Intel Core i5-11320H

Intel Core i5-11320H: A Versatile Processor for Mobile Tasks. Review of 2025
Introduction
The Intel Core i5-11320H, released in 2021, remains popular in budget and mid-range laptops. Despite the introduction of newer generations (such as Meteor Lake), it continues to be relevant due to its successful combination of performance, energy efficiency, and affordable price. In this article, we will explore who this chip is suitable for in 2025, how it handles modern tasks, and what to consider when choosing a device.
Architecture and Technology Process: Tiger Lake and 10 nm SuperFin
Cores, Threads, and Cache
The Core i5-11320H is based on the Tiger Lake architecture using Intel's 10nm SuperFin manufacturing process, which marked a step forward in the competition against AMD. The processor features:
- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading;
- A base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz;
- 8 MB L3 cache, which speeds up the processing of frequently used data.
Integrated Graphics: Iris Xe
The built-in Intel Iris Xe GPU, featuring 96 execution units (EU) and a frequency of up to 1.35 GHz, provides:
- Support for 4K displays and HDMI 2.0;
- Acceleration for AI tasks (e.g., noise cancellation in Zoom);
- Gaming at low settings: CS:GO, Dota 2, GTA V — up to 40-60 FPS at 1080p resolution.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Longevity
With a TDP of 28W, it belongs to the class of high-performance mobile processors. This means:
- Laptops with this chip typically come with active cooling systems (1-2 fans);
- In idle mode, consumption drops to 5-7W, extending battery life;
- Intel Dynamic Tuning technology automatically adjusts power based on load.
Performance: Real-World Scenario Tests
Office Work and Multitasking
- Running 20+ tabs in Chrome + Office 365 + Zoom — no lag;
- Rendering PDF documents in Adobe Acrobat: 15% faster than the i5-10300H (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 1843).
Multimedia
- Video conversion in HandBrake (1080p → 720p): ~12 minutes for a 4GB file;
- Photo editing in Lightroom: filters applied almost instantly.
Gaming
- The Witcher 3 (Low, 720p): 35-45 FPS;
- Valorant (Medium, 1080p): 60-75 FPS;
- Turbo mode raises the frequency to 4.5 GHz, but throttling begins after 10-15 minutes due to overheating in thin chassis.
Use Cases: Who Is the i5-11320H For?
1. Students and Office Workers — for studying, document handling, and video conferencing.
2. Freelancers — editing short videos in Premiere Pro, basic 3D modeling.
3. Casual Gamers — playing less demanding games or streaming via cloud services (GeForce NOW).
4. Travelers — compact laptops weighing 1.3-1.6 kg with a battery life of 6-8 hours.
Battery Life: How Long Will It Last?
- Web surfing and text work: 7-9 hours (for devices with a 50-60 Wh battery);
- In maximum performance mode: 2-3 hours;
- Power-saving technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift — instant switching between C-states;
- Adaptive Brightness — automatic adjustment of screen brightness.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 5600U (Zen 3)
- Pros: 6 cores, better for multi-threaded tasks (e.g., rendering);
- Cons: Weaker graphics (Vega 7 vs. Iris Xe).
Apple M1
- Pros: Record battery life (up to 18 hours), cool operation;
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows applications.
Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake)
- Pros: Hybrid architecture, higher multi-threaded performance;
- Cons: Laptops with the 12th generation are 20-30% more expensive.
Pros and Cons of the Core i5-11320H
Strengths
- Strong single-threaded performance
- Powerful integrated graphics
- Thunderbolt 4 support
Weaknesses
- Only 4 cores (Ryzen 5 5600U offers 6)
- Heat build-up under load in thin cases
- No PCIe 4.0
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device:
- Ultrabooks (Acer Swift 3, Lenovo Yoga 7) — focus on portability.
- Business Laptops (HP EliteBook 840 G8) — reliability and data protection.
- Compact Gaming Laptops (MSI Stealth 15M) — with discrete GPU (RTX 3050).
2. What to Look For:
- Cooling: A dual-fan system performs better in turbo mode.
- Display: An IPS panel with 300 nits brightness and sRGB >90% for color work.
- Battery: At least 50 Wh for 6+ hours of battery life.
3. Prices: Laptops featuring the i5-11320H in 2025 cost $650–$900. For example:
- Asus VivoBook Pro 14 ($699): 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 2.8K OLED display.
- Dell Inspiron 15 5510 ($749): Slots for RAM and SSD expansion.
Final Conclusion: Who Is This Processor Suitable For?
The Intel Core i5-11320H is an optimal choice for those seeking a versatile laptop at a reasonable price. It can handle everyday tasks, light gaming, and work on the go. However, if you need 6-core performance or extreme battery life, consider looking into the Ryzen 5 6600U or Apple M2. In 2025, this processor is particularly advantageous in devices with discounts — it can be found 30-40% cheaper than new models without sacrificing quality.