Intel Core i7-11600H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data splits this comparison into two distinct profiles. The Intel Core i7-11600H and the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V both sit at the 73rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning their overall average benchmark scores place them in the same performance tier. However, the distribution of wins is heavily skewed: the Core Ultra 5 226V takes 14 of the 19 head-to-head benchmarks, while the Core i7-11600H secures only 5. The average benchmark score for the i7-11600H is 19,921, while the Ultra 5 226V averages 19,368, a margin of roughly 2.8% in favor of the older chip. The deciding factor comes down to workload type. For users running Cinebench R23 multi-core or integer-heavy calculations, the i7-11600H is the clear choice, leading by 34.9% in the former and 43.4% in the latter. For nearly everything else, including single-threaded tasks, floating-point math, and physics simulations, the Ultra 5 226V dominates, often by substantial double-digit margins. The verdict is simple: pick the i7-11600H for sustained multi-threaded rendering and integer workloads, and pick the Ultra 5 226V for general productivity, single-thread responsiveness, and energy-efficient tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different design generations. The Core i7-11600H is built on Intel's Tiger Lake-H architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node by Intel's own foundry. Its die size is recorded at 190 mm². In contrast, the Core Ultra 5 226V uses the Lunar Lake architecture, fabricated on a 3 nm process node by TSMC. The die size for the Ultra 5 is not recorded in the database. The i7-11600H features 6 cores and 12 threads, a configuration that relies on Hyper-Threading to double its thread count. The Ultra 5 226V has 8 cores but only 8 threads, meaning it does not use simultaneous multi-threading. Cache hierarchies also differ significantly: the i7-11600H has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 5 226V offers 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, but only 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support diverges as well: the i7-11600H supports DDR4 memory, while the Ultra 5 226V's memory support is listed as dependent on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the i7-11600H has a recorded memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, whereas the Ultra 5 226V has no bandwidth figure in the database. PCIe connectivity differs, with the i7-11600H offering Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 5 226V provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ: the i7-11600H carries UHD Graphics 750, while the Ultra 5 226V uses Arc 130V. The release dates are far apart, with the i7-11600H launching on May 10, 2021, and the Ultra 5 226V arriving on September 23, 2024. The i7-11600H has a launch MSRP of $395; the Ultra 5 226V has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V has 8 cores, while the Intel Core i7-11600H has 6 cores. However, the i7-11600H has 12 threads due to Hyper-Threading, whereas the Ultra 5 226V has only 8 threads.

Q: How do their Cinebench R23 scores compare?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i7-11600H scores 13,286 against the Ultra 5 226V's 9,848, a 34.9% lead for the i7. In single-core, the i7-11600H scores 1,875 versus 1,744 for the Ultra 5, a 7.5% advantage. This is one of the few test suites where the older chip wins outright.

Q: Which processor is more efficient in single-threaded tasks?

A: The Ultra 5 226V is clearly ahead. In PassMark single-thread, it scores 3,754 versus 3,019 for the i7-11600H, a 19.6% lead. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ultra 5 scores 267 against 188, a 29.6% margin. Geekbench single-core shows a narrower gap: 1,930 for the Ultra 5 versus 1,924 for the i7.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two chips?

A: The i7-11600H has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Ultra 5 226V has a TDP of 17 watts. This makes the Ultra 5 significantly more power-efficient on paper, likely contributing to its suitability for thinner mobile designs.

Q: Are there any benchmarks where the i7-11600H wins by a large margin?

A: Yes. The i7-11600H leads by 43.4% in PassMark integer math (55,437 versus 38,647) and by 34.9% in Cinebench R23 multi-core. It also wins PassMark data compression by 11.7% and random string sorting by 6.7%.

Q: How close are their overall average scores?

A: The i7-11600H has an average benchmark score of 19,921, and the Ultra 5 226V has 19,368. The delta is approximately 2.8% in favor of the i7-11600H, despite the Ultra 5 winning more individual tests.

