Intel Core i5-11400

Intel Core i5-11400 in 2025: Is it worth getting a processor from the previous generation?

An up-to-date review for budget builds and upgrades

Key Features: Architecture and Performance

The Intel Core i5-11400 processor, released in 2021, remains a popular choice for budget PCs. Despite its age, its specifications still look balanced even in 2025:

- Architecture: Rocket Lake-S (hybrid structure with PCIe 4.0 support).

- Manufacturing Process: 14 nm (Intel has already moved to 7 nm in new generations, but this is not critical for basic tasks).

- Cores and Threads: 6 cores, 12 threads. Base frequency — 2.6 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.4 GHz.

- Cache: 12 MB L3.

- TDP: 65 W (energy efficiency is one of its key advantages).

- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730 (suitable for office tasks and less demanding games).

Performance:

- In Geekbench 6 (2025), the processor scores 1915 points in single-core and 7552 points in multi-core tests. This performance level is sufficient for comfortable work in Photoshop, 3D modeling, and gaming at medium settings (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 offers stable 50-60 FPS at Full HD when using a graphics card like the RTX 3060).

Key Features:

- Support for PCIe 4.0 (but only for SSDs and graphics cards if the motherboard has the corresponding chipset).

- Technologies like Intel Quick Sync Video (video rendering acceleration) and Deep Learning Boost (AI task optimization).

Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The processor uses the LGA 1200 socket, which limits motherboard options to models from 2020-2021. In 2025, new LGA 1200 motherboards are no longer produced, but you can still find:

- Budget Options: Motherboards with H510 chipset (from $80) — for example, ASRock H510M-HDV. Suitable for office PCs, but they do not support memory overclocking beyond 2666 MHz.

- Optimal Choice: B560 (from $100) — MSI B560M PRO-VDH. Here you get PCIe 4.0, RAM overclocking up to 3200 MHz, and improved power supply for the processor.

- For Enthusiasts: Z590 (from $150) — Gigabyte Z590 AORUS ELITE. Overclocking support, 2 PCIe 4.0 slots, and an 8-layer PCB for stability.

Tip: Avoid H410 chipsets — they do not support PCIe 4.0 and XMP profiles for memory.

Supported Memory: DDR4 as the Standard

The i5-11400 only works with DDR4 (maximum 3200 MHz in XMP mode). By 2025, DDR4 has already been surpassed by DDR5 in bandwidth but remains cheaper:

- 16 GB DDR4-3200 — starts at $45 (for example, Kingston Fury Beast).

- For gaming, 16 GB is sufficient; for video editing, 32 GB is recommended.

Important: Inexpensive motherboards on H510 limit memory frequency to 2666 MHz. If you want to get the most out of your RAM, choose B560/Z590.

Power Supply: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 65 W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU, but when connecting a discrete graphics card, it's important to consider the overall power consumption:

- Integrated Graphics: PSU of 300-400 W (for example, be quiet! Pure Power 11 400W).

- With a graphics card like RTX 4060: PSU of 500-600 W (Corsair CX650M, $70).

- Tip: Don’t skimp on the power supply. Cheap models (like Apevia) may operate unstably under load.

Pros and Cons of i5-11400 in 2025

Advantages:

1. Price: New processors are rarely available, but leftovers can be found for $150-170.

2. Energy Efficiency: Even under load, consumes less than 100 W.

3. Integrated Graphics: Useful if your graphics card fails.

Disadvantages:

1. Outdated Manufacturing Process: 14 nm vs 7-5 nm found in Ryzen 7000/8000.

2. No Support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.

3. Limited Upgrade Potential: LGA 1200 socket is incompatible with newer Intel generations.

Use Cases: Where the Processor is Relevant

1. Gaming: Paired with RTX 3060/4060, it delivers 60+ FPS in Full HD (example: Elden Ring on high settings).

2. Office and Multimedia: Streaming 4K, working with documents, Zoom conferences.

3. Rendering: In Blender or Premiere Pro, rendering a medium-difficulty project may take 15-20% longer than on a Ryzen 5 7600, but that’s acceptable for hobby projects.

Real Experience: A user on Reddit built a PC with an i5-11400 and RX 6600 for streaming — the system runs OBS + game without lags.

Comparison with Competitors

1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6/12, 3.7-4.6 GHz):

- Pros: 7 nm, PCIe 4.0 available on all chipsets.

- Cons: More expensive (from $180), no integrated graphics.

- Conclusion: The choice depends on pricing — if the difference is under $30, Ryzen is the better option.

2. Intel Core i5-12400F (Alder Lake, 2022):

- Pros: 10 nm, DDR5, 15-20% higher performance.

- Cons: No new units available for purchase.

Assembly Tips

1. Cooling: The boxed cooler is adequate, but for quieter operation, consider the DeepCool AK400 ($30).

2. Motherboard: If you need PCIe 4.0, go for B560/Z590.

3. BIOS Update: Older motherboards may require an update for proper operation.

Final Conclusion: Who is the i5-11400 Suitable For?

This processor is worth considering if:

- Your budget is up to $500 for the whole build.

- You need a PC for work, study, or gaming without ultra settings.

- You are upgrading an old system (for example, from i3-10100).

Alternative: If you can spend $50-100 more, look for a used Ryzen 5 7600 or a new Intel Core i3-14100 (newer but has only 4 cores).

In 2025, the i5-11400 is a rational choice for those who value the balance between price and performance but are not chasing trends.