Intel Core i5-11400F
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Core i5-11400F Specifications
Core i5-11400F Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i5-11400F features 6 physical cores and 12 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i5-11400F Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i5-11400F benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i5-11400F by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i5-11400F Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i5-11400F processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i5-11400F's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Rocket Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i5-11400F is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i5-11400F incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Rocket Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i5-11400F by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i5-11400F Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i5-11400F has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1200 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i5-11400F uses the Intel Socket 1200 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1200 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i5-11400F define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i5-11400F determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Core i5-11400F Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i5-11400F is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i5-11400F by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i5-11400F Benchmark Scores
3dmark_16_threadsSource
3DMark 16-thread tests Intel Core i5-11400F with heavily-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games that fully utilize high-core-count CPUs for maximum parallelization.
3dmark_2_threadsSource
3DMark 2-thread tests Intel Core i5-11400F performance with dual-threaded game workloads. This shows capability in games that use limited parallelization typical of older titles. Some game engines still primarily utilize only two threads for core logic.
3dmark_4_threadsSource
3DMark 4-thread tests Intel Core i5-11400F with quad-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games optimized for four cores, which represents many current titles.
3dmark_8_threadsSource
3DMark 8-thread tests Intel Core i5-11400F with octa-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in well-optimized modern games that leverage eight threads effectively. AAA titles increasingly scale to eight or more threads.
3dmark_max_threadsSource
3DMark max threads tests Intel Core i5-11400F using all available threads for game workloads. This shows the maximum parallel gaming performance capability of the processor. This reveals the ceiling of what games could achieve with perfect thread scaling.
3dmark_single_threadSource
3DMark CPU single-thread tests how Intel Core i5-11400F handles game physics and AI calculations on one core. This is critical for games that rely on single-thread performance. Many games still bottleneck on single-core speed despite having multiple threads.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i5-11400F performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i5-11400F handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i5-11400F.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i5-11400F.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i5-11400F after thermal limits kick in.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i5-11400F maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i5-11400F across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i5-11400F can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.
passmark_data_compressionSource
Data compression measures how fast Intel Core i5-11400F can compress and decompress files. This is important for archiving, backup software, and file transfer applications.
passmark_data_encryptionSource
Data encryption tests how fast Intel Core i5-11400F can encrypt information using AES and other algorithms. This is critical for security applications, VPNs, and secure communications. Modern CPUs with AES-NI hardware acceleration score significantly higher. Disk encryption, secure browsing, and VPN performance all benefit from faster encryption.
passmark_extended_instructionsSource
Extended instructions tests Intel Core i5-11400F performance using SSE and AVX instruction sets. These specialized instructions accelerate multimedia, scientific, and AI workloads.
passmark_find_prime_numbersSource
Find prime numbers tests Intel Core i5-11400F ability to identify primes through intensive calculations. This is a pure computational benchmark that stresses CPU arithmetic units without memory bottlenecks. The test reveals raw mathematical processing capability.
passmark_floating_point_mathSource
Floating point math measures how Intel Core i5-11400F handles decimal calculations critical for scientific computing and 3D rendering. This affects performance in CAD and physics simulations.
passmark_integer_mathSource
Integer math tests how fast Intel Core i5-11400F processes whole number calculations essential for database operations and compression algorithms. This is fundamental to general computing performance. Encryption and data processing heavily rely on integer operations. Higher scores benefit applications that work primarily with non-decimal numbers.
passmark_multithreadSource
PassMark multi-thread tests Intel Core i5-11400F across integer math, floating point, compression, and encryption using all cores. This provides an overall multi-threaded CPU performance score. The combined result reflects general-purpose parallel computing capability. Results can be compared against millions of submissions in the PassMark database.
passmark_physicsSource
Physics tests how Intel Core i5-11400F handles physics simulations used in games and engineering software. This measures performance in calculating object interactions and movements.
passmark_random_string_sortingSource
Random string sorting measures how fast Intel Core i5-11400F can organize text data. This is important for database operations, search indexing, and data processing applications.
passmark_single_threadSource
PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i5-11400F across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use.
passmark_singlethreadSource
PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i5-11400F across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use. Many legacy applications and games still depend heavily on single-thread speed.
About Intel Core i5-11400F
Built on Intel's refined 14 nm process, the Intel Core i5-11400F delivers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. Its 6 cores and 12 threads, with a turbo boost of up to 4.40 GHz, provide substantial multitasking capability for its price point. The performance of the Intel Core i5-11400F is clearly demonstrated in its benchmark scores, offering a solid foundation for a mid-range gaming or productivity system. With a TDP of just 65W, this CPU strikes a good balance between power and thermal output, making it suitable for a variety of case and cooler combinations. The unlocked multiplier on the Intel Core i5-11400F also provides appealing overclocking potential for enthusiasts looking to extract extra performance.
A detailed look at the performance metrics reveals the strengths of the Intel Core i5-11400F. The overall PassMark multithreaded score of 16,908 points is competitive, while specific sub-tests show its capabilities:
- Data Compression: 208,472 points
- Integer Math: 57,624 points
- Floating Point Math: 34,127 points
- Random String Sorting: 24,124 points
- Single-Thread Performance: Strong, thanks to the high turbo frequency
- Gaming Performance: Excellent value, often matching more expensive CPUs in many titles
Positioned firmly in the budget-to-mid-range price bracket with a launch price of $157, the i5-11400F represents significant value. For optimal performance, pairing suggestions include a capable B560 or Z590 motherboard to leverage PCIe 4.0 support and memory overclocking. A mid-range GPU like an RTX 3060 or Radeon RX 6600 XT pairs perfectly, avoiding significant bottlenecks. Given the lack of integrated graphics, a discrete video card is a mandatory component for any build centered around this CPU. This combination makes the platform centered on the Intel Core i5-11400F an excellent choice for cost-conscious builders seeking high frame rates.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i5-11400F
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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