Intel Core i5-11600T vs Intel Core i7-8086K Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11600T is the superior processor in this matchup, winning seven of the eight head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The only exception is Geekbench multi-core, where the older Intel Core i7-8086K takes a decisive victory. Benchmark results indicate that the 11600T’s architectural refinements and higher per-core efficiency consistently overcome its significantly lower base clock and TDP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data paints a clear picture of generational improvement. In every Cinebench test, the Intel Core i5-11600T outperforms the Intel Core i7-8086K, though the margins are consistently narrow, ranging from 3.3% to 3.4%. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the 11600T scores 12385 against the 8086K’s 11975, a 3.3% advantage. Single-core results follow the same pattern: the 11600T leads in Cinebench R23 single-core with 1748 versus 1690, a 3.3% gap. This consistency across all Cinebench versions—R15, R20, and R23—suggests a fundamental efficiency advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk.

The 11600T’s single-core strength is further confirmed in Geekbench single-core, where it scores 1791 against the 8086K’s 1697, a 5.2% lead. This is the largest single-core margin in the entire comparison, indicating that the newer architecture extracts more instructions per clock from its 4.10 GHz boost clock than the 8086K does from its 5.00 GHz boost.

However, the 8086K has one significant counterpoint. In Geekbench multi-core, it scores 7920, a substantial 19% advantage over the 11600T’s 6653. This is a massive reversal of the Cinebench trend. The 8086K’s unlocked multiplier and higher sustained clocks clearly enable superior scaling in this particular test, suggesting that its raw frequency advantage can still dominate when the workload allows for it.

The overall average benchmark scores reflect these mixed results. The 8086K has an average benchmark score of 3800, while the 11600T sits at 3742. Both processors share the same 56th percentile ranking among all CPUs. Interestingly, the 8086K’s nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 9 4900H with an average score of 3820, a deltaPct of -0.5%, while the 11600T’s nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-1245U at 3775, a deltaPct of -0.9%. This indicates that both chips are closely grouped in overall performance, despite their divergent benchmark profiles.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600T wins every single-core benchmark in the data. Its lead ranges from 3.3% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 to 5.2% in Geekbench single-core.

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core i7-8086K in multi-core performance?

A: The 8086K is 19% faster than the 11600T in Geekbench multi-core, scoring 7920 versus 6653. However, the 11600T wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests by approximately 3.3-3.4%.

Q: What are the TDP differences between these two CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i7-8086K has a TDP of 95 watts, while the Intel Core i5-11600T has a TDP of 35 watts. This makes the 11600T significantly more power-efficient on paper.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i7-8086K and the Intel Core i5-11600T have 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-8086K has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-11600T has a boost clock of 4.10 GHz.

Q: What is the difference in their average benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core i7-8086K has an average benchmark score of 3800, which is 1.5% higher than the 11600T’s 3742. Both are at the 56th percentile of all CPUs.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-11600T is the clear winner for single-threaded and lightly-threaded workloads. Its consistent 3.3-5.2% lead in all single-core benchmarks makes it the better choice for applications that rely on per-core performance, such as legacy software, many games, and everyday responsiveness. The 11600T also wins in all multi-core Cinebench tests, making it the better option for rendering tasks in those specific benchmarks.

The Intel Core i7-8086K has a specific but notable strength in Geekbench multi-core. Its 19% advantage in this test indicates that it can pull ahead in certain multi-threaded scenarios, likely due to its higher boost clock and unlocked multiplier allowing for sustained high frequencies. This might make it preferable for users who prioritize this particular benchmark or workloads that scale similarly.

The 8086K also holds a slight edge in overall average benchmark score, 3800 versus 3742, and it has the higher boost clock at 5.00 GHz versus 4.10 GHz. For users who value the potential of manual overclocking, the 8086K’s unlocked multiplier is a distinct advantage, as the 11600T’s multiplier is locked.

Specification Differences

The most striking specification difference is the TDP. The Intel Core i7-8086K is rated at 95 watts, while the Intel Core i5-11600T is rated at just 35 watts. This is a 60-watt gap, making the 11600T a far more power-efficient part.

The base clocks are also vastly different, though this is misleading. The 8086K has a base clock of 4.00 GHz, while the 11600T has a base clock of 1700.00 MHz. However, the 8086K has a higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz compared to the 11600T’s 4.10 GHz.

The sockets are not compatible. The 8086K uses Intel Socket 1151, while the 11600T uses Intel Socket 1200. Memory bandwidth differs, with the 8086K rated at 42.7 GB/s and the 11600T at 51.2 GB/s. PCIe support also differs: the 8086K offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the 11600T offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes.

The integrated graphics are different, with the 8086K featuring UHD Graphics 630 and the 11600T featuring UHD Graphics 750. The 8086K has an unlocked multiplier, while the 11600T’s multiplier is locked. The die size also differs, with the 11600T at 276 mm², while no die size is listed for the 8086K.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different generations of Intel architecture. The Intel Core i7-8086K is based on Coffee Lake, while the Intel Core i5-11600T is based on Rocket Lake. Both are manufactured on a 14 nm process node by Intel, but the architecture generation is where the key differences lie.

The cache hierarchy is notably different. The 8086K has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, while the 11600T has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 512 KB of L2 cache per core. Both share 12 MB of L3 cache. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches in the 11600T likely contribute to its superior single-core performance.

The memory support is the same in type, with both supporting DDR4 in dual-channel mode, but the 11600T has a higher memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s. The PCIe interface is a major generational leap, with the 11600T supporting PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, whereas the 8086K is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The 11600T also features a newer integrated graphics solution.

The Verdict

The data supports the Intel Core i5-11600T as the better overall processor for most users. Its consistent wins in seven of the eight head-to-head benchmarks, including all single-core tests and all Cinebench multi-core tests, make it the more capable chip in standard workloads. Its 35-watt TDP is a massive advantage over the 8086K’s 95-watt TDP, and its support for PCIe Gen 4 and higher memory bandwidth future-proofs a system better.

The Intel Core i7-8086K should be chosen by users who specifically value its 19% Geekbench multi-core lead or who plan to leverage its unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Its higher 5.00 GHz boost clock provides a theoretical frequency ceiling that the 11600T cannot match. However, this comes at the cost of significantly higher power consumption and an older platform.

For a balanced assessment, the 11600T wins on efficiency, architecture, and the majority of performance metrics. The 8086K wins on raw frequency potential and one specific multi-core benchmark. The choice is clear: pick the 11600T for general performance and efficiency, or the 8086K for overclocking and Geekbench multi-core dominance.