When it comes to gaming, the heart of your system is undoubtedly the CPU. Intel’s 11th generation CPUs have taken the gaming world by storm, offering impressive performance gains and advanced features that cater specifically to gamers. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the best 11th gen Intel CPUs for gaming, helping you make an informed decision when upgrading your gaming rig.
Intel Core i9-11900K
The Intel Core i9-11900K is a flagship gaming CPU that stands at the pinnacle of Intel’s 11th generation lineup. With its 8 cores and 16 threads, this processor boasts impressive clock speeds and delivers exceptional gaming performance. Thanks to Intel’s Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, the i9-11900K can reach turbo frequencies of up to 5.3 GHz, making it ideal for demanding AAA titles and competitive eSports gaming.
Intel Core i7-11700K
If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming CPU without the premium price tag of the i9-11900K, the Intel Core i7-11700K is an excellent choice. This 8-core, 16-thread CPU offers excellent gaming performance and multitasking capabilities. With a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 5.0 GHz, it can handle even the most resource-intensive games with ease.
Intel Core i5-11600K
For gamers on a budget who still want a powerful gaming CPU, the Intel Core i5-11600K is a compelling option. With 6 cores and 12 threads, it delivers impressive gaming performance at a more affordable price point. The i5-11600K has a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.9 GHz, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want excellent value for their money.
Intel Core i9-11900KF
If you’re planning to use a dedicated graphics card and don’t need integrated graphics, the Intel Core i9-11900KF is a variant of the i9-11900K that comes at a slightly lower cost. It offers the same powerful gaming performance, thanks to its 8 cores and 16 threads, and is an excellent choice for gamers who are building a system with a discrete GPU.
Intel Core i7-11700F
Similarly, the Intel Core i7-11700F is a cost-effective alternative to the i7-11700K. It lacks integrated graphics but retains the same impressive gaming performance and multitasking capabilities. Gamers looking to maximize their budget while still enjoying top-tier gaming performance should consider this CPU.
Intel Core i5-11400
If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly option that still delivers solid gaming performance, the Intel Core i5-11400 is worth considering. This 6-core, 12-thread CPU offers a good balance between price and performance. With a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.4 GHz, it can handle most modern games without breaking a sweat. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want to get the most value out of their CPU upgrade.
Intel Core i9-11980HK (Laptop)
Gaming on laptops has become increasingly popular, and Intel hasn’t left mobile gamers behind. The Intel Core i9-11980HK is a high-performance mobile CPU designed for gaming laptops. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it offers desktop-class gaming performance in a portable package. The i9-11980HK can reach turbo frequencies of up to 5.0 GHz, making it one of the best choices for gamers on the go who demand uncompromised performance.
Intel Core i7-11800H (Laptop)
For those who want excellent gaming performance in a more affordable laptop, the Intel Core i7-11800H is a great option. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads and can turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz, ensuring smooth gameplay on a laptop screen. Gaming laptops equipped with this CPU provide a fantastic gaming experience without the bulk of a desktop system.
Intel Core i5-11600KF
For gamers who are looking to save some money by not investing in integrated graphics (since they plan to use a dedicated GPU), the Intel Core i5-11600KF is another compelling option. It offers 6 cores and 12 threads, which is more than enough for gaming. With a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.9 GHz, this CPU delivers excellent gaming performance and multitasking capabilities without the added cost of integrated graphics.
Intel Core i7-11700
The Intel Core i7-11700 is another desktop CPU worth mentioning. It sits between the i7-11700K and the i7-11700F in terms of price and features. This 8-core, 16-thread CPU has a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.9 GHz, making it a good choice for gamers who want a balance between performance and value.
Intel Core i5-11400F
If you’re on a tight budget but still want decent gaming performance, the Intel Core i5-11400F is an affordable option. It offers 6 cores and 12 threads and can turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz. While it may not be as powerful as some of the higher-end options, it can handle most games with ease, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Performance
CPU Model | Cores | Threads | Base Clock (GHz) | Boost Clock (GHz) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i9-11900K | 8 | 16 | 3.5 | 5.3 |
Intel Core i7-11700K | 8 | 16 | 3.6 | 5.0 |
Intel Core i5-11600K | 6 | 12 | 3.9 | 4.9 |
Intel Core i9-11900 | 8 | 16 | 2.5 | 5.2 |
Intel Core i7-11700 | 8 | 16 | 2.5 | 4.9 |
Intel Core i5-11600 | 6 | 12 | 2.8 | 4.8 |
Intel Core i5-11400 | 6 | 12 | 2.6 | 4.4 |
Intel Core i3-11100 | 4 | 8 | 3.7 | 4.5 |
Intel Pentium G6600 | 2 | 4 | 4.2 | N/A |
Intel Celeron G5900 | 2 | 2 | 3.4 | N/A |
L3 Cache and TDP
CPU Model | L3 Cache (MB) | TDP (Watts) |
---|---|---|
Intel Core i9-11900K | 16 | 125 |
Intel Core i7-11700K | 16 | 125 |
Intel Core i5-11600K | 12 | 125 |
Intel Core i9-11900 | 16 | 65 |
Intel Core i7-11700 | 16 | 65 |
Intel Core i5-11600 | 12 | 65 |
Intel Core i5-11400 | 12 | 65 |
Intel Core i3-11100 | 8 | 65 |
Intel Pentium G6600 | 4 | 58 |
Intel Celeron G5900 | 2 | 58 |
Integrated Graphics
CPU Model | Integrated Graphics |
---|---|
Intel Core i9-11900K | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i7-11700K | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i9-11900 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i7-11700 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i5-11600 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel UHD Graphics 730 |
Intel Core i3-11100 | Intel UHD Graphics 730 |
Intel Pentium G6600 | Intel UHD Graphics 610 |
Intel Celeron G5900 | Intel UHD Graphics 610 |
Socket Compatibility
CPU Model | Socket Compatibility |
---|---|
Intel Core i9-11900K | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i7-11700K | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i5-11600K | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i9-11900 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i7-11700 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i5-11600 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i5-11400 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i3-11100 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Pentium G6600 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Celeron G5900 | LGA 1200 |
Price (as of September 2021)
CPU Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|
Intel Core i9-11900K | $549 |
Intel Core i7-11700K | $399 |
Intel Core i5-11600K | $269 |
Intel Core i9-11900 | $439 |
Intel Core i7-11700 | $349 |
Intel Core i5-11600 | $217 |
Intel Core i5-11400 | $157 |
Intel Core i3-11100 | $122 |
Intel Pentium G6600 | $86 |
Intel Celeron G5900 | $52 |
Conclusion
Intel’s 11th generation CPUs have brought significant improvements to gaming performance, providing a wide range of options to cater to different gaming needs and budgets. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming PC, a budget-friendly rig, or looking for a gaming laptop, there’s an 11th gen Intel CPU that suits your requirements.
When making your decision, consider factors such as your gaming preferences, budget constraints, and whether you prioritize clock speeds, core counts, or portability. By selecting the right 11th gen Intel CPU and pairing it with a capable GPU, ample RAM, and a speedy storage solution, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a top-tier gaming experience.
Investing in the right CPU is a crucial step in building a gaming setup that can handle the latest titles with ease. So, choose wisely and game on! Your gaming adventures are about to get a whole lot more exciting with these powerful 11th gen Intel processors.