Intel Core i5-11600KF vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11600KF and Intel Core Ultra 5 226V are starkly different processors, and the benchmark data reflects a clear split between raw multi-threaded strength and modern efficiency-driven single-core and specialized workloads. The 11600KF dominates in 11 of the 19 head-to-head tests, while the Ultra 5 226V wins 8, but the margins tell the real story. The 11600KF wins decisively in multi-core and integer-heavy tasks, often by double-digit percentages, while the Ultra 5 226V takes narrower wins in single-core Cinebench R15 and specialized math or physics tests. For sustained all-core work, the 11600KF is the clear choice; for specific single-threaded and floating-point tasks, the Ultra 5 226V holds its own.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-11600KF is the undisputed champion of multi-threaded productivity. Its most significant victory comes in Cinebench R23 multicore, where it scores 16503 against the Ultra 5 226V's 9848, a massive 67.6% advantage. Similarly, in PassMark integer math, the 11600KF scores 64195 versus 38647, a 66.1% lead. These results stem from its 6 cores and 12 threads, which allow it to outpace the Ultra 5 226V's 8 cores and 8 threads in workloads that benefit from simultaneous multithreading. The 11600KF also wins in PassMark data compression (242730 vs 170687, 42.2% ahead), random string sorting (27767 vs 20813, 33.4% ahead), and extended instructions (17619 vs 14724, 19.7% ahead). In Geekbench multicore, the 11600KF edges out a narrow 1% win (8688 vs 8598), showing that its advantage shrinks in certain synthetic multi-threaded tests.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins where single-thread responsiveness and specialized math matter. Its biggest win is in PassMark find prime numbers, scoring 166 versus the 11600KF's 59, a 64.5% advantage. It also excels in PassMark floating point math (52270 vs 38129, 27.1% ahead) and PassMark physics (1449 vs 954, 34.2% ahead). In single-threaded tests, the Ultra 5 226V takes PassMark single thread (3754 vs 3327, 11.4% ahead) and Cinebench R15 singlecore (267 vs 234, 12.4% ahead). Its Geekbench singlecore win is marginal (1930 vs 1904, 1.3% ahead), and it also wins PassMark data encryption (12710 vs 12198, 4% ahead). These wins point to a chip that is better at latency-sensitive, low-thread-count tasks despite its lower power envelope.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different Intel eras and design philosophies. The Intel Core i5-11600KF is built on the Rocket Lake architecture using a 14 nm process, fabricated by Intel, with a die size of 276 mm². It features 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz. Its cache hierarchy is modest by modern standards: 80 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. It supports DDR4 memory on a dual-channel bus with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, and it uses Intel Socket 1200. The chip has a 125 W TDP, includes 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, and has no integrated graphics. It was released in March 2021, is end-of-life, and its multiplier is unlocked.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is a Lunar Lake part built on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It has 8 cores but only 8 threads, indicating no hyperthreading. Its base clock is 2.10 GHz and boost clock is 4.50 GHz. Its cache is significantly larger per core: 192 KB L1 per core and 2.5 MB L2 per core, but its shared L3 is smaller at 8 MB. It supports dual-channel memory, though the specific type is listed as unknown and depends on the motherboard. It uses Intel BGA 2833 socket, has only 4 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, and includes Arc 130V integrated graphics. The TDP is just 17 W, making it a mobile-focused part. It was released in September 2024, is currently active, and has a locked multiplier. The 11600KF is a desktop part with high power limits and memory bandwidth; the Ultra 5 226V is a mobile part with a focus on efficiency and integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest margin in the entire comparison is Cinebench R23 multicore, where the 11600KF's 16503 crushes the Ultra 5 226V's 9848, a 67.6% difference. This is a decisive result for any multi-threaded rendering or video encoding workload. Similarly, PassMark integer math shows a 66.1% gap (64195 vs 38647), indicating the 11600KF is far stronger at general-purpose integer computation. PassMark data compression is another major win, with a 42.2% advantage (242730 vs 170687). The 11600KF also leads in Cinebench R20 multicore by 8.6% (6931 vs 6381), Cinebench R15 multicore by 10.8% (1663 vs 1501), PassMark multithread by 9.3% (19513 vs 17850), and PassMark random string sorting by 33.4% (27767 vs 20813). Its win in Cinebench R20 singlecore is notable: 978 vs 900, an 8.7% lead, showing it can also beat the Ultra 5 226V in some single-threaded scenarios.

