Core i5-11500B vs Core Ultra 5 228V

Intel

Core i5-11500B

6 Cores12 Thrd7.5 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2021
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 228V

8 Cores8 Thrd17 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2024
Core Ultra family
·······

Core i5-11500B vs Core Ultra 5 228V Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-11500B vs Core Ultra 5 228V 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 i5-11500B vs Core Ultra 5 228V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-11500B

2021

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Costs $110 less on MSRP ($185 MSRP vs $295 MSRP).
  • Delivers 60.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 92.3 vs 57.5 PassMark/$ ($185 MSRP vs $295 MSRP).
  • Draws 8W instead of 17W, a 10W reduction.
  • 150% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Older platform position on FCBGA1787 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 228V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.

Core Ultra 5 228V

2024

Why buy it

  • Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1787 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (16,955 vs 17,075).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 57.5 vs 92.3 PassMark/$ ($295 MSRP vs $185 MSRP).
  • 126.7% higher power demand at 17W vs 7.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11500B better than Core Ultra 5 228V?
Yes. Core i5-11500B is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-11500B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i5-11500B is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-11500B is the better buy right now. Core i5-11500B comes in $110 cheaper on MSRP at $185 MSRP versus $295 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 60.6% better value on MSRP (92.3 vs 57.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 228V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1787. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-11500B vs Core Ultra 5 228V Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-11500B

The Core i5-11500B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 7.5 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,075 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Core Ultra 5 228V

The Core Ultra 5 228V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,955 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i5-11500B packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 228V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core Ultra 5 228V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-11500B versus 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 228V — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-11500B (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-11500B uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 228V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11500B scores 17,075 against the Core Ultra 5 228V's 16,955 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-11500B. L3 cache: 12 MB on the Core i5-11500B vs 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 228V.

FeatureCore i5-11500BCore Ultra 5 228V
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+2%
4.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+57%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB+50%
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
7.5 MB+200%
2.5 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm
3 nm-70%
Architecture
Tiger Lake-H (2021)
Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark
17,075
16,955
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,932
Geekbench 6 Single
2,585
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,053
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11500B uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 228V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11500B versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 228V — the Core Ultra 5 228V supports 166.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-11500B supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11500B) vs 8 (Core Ultra 5 228V) — the Core i5-11500B offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-11500BCore Ultra 5 228V
Socket
FCBGA1787
FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
LPDDR5X-8533+167%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+300%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20+150%
8
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-11500B supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11500B) vs Yes (Core Ultra 5 228V). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 32EU (Core i5-11500B) and Arc 130V (Core Ultra 5 228V) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11500B targets Desktop / Mini PC.

FeatureCore i5-11500BCore Ultra 5 228V
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 32EU
Arc 130V
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Yes
Target Use
Desktop / Mini PC
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11500B was priced at $185, while the Core Ultra 5 228V came in at $295. On launch pricing ($185 vs $295), Core i5-11500B was $110 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11500B delivers 92.3 pts/$ vs 57.5 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 228V — making the Core i5-11500B the 46.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-11500BCore Ultra 5 228V
MSRP
$185-37%
$295
Performance per Dollar
92.3+61%
57.5
Release Date
2021
2024

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.