Intel Core i5-11400

The Intel Core i5-11400 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor built on the Rocket Lake architecture for the Intel Socket 1200 platform. It operates with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, placing it as a solid mid-range option in the 11th Gen lineup with a 65W TDP and UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data positions the Core i5-11400 at the 76th percentile among all CPUs, indicating that it outperforms roughly three-quarters of all tested processors. Its average benchmark score of 18150 places it in an extremely tight competitive cluster. The nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600, scores 18158, which yields a delta of exactly 0% — a statistical tie. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 trails marginally at 18129, a 0.1% deficit, while the AMD EPYC 9274F leads slightly with 18189, representing a -0.2% gap from the i5-11400's perspective. The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS scores 18101, sitting 0.3% behind.

In specific workloads, the multi-threaded performance is robust. Cinebench R23 multi-core produces a score of 14184, while the single-core score reaches 2002. The R20 variant shows 5957 multi-core and 840 single-core, and R15 results are 1429 multi-core and 201 single-core. The 3DMark suite shows scaling from 865 in single-thread to 5609 in 16-thread, with 5630 at max threads — the near-identical 16-thread and max-thread scores confirm that the 12 threads are fully utilized. PassMark multi-thread score is 16690, with a single-thread score of 2990.

The data reveals that the i5-11400 essentially matches its direct predecessors and contemporaries in aggregate performance. The 0% delta against the Ryzen 5 1600 means that in average across all benchmark suites, there is no measurable difference in overall throughput. The 0.1% edge over the Ryzen 5 3600 is within run-to-run variance. This is a processor that holds its ground firmly in the mid-range tier, neither embarrassing nor being embarrassed by its closest competition.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is telling. The 3DMark single-thread score of 865 jumps to 1679 for 2 threads and 3145 for 4 threads, showing strong scaling that continues to 4692 at 8 threads before plateauing at 5609 for 16 threads. This scaling pattern indicates that the 6-core/12-thread configuration extracts nearly all available performance when workloads expand beyond 8 threads, with the max-thread score of 5630 being only 0.4% higher than the 16-thread result.

Cinebench R23 shows a single-core score of 2002 against a multi-core score of 14184, which yields a multi-to-single ratio of roughly 7.1x. For a 12-thread part, perfect scaling would be 12x, so the 7.1x ratio suggests that the 4.40 GHz boost clock provides strong single-thread responsiveness, while multi-thread scaling is limited by thermal and power constraints typical of a 65W TDP part. PassMark data reinforces this: single-thread score is 2990, while multi-thread reaches 16690, a 5.6x improvement.

Real-world implications are clear. Lightly-threaded workloads — such as everyday office applications, web browsing, and legacy games — will benefit from the high boost clock and strong single-core scores. The R20 single-core of 840 is respectable for daily snappiness. Conversely, heavily-threaded tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, and scientific computing will see substantial gains from the multi-thread performance, though the scaling curve shows diminishing returns beyond 8 threads. The PassMark data encryption score of 10264 and compression score of 206952 indicate that data-heavy workloads are handled competently, though the prime number finding score of 49 suggests that integer-heavy mathematical workloads are not this chip's forte.

Power and Thermals

The Core i5-11400 carries a 65W TDP, which places it in the mainstream power envelope for desktop processors. This is a critical specification because it dictates cooling requirements and system design. A 65W TDP means that a capable air cooler is sufficient — the stock cooler that ships with such processors is generally adequate, though aftermarket solutions will provide quieter operation and lower temperatures under sustained loads.

The 14nm process node from Intel is relatively mature, and the 276 mm² die size is substantial, but the 65W power limit keeps thermals manageable. Benchmark results indicate that the processor can sustain its multi-thread performance without immediate thermal throttling, as evidenced by the R23 multi-core score of 14184 being consistent with the 3DMark max-thread score of 5630. However, the plateau between 16-thread and max-thread scores suggests that the power delivery or thermal solution does cap performance at high thread counts.

