x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 11500 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 11500 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

12 MB
Intel Core i5 11500 has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

3 MB
Intel Core i5 11500 has an L2 cache of 3 MB which is larger than that of 50.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

480 KB
Intel Core i5 11500 has an L1 cache of 480 KB which is larger than that of 61.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i5 11500 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

3,200 MHz
Intel Core i5 11500 supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.5% of processors and equal to 8.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-3200 MHz
Intel Core i5 11500 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i5 11500 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 11500 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 750
Intel Core i5 11500 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 55.7% and equal to that in 1.2%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
Intel Core i5 11500 has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 11500 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 11500 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 85% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 11500 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 11500 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

154 W
Intel Core i5 11500 has a boost power of 154 W which is higher than that of 85.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i5 11500 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 11500 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 11500 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 11500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 11500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i5 11500 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core i5 11500 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 11500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 11500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 26% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,129 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,129 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,129 vs 2,483
  • 49.2% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,151 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,151 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.4,151 vs 2,783
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core i5 11500 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.20 vs 16
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 11500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 11500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i5 11500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 11500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 11500 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 26% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,129 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 49.2% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,151 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 62.1% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (17,077 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 51% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,237 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 18.6% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (574 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 11500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i5 11500 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 11500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 11500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 11500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 55.1% larger die size
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 2.41x higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (154 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 11500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2.41x higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (154 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (154 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.154 W vs 64 W
  • 55.1% larger die size
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².276 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 11500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 11500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 11500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
Total
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 11500 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
139 Reviews
amazon
4.7
33 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 11500?

  • Integrated Graphics: Features UHD 750, which is significantly better than the UHD 730 found in the i5-11400 and capable of 60+ FPS in light competitive games like CS:GO or Valorant.
  • Value: Often cited as good value for money, especially when paired with affordable B560 motherboards.
  • Productivity: 6 cores and 12 threads provide reliable multi-threaded performance for tasks like video editing and graphic design.
  • PCIe 4.0 Support: Includes support for high-speed Gen 4 SSDs and GPUs, future-proofing connectivity for its era.
  • Compatibility: Works well with standard DDR4 memory up to 3200 MT/s and is easy to install.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 11500?

  • Price/Performance vs i5-11400: Many reviewers suggest the cheaper i5-11400 offers nearly identical CPU performance, making the 11500 less ideal if you already have a dedicated GPU.
  • Power Consumption: Can draw up to 150W with unlocked power limits, which is higher than competing Ryzen chips.
  • Cooling Requirements: The stock cooler can be noisy, and high power draw under load may necessitate a better aftermarket cooling unit.
  • Competitive Alternatives: For high-refresh-rate competitive gaming, reviewers often recommend the Ryzen 5 5600X as a superior, though more expensive, option.
  • Locked Multiplier: The 'non-K' status means the multiplier is locked, limiting its appeal for enthusiasts who want to overclock.

Expert reviews

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-11500 BX8070811500 - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i5-11500 is a 6-core/12-thread 11th-gen "Rocket Lake" desktop processor utilizing the Cypress Cove architecture, offering solid mid-range performance with PCIe Gen 4.0 support and native DDR4-3200 memory support. A major advantage is the included Intel UHD Graphics 750 (32 EUs), which provides superior integrated performance over the i5-11400's UHD 730, making it...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-11500 @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks Would you like me to find gaming-specific performance comparisons for this CPU against other 11th-gen m...

The Intel Core i5-11500 is a 6-core, 12-thread 11th Gen "Rocket Lake" desktop processor (LGA 1200) offering solid mid-range performance for gaming and productivity. It features superior Intel UHD Graphics 750, providing better integrated graphics performance than the lower-tier i5-11400. Pros include roughly 11% higher single-thread performance over the previous generation, native...Read more

T
techteamgb.co.uk
14/07/2021
Intel i5-11500 Review – Better Buy Than 11400F?

The TechTeamGB review finds the Intel i5-11500 is a 6-core processor offering only marginal performance gains over the cheaper i5-11400F, with nearly identical all-core boost clocks. While synthetic single-threaded tasks show slight improvements, gaming and multi-threaded performance are effectively within the margin of error, making the 11500 a questionable upgrade for its higher...Read more

T
tweakers.net
30/03/2021
Intel 11th Gen 'Rocket Lake' Review (Including i5-11500 details)

Intel's 11th Generation "Rocket Lake" processors (i5-11600K to i9-11900K) utilize a backported 10nm Cypress Cove architecture on a 14nm process, delivering a roughly 19% IPC improvement beneficial for gaming, though the flagship i9-11900K drops to 8 cores, reducing multi-threaded performance. The lineup introduces PCIe 4.0 support and improved platform flexibility with memory...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
01/05/2021
Desktop Best Buy Guide - May 2021

The May 2021 Tweakers Desktop Best Buy Guide highlights a challenging period for PC builders, marked by extreme graphics card shortages and inflated pricing. While CPU availability improved, acting as a pro for system stability, the severe GPU market "malaise" remains a major con that forced adjustments to gaming recommendations. TweakersThis edition focuses on systems operating...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
28/02/2024
Acemagic AD15 Mini-PC Review: Testing the Intel Core i5-11500B Variant

The Acemagic AD15 is a distinct mini PC featuring a vertical "swoopy" design and an Intel Core i5-11500B processor, which delivers multi-threaded performance competitive with the AMD Ryzen 5 6600U. The system includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it well-suited for office productivity and light content creation. A major advantage is its exceptionally quiet cooling...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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