Specification Differences

The table below lists only the fields where the two processors differ, based on the recorded data.

| Field | Intel Core i7-11600H | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V |

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

| Series | Core 11th Gen | Core Ultra Series 2 |

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 17 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1787 | Intel BGA 2833 |

| Architecture | Tiger Lake | Lunar Lake |

| Codename | Tiger Lake-H | Lunar Lake |

| Generation | Core i7 (Tiger Lake-H) | Ultra 5 (Lunar Lake) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die Size | 190 mm² | Not recorded |

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

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | Depends on motherboard |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not recorded |

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

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 750 | Arc 130V |

| Release Date | 2021-05-10 | 2024-09-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $395 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRKT9 | SRPMQSRPMR |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a clear split between the two chips. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ultra 5 226V scores 1,501 against the i7-11600H's 1,339, a 10.8% lead for the Ultra 5. Cinebench R15 single-core sees an even larger gap: 267 versus 188, a 29.6% margin for the Ultra 5. The pattern continues in Cinebench R20, where the Ultra 5 leads multi-core by 12.6% (6,381 versus 5,580) and single-core by 12.6% (900 versus 787). Geekbench multi-core shows the Ultra 5 at 8,598 versus 6,563, a 23.7% advantage, while Geekbench single-core is nearly tied: 1,930 versus 1,924, a 0.3% edge for the Ultra 5.

The tables turn in Cinebench R23. The i7-11600H scores 13,286 in multi-core, beating the Ultra 5's 9,848 by 34.9%. In single-core, the i7-11600H also wins, 1,875 versus 1,744, a 7.5% margin. PassMark integer math is another major win for the i7-11600H: 55,437 versus 38,647, a 43.4% lead. PassMark data compression favors the i7 as well, 190,721 versus 170,687, an 11.7% difference. Random string sorting goes to the i7, 22,217 versus 20,813, a 6.7% edge.

The Ultra 5 226V dominates the remaining PassMark tests. Data encryption shows 12,710 versus 9,718, a 23.5% lead. Extended instructions go 14,724 versus 12,938, a 12.1% margin. Find prime numbers is a massive win: 166 versus 65, a 60.8% advantage. Floating-point math shows 52,270 versus 32,963, a 36.9% lead. Multithread performance favors the Ultra 5, 17,850 versus 16,093, a 9.8% edge. Physics simulation is another big win: 1,449 versus 763, a 47.3% margin. Single-thread tests mirror each other: both PassMark single-thread and singlethread show 3,754 for the Ultra 5 versus 3,019 for the i7, a 19.6% lead.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-11600H wins in exactly five recorded benchmarks, and they cluster around two themes: sustained multi-core rendering and integer-heavy computation. Cinebench R23 multi-core is its standout victory, with a 34.9% lead that suggests better scaling across its 12 threads in longer render workloads. PassMark integer math is even more lopsided, a 43.4% win that points to raw ALU throughput. Data compression and random string sorting, both of which rely on efficient memory and cache handling, also favor the i7 by 11.7% and 6.7% respectively. Cinebench R23 single-core rounds out its wins with a 7.5% edge. Users looking at sustained CPU-bound rendering or integer-centric applications should favor the i7-11600H.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins 14 benchmarks, and its victories are broad. Single-thread performance is a consistent strength: Cinebench R15, R20, Geekbench, and PassMark single-thread all go its way, with margins ranging from 0.3% to 29.6%. Floating-point math is a major win at 36.9%, and physics simulation shows a 47.3% advantage, indicating strong FPU throughput. Prime number finding is overwhelmingly in its favor, 60.8% ahead. Encryption, extended instructions, and multithread tests all show double-digit leads. For general productivity, light content creation, and power-sensitive mobile use, the Ultra 5 226V is the superior choice, especially given its 17 W TDP against the i7's 35 W. The data suggests the Ultra 5 delivers a more balanced and efficient package, while the i7 remains a specialized tool for specific multi-threaded and integer workloads.