The Ultra 5 226V's wins are equally clear in its favored domains. PassMark find prime numbers is its largest victory, with a 64.5% advantage (166 vs 59). This suggests a much stronger prime-number computation engine. PassMark floating point math is another big win, with the Ultra 5 226V scoring 52270 vs 38129, a 27.1% lead. PassMark physics shows a 34.2% gap (1449 vs 954) in favor of the Ultra 5 226V. In single-threaded tests, the Ultra 5 226V leads PassMark single thread by 11.4% (3754 vs 3327) and Cinebench R15 singlecore by 12.4% (267 vs 234). Its Geekbench singlecore win is narrow (1930 vs 1904, 1.3%), and PassMark data encryption is a close 4% win (12710 vs 12198). Interestingly, the Ultra 5 226V loses Cinebench R23 singlecore badly, with the 11600KF scoring 2329 vs 1744, a 33.5% advantage, and Cinebench R20 singlecore also goes to the 11600KF by 8.7%. This split suggests the Ultra 5 226V's single-core advantage is workload-specific, not universal.

The Verdict

Choose the Intel Core i5-11600KF if your priority is all-core throughput. The data is unambiguous: it leads by 67.6% in Cinebench R23 multicore, 66.1% in PassMark integer math, and 42.2% in data compression. Its 6-core, 12-thread design with a 4.90 GHz boost clock is simply more capable for rendering, compiling, and other parallel workloads. It also wins in Cinebench R20 singlecore, showing it is not a slouch in lightly-threaded tasks either. This is a desktop processor with a 125 W TDP, designed for sustained performance, and its end-of-life status means it is a mature platform.

Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V if you need efficiency and specific single-thread or floating-point capabilities. Its 17 W TDP is a fraction of the 11600KF's 125 W, making it suitable for mobile or low-power systems. It wins PassMark single thread by 11.4% and Cinebench R15 singlecore by 12.4%, plus it dominates in floating point math (27.1% ahead) and find prime numbers (64.5% ahead). Its 8 cores with large L2 cache (2.5 MB per core) and integrated Arc 130V graphics make it a versatile mobile part, despite losing the overall multi-thread war. For users who prioritize battery life and specific math workloads over raw multi-core performance, the Ultra 5 226V is the data-backed choice.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600KF is significantly faster, scoring 16503 versus 9848 for the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, a 67.6% advantage.

Q: Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V win any single-threaded tests?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R15 singlecore (267 vs 234, 12.4% ahead) and PassMark single thread (3754 vs 3327, 11.4% ahead), but it loses Cinebench R23 singlecore (1744 vs 2329) and Cinebench R20 singlecore (900 vs 978) to the 11600KF.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600KF has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has a smaller manufacturing process node?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V is built on a 3 nm process by TSMC, whereas the Intel Core i5-11600KF uses Intel's 14 nm process.

Q: In which test does the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V have its largest winning margin?

A: Its largest margin is in PassMark find prime numbers, where it scores 166 versus 59 for the 11600KF, a 64.5% advantage.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V includes Arc 130V integrated graphics, while the Intel Core i5-11600KF has no integrated graphics.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-11600KF | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.90 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.90 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 17 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | Intel BGA 2833 |

| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Lunar Lake |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die Size | 276 mm² | N/A |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | Unknown (depends on motherboard) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | N/A |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Arc 130V |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2021-03-15 | 2024-09-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $237 | N/A |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |