Intel Core i5-11320H

The Intel Core i5-11320H is a mobile processor from Intel's Core 11th Gen series, built on the Tiger Lake-H architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The chip has a TDP of 28 W, making it suitable for thin-and-light laptops. Benchmark data shows an average score of 2907, placing it in the 54th percentile of all CPUs. This performance is within 0.5% of several desktop and embedded rivals, as detailed below.

Benchmark Performance

The i5-11320H delivers a set of consistent scores across multiple benchmark suites. In Cinebench R15, it scores 933 in multicore and 131 in single-core. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore score rises to 3889, while single-core reaches 548. In the more demanding Cinebench R23, the multicore result is 9260, with a single-core score of 1307. Geekbench reports a multicore score of 5357 and a single-core score of 1833. These numbers illustrate a processor that is well-suited to both lightly threaded and heavily threaded tasks, given its 4-core/8-thread configuration.

The aggregate benchmark score, which is the average across all tests, is 2907. This places the i5-11320H at the 54th percentile of all CPUs in the database, meaning it outperforms 54% of the processors tracked. The nearest rivals are all within a fraction of a percent of this average. The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 has an average score of 2909, a delta of -0.1% relative to the i5-11320H. The Intel Core i5-9600KF scores 2910, also -0.1%. The Intel Core i3-12100TE scores 2915, a -0.3% difference, and the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 scores 2921, -0.5%. These deltas are negligible, indicating that the i5-11320H performs on par with these desktop and embedded parts in aggregate benchmarks, despite being a mobile chip with a 28 W TDP.

Looking at the individual benchmarks, the R23 multicore score of 9260 is particularly strong for a 4-core processor. This result suggests that the Hyper-Threading implementation is efficient, and the 4.50 GHz boost clock contributes to sustained performance. The single-core R23 score of 1307 is also respectable, reflecting the high per-core frequency. The Geekbench scores follow a similar pattern, with a single-core result of 1833 and a multicore result of 5357. The consistency across different benchmark vendors reinforces the reliability of the performance profile.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread scores reveals a balanced design that favors responsiveness in everyday tasks while still providing respectable throughput for parallel workloads. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 1307 is about one-seventh of the multicore score of 9260, but the exact ratio is not a perfect 1:8 due to thermal and scaling constraints. This indicates that the processor effectively utilizes its 8 threads, though not with perfect linear scaling. The Geekbench single-core score of 1833 is a significant portion of the multicore score of 5357, suggesting that the chip maintains strong per-core performance even when all threads are active.

The high boost clock of 4.50 GHz is the primary driver of the single-thread results. For workloads that are lightly threaded, such as web browsing, office productivity, or single-threaded applications, the i5-11320H will respond quickly. The multi-threaded scores show that the processor can handle more demanding tasks like video encoding or 3D rendering, but it will not match the throughput of higher-core-count parts. The 28 W TDP implies that sustained multi-threaded workloads may be limited by power and thermal headroom, yet the benchmark results indicate that the chip can maintain competitive performance within its envelope. The data does not provide specific thermal throttling behavior, but the scores suggest a well-balanced design for a mobile platform.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-11320H uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, a ball-grid array designed for mobile systems. This means the processor is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded, which is typical for ultraportable laptops. Memory support is limited to DDR4, with a dual-channel interface that provides a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The memory controller does not support ECC, which is standard for consumer mobile processors. For expansion, the CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, enabling fast NVMe storage and discrete GPUs. Integrated graphics are supplied by Iris XE 96EU, which can handle light gaming and video playback without a dedicated graphics card.

The processor is built on Intel's 10 nm process node, with a die size of 146.1 mm². The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. This configuration supports the performance numbers seen in the benchmarks. The chip was released on June 20, 2021, with a launch MSRP of $309. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported. The market segment is mobile, and production status is active. The platform supports the latest PCIe Gen 4 devices, which is an advantage for storage and graphics performance in modern laptops.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 1600: The Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 has an average benchmark score of 2909, which is 0.1% higher than the i5-11320H's 2907. This places the two processors at essentially the same performance level. The Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 is a desktop part, while the i5-11320H is mobile, so the i5 achieves comparable aggregate performance in a much lower power envelope. This underscores the efficiency of the Tiger Lake architecture.

Intel Core i5-9600KF: The i5-9600KF scores 2910, 0.1% above the i5-11320H. The i5-9600KF is a desktop chip with a higher TDP, yet the i5-11320H matches its average score within a rounding error. This indicates that the i5-11320H offers competitive performance for a fraction of the power draw, making it an attractive option for portable systems.

Intel Core i3-12100TE: The i3-12100TE has an average score of 2915, 0.3% higher than the i5-11320H. The i3-12100TE is a low-power desktop part, and the difference is negligible. Both are 4-core processors, but the i5-11320H includes integrated graphics and a mobile form factor, which may be more suitable for compact devices.

AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14: The Ryzen Embedded V3C14 scores 2921, 0.5% above the i5-11320H. This embedded processor is designed for industrial applications, and the i5-11320H is within half a percent of its performance. The i5-11320H's integrated graphics and mobile design make it a viable alternative for systems that require a compact, low-power compute solution.

Overall, the i5-11320H sits at the 54th percentile, meaning it outperforms 54% of all CPUs in the database. This is a strong showing for a mobile 4-core processor, and the near-ties with several desktop parts highlight its efficiency.

Power and Thermals

The TDP of 28 W places the i5-11320H in the low-power segment for mobile processors. This allows for compact cooling solutions, such as a small fan or heat pipe, suitable for ultrabooks and thin laptops. The 10 nm process contributes to power efficiency, allowing the chip to sustain high boost clocks without excessive heat. The integrated Iris XE graphics share the same thermal envelope, so the total system power draw is kept within the 28 W budget. The data does not include specific thermal measurements, but the TDP classification implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient for most workloads. For sustained multi-threaded loads, the chip may experience some thermal throttling, but the benchmark scores indicate that it can maintain competitive performance within its power limit.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core i5-11320H use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode, with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes Iris XE 96EU integrated graphics.

Q: What is the process node?

A: The process node is 10 nm, manufactured by Intel.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The TDP is 28 watts.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported.