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 i5-11600K vs Core Ultra 7 256V 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 i5-11600K vs Core Ultra 7 256V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-11600K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $188 less on MSRP ($262 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅Delivers 71.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 74.5 vs 43.5 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (19,520 vs 19,579).
❌635.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 17W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 7 256V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.

Core Ultra 7 256V

2024

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 17W instead of 125W, a 108W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-11600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 43.5 vs 74.5 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 256V better than Core i5-11600K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-11600K is ahead with a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 7 256V pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 7 256V is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 7 256V is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-11600K is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 7 256V comes in 71.8% more expensive on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-11600K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-11600K is also 71.2% better value on MSRP (74.5 vs 43.5 PassMark/$), 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 Ultra 7 256V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021), a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-11600K vs Core Ultra 7 256V Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-11600K

The Core i5-11600K 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.

Core Ultra 7 256V

The Core Ultra 7 256V 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 19,579 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-11600K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 256V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core Ultra 7 256V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K versus 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 256V — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-11600K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 256V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600K scores 19,520 against the Core Ultra 7 256V's 19,579 — a 0.3% lead for the Core Ultra 7 256V. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core Ultra 7 256V
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+2%	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+77%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+10140%	2.5 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	3 nm-79%
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	19,520	19,579
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	10,065
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,658
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	11,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11600K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 7 256V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600K versus LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s on the Core Ultra 7 256V — the Core Ultra 7 256V supports 166.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-11600K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600K) vs 8 (Core Ultra 7 256V) — the Core i5-11600K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K) and Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 256V).

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core Ultra 7 256V
Socket	LGA1200	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s+167%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+700%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+150%	8

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i5-11600K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600K) vs true (Core Ultra 7 256V). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) and Intel Arc Graphics 140V (Core Ultra 7 256V) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop, Core Ultra 7 256V targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core Ultra 7 256V
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 750	Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11600K was priced at $262, while the Core Ultra 7 256V came in at $450. On launch pricing ($262 vs $450), Core i5-11600K was $188 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600K delivers 74.5 pts/$ vs 43.5 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 256V — making the Core i5-11600K the 52.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core Ultra 7 256V
MSRP	$262-42%	$450
Performance per Dollar	74.5+71%	43.5
Release Date	2021	2024

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