Core i5-11600KF vs Ryzen 7 5800X
Core i5-11600KF
Popular choices:
Ryzen 7 5800X
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 i5-11600KF
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 5800X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+24%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 i5-11600KF and Ryzen 7 5800X
Core i5-11600KF
The Core i5-11600KF 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: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,468 points. Launch price was $299.
Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 7 5800X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 27,712 points. Launch price was $449.
Processing Power
The Core i5-11600KF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 5800X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600KF (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i5-11600KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600KF scores 19,468 against the Ryzen 7 5800X's 27,712 — a 34.9% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600KF vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+4% | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+3% | 3.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 32 MB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 19,468 | 27,712+42% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 11,277 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,138 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,631 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11600KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600KF) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 5800X) — the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 5800X).
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i5-11600KF supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11600KF) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5800X). Primary use case: Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming, Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Gaming | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600KF launched at $237 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 5800X debuted at $449. At current prices ($157 vs $180), the Core i5-11600KF is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600KF delivers 124.0 pts/$ vs 154.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 5800X — making the Ryzen 7 5800X the 21.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $237-47% | $449 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $157-13% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.0 | 154.0+24% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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