Intel Core i5-11400F

Intel Core i5-11400F: Review and Relevance in 2025

April 2025

Despite the release of new generations of processors, the Intel Core i5-11400F remains a popular choice for budget builds and upgrading older systems. Let’s explore why this chip is still relevant and who it is suitable for.

1. Key Specifications: Rocket Lake in Detail

Architecture and Process Technology

The Core i5-11400F is based on the Rocket Lake architecture (2021) and is manufactured using a 14nm process. This is the last generation of Intel before the switch to 10nm (in Alder Lake). Despite its "age," the chip shows commendable performance due to its optimizations:

- 6 cores / 12 threads;

- Base clock speed of 2.6 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.4 GHz;

- 12 MB L3 cache;

- Support for PCIe 4.0 (up to 20 lanes).

Performance

According to Geekbench 6 tests (2025):

- Single-Core: 1995 — sufficient for modern games and applications;

- Multi-Core: 8199 — suitable for rendering and multitasking.

Key Features

- Intel UHD Graphics is absent (the "F" index indicates no integrated graphics);

- Support for AVX-512 for specialized tasks;

- Energy efficiency (TDP 65W).

2. Compatible Motherboards

Socket and Chipsets

The processor requires motherboards with LGA 1200. Suitable chipsets include:

- H510 — a basic option for office PCs;

- B560 — an optimal choice (unlocked RAM frequency, PCIe 4.0);

- Z590 — maximum capabilities (overclocking RAM, more ports).

Selection Features

- For PCIe 4.0, chipsets B560/Z590 are required;

- Z590 boards may be excessive — i5-11400F does not support overclocking (multiplier is locked).

Examples of 2025 Motherboards

- ASRock B560M-HDV ($75–$90) — a compact option for a budget build;

- MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk ($120–$140) — improved VRM cooling.

3. Supported Memory

Types and Frequencies

- DDR4-3200 (officially), but on B560/Z590 can be overclocked to DDR4-4000+;

- DDR5 is not supported — a key drawback for builds in 2025.

Recommendations

- Use dual-channel kits (2×8 GB or 2×16 GB);

- Optimal frequency — 3200–3600 MHz (e.g., Kingston Fury Beast DDR4-3200, $55 for 16 GB).

4. Power Supplies: Power Calculation

Power Consumption

- TDP 65W, but under load consumes up to 120–130W;

- Considering a GPU (e.g., RTX 3060), the total system power would be around ~300–350W.

Recommendations

- Minimum — 450W (for systems without a powerful GPU);

- Optimal — 550–650W (with headroom for upgrades).

Examples of Power Supplies

- Corsair CV550 ($65) — a reliable budget option;

- Seasonic Focus GX-650 ($110) — modular design, 10 years warranty.

5. Pros and Cons

Strengths

- Price ($150–$170 in 2025) — cheaper than the Ryzen 5 5600X ($180–$200);

- Good gaming performance (on par with RTX 3060 / RX 6600 XT);

- Low heat dissipation — suitable for compact cases.

Weaknesses

- Outdated 14nm process technology;

- No support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0;

- Cannot be overclocked (unlike Ryzen with the "X" index).

6. Usage Scenarios

Gaming

- 1080p / 60+ FPS in AAA titles (Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring) with a GPU like the RTX 3060;

- Esports titles (CS2, Valorant) — 200+ FPS.

Work Tasks

- Video editing in Premiere Pro / DaVinci Resolve (1080p / 4K videos with proxy);

- 3D rendering in Blender (but slower than Ryzen 7 5700X).

Multimedia

- Streaming (OBS + NVENC);

- Photo editing in Lightroom.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

- Pros: 7nm process, overclocking, better for multi-threaded tasks;

- Cons: more expensive, requires DDR4-3600 for optimal performance.

Intel Core i5-12400F

- Pros: Alder Lake architecture (10nm), higher IPC, DDR5 support;

- Cons: price ($180), new LGA 1700 boards are more expensive.

Conclusion: The i5-11400F is a winner only in the budget segment.

8. Assembly Tips

- Cooling: even the stock cooler will suffice, but for quieter operation, choose a tower cooler like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($35);

- Case: with good ventilation (e.g., NZXT H510 Flow);

- Storage: An NVMe SSD is essential (Samsung 980 500 GB, $50);

- GPU: Avoid pairing with top-tier cards (an RTX 4080 will create a “bottleneck”).

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

This processor is worth choosing if:

- Your budget is limited, and new technologies (DDR5, PCIe 5.0) are not required;

- You're upgrading an old PC on LGA 1200;

- Your main goal is gaming in Full HD or working with office applications.

In 2025, the i5-11400F is a decent compromise between price and performance, but for future upgrades, it is better to consider the LGA 1700 or AM5 platform.