Core i5-11400 vs Xeon Gold 5117
Core i5-11400
Xeon Gold 5117
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11400
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5117
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+110%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-11400 and Xeon Gold 5117
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.
Xeon Gold 5117
The Xeon Gold 5117 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 16,897 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i5-11400 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon Gold 5117 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-11400 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5117 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-11400 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-11400 uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5117 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11400 scores 16,670 against the Xeon Gold 5117's 16,897 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 5117. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11400 vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 5117.
| Feature | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 14 / 28+133% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+57% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+30% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 19.25 MB+60% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 14 MB+5500% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 16,670 | 16,897+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,350 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,960 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,260 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11400 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 5117 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11400 versus 2400 on the Xeon Gold 5117 — the Xeon Gold 5117 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5117 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-11400) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 5117). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11400) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 5117) — the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B560,Z590 (Core i5-11400) and C621 (Xeon Gold 5117).
| Feature | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 2400+59900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+17476167% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 6+200% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-11400 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 730), while the Xeon Gold 5117 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11400 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-11400 rivals Ryzen 5 5600X; Xeon Gold 5117 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.
| Feature | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11400 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 5117 debuted at $1286. At current prices ($141 vs $300), the Core i5-11400 is $159 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11400 delivers 118.2 pts/$ vs 56.3 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5117 — making the Core i5-11400 the 70.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11400 | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-86% | $1286 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $141-53% | $300 |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.2+110% | 56.3 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2017 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-11400 and Xeon Gold 5117
