Intel Core i7-11390H

Intel Core i7-11390H: Compact Power for Mobile Tasks
April 2025
In the world of mobile processors, the balance between performance and energy efficiency is critically important. The Intel Core i7-11390H, released in 2021, remains a relevant solution for ultrabooks and thin workstations. Let’s explore who this chip is suitable for in 2025 and what tasks it can handle.
Architecture and Process Technology: 10nm SuperFin and Hybrid Efficiency
The processor is based on the Tiger Lake microarchitecture, manufactured using Intel's 10nm SuperFin technology. This process has allowed Intel to increase transistor density and reduce power consumption while maintaining high clock speeds.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads (Hyper-Threading).
- Clock Speeds: Base frequency — 3.4 GHz, max turbo frequency — up to 5.0 GHz for a single core.
- Cache: 12 MB L3, which speeds up data processing in multitasking scenarios.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel Iris Xe with 96 EU (Execution Units). Supports DirectX 12, 4K displays, and AI acceleration technologies in applications.
A feature of Tiger Lake is its optimization for AI workloads due to support for Intel DL Boost instructions and GNA 3.0 (neural network accelerator). This is useful for noise suppression in video chats or photo processing in Adobe Lightroom.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balance for Slim Devices
The processor has a TDP of 28W, classifying it as a chip for "high-performance ultrabooks." In reality, TDP can vary from 15W (in power-saving mode) to 35W (under aggressive turbo conditions).
- Thermal Output: Requires a quality cooling system. In compact laptops (e.g., Dell XPS 13), passive cooling with fans is often used, which can result in noise under load.
- Plus for Mobility: Compared to the 45W H-series, the i7-11390H is better suited for devices less than 18mm thick.
Performance: From Office Tasks to Light Gaming
Office Work and Multitasking:
- In PCMark 10 tests, the processor scores around 5200 points, ensuring smooth operation with dozens of browser tabs, office applications, and video conferences.
- Example: Running Zoom, Excel with large spreadsheets, and Chrome with 20+ tabs simultaneously shows no noticeable stuttering.
Multimedia:
- Rendering a 4-minute video in 1080p (Premiere Pro) takes about 3-4 minutes thanks to Iris Xe and Quick Sync hardware encoding.
- Photo editing in Photoshop with filters (e.g., Content-Aware Fill) is done on the fly.
Gaming:
- Iris Xe handles games on low to medium settings:
- CS:GO — 90-110 FPS (1080p, low settings);
- GTA V — 50-60 FPS (1080p, medium settings);
- Fortnite — 45-55 FPS (720p, medium settings).
- Turbo mode supports high frequencies for up to 10-15 minutes, after which throttling may occur in thin laptops without strong cooling.
Use Scenarios: Who is the i7-11390H Suitable For?
1. Students and Office Workers: For studying, document work, and light media creation.
2. Freelance Designers: Photo editing, vector graphics (Illustrator), and short video editing.
3. Casual Gamers: Games with moderate requirements or streaming through cloud services (GeForce Now).
4. Frequent Travelers: Laptops weighing 1.2-1.5 kg with 8-10 hours of battery life.
Not Suitable For:
- 3D Modelers and Engineers (too few cores for rendering in Blender).
- Streamers who play and broadcast simultaneously (limitations in multi-threaded performance).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
With a 60 Wh battery capacity:
- Web browsing and office tasks: 8-10 hours (brightness at 150 nits, Wi-Fi on).
- Video playback (YouTube, 1080p): 6-7 hours.
- Heavy tasks (rendering): 1.5-2 hours.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift: Dynamic frequency switching to minimize latency.
- Adaptix Thermal Framework: Smart temperature management to extend battery life.
- Display Power Savings: Automatic reduction of brightness and frame rates in static scenes.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD, Apple, and Previous Generations
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800U (8 cores, 16 threads):
- Pros: Better performance in multi-threaded tasks (e.g., rendering is 20-30% faster).
- Cons: Integrated Vega 8 graphics are weaker than Iris Xe (~15-20% difference in games).
- Apple M2 (8 cores):
- Pros: Higher battery life (up to 18 hours), optimized for macOS.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows programs, more expensive (laptops starting at $1299).
- Intel Core i7-10750H (6 cores, 14nm):
- Outdated Comet Lake architecture: Higher thermal output, worse energy efficiency.
Prices in 2025: Laptops with i7-11390H range from $800-1100, while equivalents with Ryzen 7 5800U range from $750-1000, and Apple MacBook Air M2 starts at $999.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High single-threaded performance (Geekbench 6 Single Core — 1986).
- Powerful integrated graphics for less demanding games.
- Optimal for thin and light devices.
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 cores: Lags behind in multi-threading compared to Ryzen and Apple M series.
- Generates heat under load: Requires thoughtful cooling.
- Aging platform: Lacks support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 in some models.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: Ultrabooks (Asus ZenBook, HP Spectre x360) or business laptops (Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon).
2. Cooling: Look for models with dual fans and copper heat pipes.
3. Screen: IPS panel with 100% sRGB for designers, 300 nits brightness for outdoor work.
4. Battery: At least 60 Wh capacity for 8+ hours of battery life.
5. Memory and SSD: 16 GB DDR4/3200 MHz + NVMe SSD 512 GB (minimum).
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Dell XPS 13 (9315): $1099, 1.2 kg, 14-inch 4K display.
- Acer Swift 5: $899, 1.4 kg, touchscreen display.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-11390H is an ideal choice for those who value portability but do not want to compromise on performance for everyday tasks. It is suitable for:
- Students for studying and entertainment.
- Office workers dealing with large data volumes.
- Travelers needing a lightweight laptop with long battery life.
Key Advantages: Powerful single-threaded performance, decent graphics without a discrete GPU, compatibility with the Windows ecosystem. If your tasks do not demand 8+ cores, the i7-11390H remains a compelling option even in 2025.