Intel Core i5-11500 vs Intel Core i5-11600

The Intel Core i5-11600 is the faster processor, scoring 42/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 40/100 for the Intel Core i5-11500 — roughly 5% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Intel

Intel Core i5-11500

40
Gaming score / 100
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Winner

Intel Core i5-11600

42
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i5-11600 price

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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-11500Intel Core i5-11600
Gaming score40/10042/100
Cores / Threads6 / 126 / 12
Boost clock4.60 GHz4.80 GHz
TDP65 W65 W
SocketLGA1200LGA1200
MSRP$149.00$159.00

Intel Core i5-11500 vs Intel Core i5-11600: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i5-11600 is the faster processor, scoring 42/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 40/100 for the Intel Core i5-11500 — roughly 5% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Intel Core i5-11500 better than the Intel Core i5-11600?
The Intel Core i5-11600 is faster for gaming, scoring 42/100 versus 40/100 for the Intel Core i5-11500 (about 5% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-11500 or the Intel Core i5-11600?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-11600. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i5-11500 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

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