Intel Core i7-11700F

The Intel Core i7-11700F is a desktop processor from Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lake family, occupying a specific position in the benchmark hierarchy. Data indicates it holds the 79th percentile among all CPUs tested, with an average benchmark score of 21957. This places it in a tightly contested performance tier, where the nearest rivals are separated by fractions of a percent, making the 11700F a highly competitive option within its segment.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Core i7-11700F reveals a processor with strong multi-threaded capabilities and respectable single-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 17620 points in the multi-core test and 2487 points in the single-core test. The multi-core result demonstrates the effectiveness of its 8 cores and 16 threads, while the single-core score indicates solid per-thread efficiency, which is critical for lightly-threaded workloads and gaming performance.

When examining scaling across thread counts, the data shows a typical progression. In 3DMark tests, the score rises from 1816 with 2 threads to 3355 with 4 threads, then to 5513 with 8 threads, and finally to 7378 with 16 threads. The maximum thread score of 7479 is only slightly higher than the 16-thread score, suggesting that the processor is nearing its full utilization at 16 threads. This scaling pattern indicates good multi-threading efficiency without significant overhead penalties as more threads are engaged.

PassMark results provide additional context on specific workload characteristics. The multi-thread score is 20728, while the single-thread score is 3262. The data compression test yields a score of 266035, and the encryption test produces 12563. Integer math performance is particularly strong at 79133, with floating-point math at 46307. The extended instructions score of 18308 suggests capable SIMD performance, which benefits applications that leverage modern instruction sets.

Comparing against the nearest rivals, the average score differences are minimal. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X has an average score of 21960, which is 0% different from the 11700F's 21957. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H sits at 21974, a mere 0.1% higher. Interestingly, the AMD EPYC 9534 and EPYC 9554P, which are server-class processors, score 21900 and 21899 respectively, placing them 0.3% behind the 11700F. These negligible deltas underscore how closely matched this performance tier is, with the 11700F essentially trading blows with its immediate competition.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core i7-11700F is built on Intel's Rocket Lake architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node with a die size of 276 mm². It utilizes the Intel Socket 1200 interface, which is the platform used for 11th Gen desktop processors. The processor supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, providing a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which positions this processor firmly in the consumer desktop segment rather than workstation or server territory.

PCIe support includes Gen 4 with 20 lanes available from the CPU. This provides ample bandwidth for modern graphics cards and NVMe storage devices, with the Gen 4 interface being a notable upgrade over older generations. The processor does not include integrated graphics, as indicated by the null value for integratedGraphics, meaning a discrete GPU is mandatory for any system using this CPU.

The production status is listed as end-of-life, and the release date was March 15, 2021. The multiplier is not unlocked, indicating that overclocking is not officially supported on this particular model. The part number is SRKNR. Cache configuration includes 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory bus is dual-channel, which is standard for desktop processors in this class.

Power and Thermals

The thermal design power (TDP) for the Core i7-11700F is 65 watts. This is a relatively modest power envelope for an 8-core, 16-thread processor, placing it in a class that is suitable for standard desktop cooling solutions. The 65-watt TDP class typically allows for quieter operation and less demanding cooling requirements compared to higher-TDP parts.

Given this TDP figure, the data implies that a capable air cooler should be sufficient for maintaining proper operating temperatures under typical workloads. The processor is not designed for extreme overclocking scenarios, which aligns with the locked multiplier. Users seeking higher performance through manual tuning would need to look at unlocked variants, but for the target audience of this processor, the stock configuration with a standard cooler should provide acceptable thermal performance.

The 14 nm process node, while older than more advanced nodes, does not inherently dictate poor thermal behavior at this TDP level. The combination of 8 cores and a 65-watt TDP suggests that the processor has been configured to balance performance with power efficiency, likely through conservative clock management. The boost clock of 4.90 GHz does indicate that the processor can reach high frequencies when thermal and power headroom allows, but sustained all-core workloads will be governed by the power limits.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core i7-11700F?

A: The average benchmark score is 21957, and the processor ranks in the 79th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How does the Core i7-11700F perform in Cinebench R23?

A: It scores 17620 in the multi-core test and 2487 in the single-core test.

Q: What memory type does this processor support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Does the Core i7-11700F include integrated graphics?

A: No, the integratedGraphics field is null, meaning a discrete graphics card is required.

Q: What is the TDP of the Core i7-11700F?

A: The TDP is 65 watts, which is a modest power envelope for an 8-core processor.

Q: Is the Core i7-11700F overclockable?

A: No, the multiplier is not unlocked, so the processor does not support manual overclocking.

How It Compares

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is the closest rival in average score, with 21960 versus the 11700F's 21957, representing a 0% difference. These two processors are effectively tied in overall performance, though the 11700F offers more cores and threads, which may provide an advantage in heavily threaded workloads despite the negligible average score delta.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H scores 21974, which is 0.1% higher than the 11700F. This mobile processor edges out the desktop 11700F by a hair in average benchmarks, but the comparison is somewhat academic given the different market segments. The 11700F's desktop platform offers more expansion options and sustained power delivery compared to a mobile part.

The AMD EPYC 9534, a server processor, scores 21900, which is 0.3% lower than the 11700F. While the EPYC 9534 is designed for entirely different workloads involving massive core counts and memory capacity, the average benchmark score places it in the same tier as the 11700F for the specific tests used in this database. This highlights that the 11700F is capable of holding its own even against enterprise silicon in certain synthetic workloads.

The AMD EPYC 9554P similarly scores 21899, also 0.3% behind the 11700F. Like the EPYC 9534, this is a server-class processor with a different design philosophy, yet the average benchmark score lands it within striking distance of the 11700F. The data suggests that in the specific benchmarks tracked, the 11700F's performance profile is competitive with a wide range of processors across different market tiers, despite being a mainstream desktop part.