OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-11600K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£200PassMark multi-core score:19502N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1200TDP (Thermal design power):125 W

Intel Core i5-11600K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 34 expert and video reviews and 5 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-11600K
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

40%

6.3

Technical score

25%

8.2

Reviews score

25%

8.2

List score

10%

6.3

Sentiment score

▲Better than 69% of processors
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

▲Better than 81%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

60%

6.5

Performance

18%

5.4

Architecture

10%

6.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

6.9

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 58%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

9.6

Popularity

Grades by review (34)
20 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 83%
8.2

List score

List score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (5)
List score: in 5 of 87 lists (6%)
★Better than 97%
  • intel-core-i5-11600k
intel-core-i5-11600k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-11600K

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers agree it offers strong value and snappy single-core speed, but its high power consumption is the most common complaint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-11600K

Based on 65 owners sharing their experience in online comments

57%positive15%mixed28%negative

Owners appreciate its gaming speed and value, while heat and power demands are the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report it runs hot, reaching 70–100°C under load, and needs a 240 mm or larger liquid cooler, or better, to stay cooler.14
  • Some owners see low frame rates and low GPU use in games at 1080p, which they attribute to the CPU, RAM or their graphics card pairing.6
  • Owners say it overclocks poorly, with many chips hard-locking at about 4.9 GHz and needing high voltage for 5 GHz.5
  • Owners say power draw is much higher than the 125 W rating, reaching around 250 W under heavy load, especially when overclocked.3
  • Some owners report crashes in stress tests, such as AIDA64, and in games, especially after overclocking.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-11600K

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

6.5

Performance

18%

5.4

Architecture

10%

6.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

6.9

Integrated graphics

6.3
Reviews score
8.2
List score
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.9
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1200
This processor uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.2% of processors.
Chipset
Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, Q470, W480
This processor supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, Q470, W480 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 63.9% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 83.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.9 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.9 GHz which is higher than that of 73.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.9 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.9 GHz which is higher than that of 72.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
19,502
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 19,502 in PassMark, which is higher than 67.9% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
12 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
3 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 3 MB which is larger than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
480 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 480 KB which is larger than that of 60.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
3,200 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 49.8% of processors and equal to 8.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-3200 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.1% of processors and equal to 9.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 750
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 56.6% of processors and equal to that in 1.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
32
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.1% of processors and equal to 10.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.7% of processors and equal to that of 25.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 61.3% of processors and equal to 10.3% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
56 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
cTDP: 95 W
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-11600K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 70% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,502 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    19,502 vs 11,469
  • 64.4% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,563 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,563 vs 5,209
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 44% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,211 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,211 vs 1,535
  • 30.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,340 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,340 vs 2,558
  • 11.4% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 22.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 83% of models