For system builders, the 65W TDP means that this processor can be paired with modest motherboards and compact cases without aggressive cooling setups. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 provides a basic display output for office systems, though the lack of ECC memory support and the dual-channel DDR4 memory bus with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth are standard for this tier. The PCIe Gen 4 support with 20 lanes from the CPU is a noteworthy feature that allows for fast NVMe storage and current-generation GPUs.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 5 1600: The data shows a 0% delta between these two processors, meaning they are effectively equal in average benchmark performance. The Ryzen 5 1600 was a pioneering 6-core part, and the i5-11400 matches its aggregate throughput. However, the i5-11400's higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz versus the older Ryzen's lower clocks means single-thread tasks will favor the Intel chip, while the Ryzen's older architecture may trail in modern instruction sets.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600: The i5-11400 holds a 0.1% advantage over the Ryzen 5 3600 in average score. This is a razor-thin margin that effectively puts them in the same performance class. The Ryzen 5 3600 was a dominant mid-range choice, and the i5-11400 matches it in overall throughput. The 4.40 GHz boost clock gives the Intel part an edge in lightly-threaded scenarios, while the Ryzen's architecture may be more efficient in certain multi-threaded workloads.

AMD EPYC 9274F: This server-class processor leads the i5-11400 by 0.2%, which is a negligible margin given the massive difference in market positioning and price. The EPYC 9274F is a data-center part, and the fact that a mainstream 65W desktop chip comes within 0.2% of its average score in these benchmarks speaks to the i5-11400's efficiency in the tested workloads. This comparison is more of a curiosity than a practical consideration.

AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS: The i5-11400 leads this mobile processor by 0.3%. The 7535HS is a laptop chip, so the comparison highlights that the desktop i5-11400 delivers slightly better average performance despite the mobile part being newer. The desktop's higher sustained power envelope likely contributes to this edge, though the margin is small enough that in real-world mobile usage, the difference may not be perceptible.

Who Should Consider It

The Core i5-11400 is a versatile mid-range processor that suits a broad range of users. For gamers, the strong single-thread score of 2990 in PassMark and the 3DMark single-thread of 865 indicate that it will drive modern GPUs effectively without bottlenecking at 1080p or 1440p resolutions. The 12 threads provide headroom for background tasks while gaming, and the PCIe Gen 4 support future-proofs storage and GPU connectivity.

For content creators, the multi-thread performance is respectable but not class-leading. Cinebench R23 multi-core of 14184 means that 4K video editing, After Effects rendering, and Blender workloads are feasible, though users with heavy 3D rendering needs may want more cores. The PassMark floating-point math score of 34004 and integer math of 57601 suggest solid number-crunching capability for photo editing and moderate video work.

For office and productivity users, the 65W TDP and integrated graphics make this an efficient choice for business desktops. The single-thread performance ensures responsive application launches and smooth spreadsheet manipulation, while the 12 threads handle multi-tasking with dozens of browser tabs and office documents. The UHD Graphics 730 handles 2D workloads and light media playback without a discrete GPU.

The processor is end-of-life, which means it may be found at attractive prices on the used market or as clearance stock. The Socket 1200 platform is mature, with a wide range of motherboards available. Users building a new system on a budget or upgrading an existing Socket 1200 system will find this processor a capable choice. The 76th percentile ranking means it outperforms most CPUs in the database, making it a safe recommendation for mainstream builds.

FAQ

Q: How does the Core i5-11400 compare to the AMD Ryzen 5 3600?

A: The average benchmark scores show the i5-11400 at 18150 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 18129, a 0.1% advantage for the Intel part. This is a statistical tie, meaning both processors deliver essentially the same average performance across all tested benchmarks.

Q: What is the multi-threaded performance of this processor?

A: Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 14184, while PassMark multi-thread reaches 16690. The 3DMark max-thread score is 5630, which is nearly identical to the 16-thread score of 5609, indicating full utilization of the 12 threads with minimal scaling overhead.

Q: Is the integrated graphics sufficient for daily use?

A: The UHD Graphics 730 is included and suitable for office tasks, web browsing, and video playback. For gaming or GPU-accelerated workloads, a discrete graphics card is required, as the integrated solution is not designed for 3D rendering.

Q: What cooling solution does this processor require?

A: With a 65W TDP, a standard air cooler is sufficient. The processor is not multiplier-unlocked, so it cannot be overclocked, meaning the stock cooling solution or a basic aftermarket cooler will handle thermal requirements without issue.

Q: Does the processor support PCIe Gen 4?

A: Yes, the CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. This allows for high-speed NVMe SSDs and current-generation graphics cards to run at full bandwidth, which is a notable feature for a 65W mid-range processor.

Q: What is the memory configuration for this chip?

A: The i5-11400 supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a total bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so standard consumer DDR4 modules are required.