PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-11400 vs Core i7-1260P FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-11400 vs Core i7-1260P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-11400

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $250 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $432 MSRP).
✅Delivers 138.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.6 vs 38.4 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $432 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-1260P.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1260P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (7,260 vs 9,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 18 MB).
❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i7-1260P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Core i7-1260P

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 38.4 vs 91.6 PassMark/$ ($432 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1260P better than Core i5-11400?

Yes. Core i7-1260P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 31.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-1260P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-1260P is the stronger fit. You are getting 31.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-1260P is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-11400 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-1260P comes in 137.4% more expensive on MSRP at $432 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-11400 is also 138.5% better value on MSRP (91.6 vs 38.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-1260P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-11400 vs Core i7-1260P Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-11400

The Core i5-11400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 16,670 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i7-1260P

The Core i7-1260P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,592 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-11400 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-1260P offers 12 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-1260P has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-11400 versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1260P — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-1260P (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-11400 uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-1260P uses Alder Lake-P (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11400 scores 16,670 against the Core i7-1260P's 16,592 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-11400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,960 vs 2,424, a 21.2% lead for the Core i7-1260P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,260 vs 9,532 (27.1% advantage for the Core i7-1260P). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11400 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i7-1260P.

Feature	Core i5-11400	Core i7-1260P
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.7 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	18 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+20380%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Alder Lake-P (2022)
PassMark	16,670	16,592
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,350	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,960	2,424+24%
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,260	9,532+31%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11400 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-1260P uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11400 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-1260P — the Core i7-1260P supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-11400 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B560,Z590 (Core i5-11400) and Adler Lake-P PCH (Core i7-1260P).

Feature	Core i5-11400	Core i7-1260P
Socket	LGA1200	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-11400 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 730 (Core i5-11400) and Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i7-1260P) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11400 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i7-1260P targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-11400 rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-11400	Core i7-1260P
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	High Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11400 was priced at $182, while the Core i7-1260P came in at $432. On launch pricing ($182 vs $432), Core i5-11400 was $250 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11400 delivers 91.6 pts/$ vs 38.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-1260P — making the Core i5-11400 the 81.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11400	Core i7-1260P
MSRP	$182-58%	$432
Performance per Dollar	91.6+139%	38.4
Release Date	2021	2022

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