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    9.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (34)
    20 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 6.7
  • 5.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (5)
    List score: in 5 of 87 lists (6%)
    8.2 vs 7.8
  • 8.7% better value for money
    Intel Core i5-11600K has better value for money than the average processor (7.92 vs 7.3).
    7.92 vs 7.29
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, VAES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, VAES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP5).
    LGA1200 vs FP5
  • 70% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,502 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    19,502 vs 11,469
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 64.4% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,563 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,563 vs 5,209
  • 44% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,211 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,211 vs 1,535
  • 30.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,340 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,340 vs 2,558
  • 11.4% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 53.1% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,293 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    4,293 vs 2,804.5
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 22% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (598 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    598 vs 490
  • 11 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (39 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    39 vs 28
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 80.8% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (65.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    65.27 vs 340.075
  • 55.9% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    276 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 12.5% lower sentiment score
    6.3 vs 7.2
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 80.8% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (65.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    65.27 vs 340.075
  • 55.9% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    276 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    56 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Digital David
≈ estimated
13/11/2022
Hands-on review · installation and benchmark results
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is still a very capable CPU today, especially with a strong graphics card, though its value depends on price.
7.0
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
16/09/2021
Hands-on review · Premiere Pro timeline playback tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is fine for 4K timelines on a budget, but struggles with 6K, 8K and 12K footage.
9.0
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
13/09/2021
Creator review · benchmarks, power draw and value
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a good-value choice for budget creators, though it draws much more power than rivals.
7.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
12/05/2021
Hands-on review · gaming, render and overclocking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is not the best CPU, but it is the more attractive buy for everyday users at this price.
9.0
PC H/W and Tech Unboxings 🔥
≈ estimated
17/04/2021
Hands-on review · Fortnite gaming tests and benchmarks
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K delivers solid gaming performance and good value, a clear step up from the 10600K.
8.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Full review · gaming, productivity, power and overclocking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is good value for budget gaming builds, but the Ryzen 5 5600X wins on production and power efficiency.
8.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Comparison review · apps, gaming and temperature tests
Verdict
A decent all-round chip that matches its AMD rival in many apps for less, but lags in fast shooters.
9.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Benchmark review · productivity, gaming and power tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a reasonably priced six-core chip, though it's only a modest step up from its predecessor.
7.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
09/04/2021
Comparison · 11600K vs 10600K in games and applications
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K isn't worth upgrading to from the 10600K for gaming, but it's a better fit for productivity on a budget.
4.0
eTeknix
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Launch review · benchmarks and temperatures against AMD
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a poor choice against AMD at this level, though it is cheaper and improves on the previous generation.
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Lab test · Six-core midrange CPU
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a solid six-core chip that trails AMD's Ryzen 5 5600X in most tests but holds up well in games.
9.1
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Hands-on test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a strong mainstream gaming chip that nearly matches the Ryzen 5 5600X in games but draws far more power.
8.5
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
31/03/2021
Benchmark review · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a cool-running six-core chip that beats its predecessor by about ten percent in games, but it still trails the Ryzen 5 5600X in most areas.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Lab test · Gaming-focused CPU
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a strong gaming chip with PCIe 4.0 support, but its six cores make it a poor choice for creative work.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
02/04/2021
Benchmark review · Gaming CPU
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a strong gaming chip, but it runs much hotter than its predecessor and needs a serious cooler and a strong power supply.
8.0
thefpsreview.com
≈ estimated
05/04/2021
Benchmark review · Synthetic tests
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K nearly matches the Ryzen 5 5600X in synthetic tests, leads it in single-core speed and trails it in multi-core work.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Hands-on test · Midrange six-core
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K is a mid-range six-core chip that suits gamers, though it trails the Ryzen 5 5600X and its overclocking disappoints.
5.0
m.hexus.net
≈ estimated
08/04/2021
Review · Mid-range Core i5 chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a solid mid-range chip, but a Core i5-11400F build suits most buyers better before Alder Lake arrives.
6.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
10/04/2021
Lab review · Mid-range gaming chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a strong mid-range gaming chip that matches the Ryzen 5 5600X in many games but lags in heavy multi-core work.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
16/04/2021
Benchmark test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a balanced six-core chip that rivals the Ryzen 5 5600X in games, but it draws about 50% more power than its AMD rival.
8.0
digitec.ch
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Benchmark test · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a clear step up for applications like Blender, but in games it barely beats its predecessor, the Core i5-10600K.
9.4
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Hands-on review · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a six-core chip whose main gain is PCIe 4.0 support, but everyday use feels little different from its predecessor.
9.0
hackergirl.com.mx
≈ estimated
23/04/2021
Hands-on review · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a steady upgrade that stays cool and overclocks easily with Intel's XTU, though it still uses the 14nm process.
9.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Full review · Unboxing and specifications
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K adds over 15% single-core speed and PCIe 4.0 lanes, but ships without a cooler in this K version.
6.0
hwupgrade.it
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Lab test · Same-clock comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K brings a new core about 19% faster per clock than Comet Lake, but with Enhanced Turbo enabled it draws nearly 200W.
9.0
tech.everyeye.it
≈ estimated
09/07/2021
Benchmark review · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a balanced six-core chip that runs close to the Ryzen 5 5600X in games, though it peaks just above 200W under load.
8.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
07/05/2021
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-11600K is a fast gaming chip that runs very hot, so it needs a high-end cooler and a 650W power supply when paired with top graphics cards.
6.0
tweakers.net
≈ estimated
30/03/2021
Benchmark test · Built-in graphics
Verdict
The Intel Core i5 11600K has much faster built-in graphics for light gaming, but it still trails AMD's integrated graphics.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-11600K

  • Excellent single-core performance for gaming and general tasks
  • Competitive pricing compared to its main rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Significant 19% IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) improvement over the 10th-gen i5-10600K
  • Solid integrated graphics (UHD 750) performance upgrade over the previous generation
  • Support for PCIe 4.0, enabling faster speeds for next-gen NVMe SSDs
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for manual overclocking and performance tuning

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-11600K

  • High power consumption, especially when overclocked, reaching up to 200W+
  • Does not include a stock cooler; requires a beefy cooling solution (240mm AIO recommended)
  • Inferior multi-threaded performance in creative apps compared to similarly priced Ryzen chips
  • Requires an LGA 1200 socket motherboard, which can be an expensive platform upgrade
  • Limited overclocking headroom due to being highly pushed out of the box
  • Can run quite hot under heavy stress if not paired with premium cooling

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-11600K is a mid-range 11th Gen Rocket Lake desktop processor featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, a 3.9 GHz base clock, and a 4.9 GHz max turbo frequency. Built on the 14nm process with a 125W TDP, it includes 12MB of Intel Smart Cache, support for up to 128GB of DDR4-3200 memory, and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes. Main pros include exceptional single-core performance that rivals higher-end chips in gaming, a significant integrated graphics upgrade with Intel UHD 750, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, it lacks a bundled thermal solution, consumes more power than previous generations, and trails competitors like the Ryzen 5 5600X in multi-threaded creative workloads.

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