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Overall rank

Core i5-11500

6 cores · 12 threads · up to 4.6 GHz on FCLGA1200.

4.2 · 64 votes

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Cores
6
Threads
12
Boost
4.6 GHz
L3 cache
12 MB
TDP
65W
Socket
FCLGA1200

Performance breakdown

Gaming10
Productivity10
Single-core10
Multi-core25
Power efficiency9

Lab scores

Performance score10
Cores6
Threads12
Boost clock (GHz)4.6 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p22 fps
1440p18 fps
4K12 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores
Architecture
Rocket Lake
Process node
14 nm
Socket
FCLGA1200
Release year
2021
Total cores
6
Threads
12
Integrated graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 750
Clocks & cache
Base clock
2.7 GHz
Boost clock
4.6 GHz
L1 cache
384 KB
L2 cache
1.5 MB
L3 cache
12 MB
Memory & platform
Memory support
DDR4-3200
Max capacity
128 GB
Channels
2
Max bandwidth
50 GB/s
Base power (TDP)
65W
Max temperature
100°C
PCIe
PCIe 4.0
Technologies
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX-512
Extensions
AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, TXT, TSX
Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners like the solid everyday performance for gaming and office work. The common complaint is it runs warmer than expected with the stock cooler.

Pros
  • Handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat
  • Stays cool even under heavy workloads
  • Great value for a midrange gaming build
  • Plays nice with older motherboards
Cons
  • Uses an older socket type
  • No PCIe 5.0 support
  • Runs hotter than expected
Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i5-11500

Intel's i5-11500 is a mid-range Rocket Lake desktop chip that stands out for having decent integrated graphics but runs too hot for its modest performance.

Get it if you need a solid, affordable six-core chip for a basic office PC or light gaming rig on an older LGA1200 board. Skip it if you're building new, as newer platforms offer better performance and efficiency for similar money.

Buy it if…

  • You need a solid six-core upgrade for an older LGA1200 board without swapping motherboards.
  • You run a home office where faster single-core work matters more than maximum multi-threading.
  • You want a proven, well-priced CPU for a balanced gaming and work PC that won't break the bank.
4.2

64 votes

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