Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-11390H

Intel

Core i7-5820K

6 Cores12 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-11390H

4 Cores8 Thrd28 WWMax: 5 GHz2021
Core family
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Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-11390H 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 i7-5820K vs Core i7-11390H 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 i7-5820K vs Core i7-11390H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
  • 40% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11390H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Launch MSRP is still $389 MSRP, while Core i7-11390H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 400% higher power demand at 140W vs 28W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11390H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-11390H

2021

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +19.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 28W instead of 140W, a 112W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i7-5820K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (9,798 vs 9,826).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11390H better than Core i7-5820K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-11390H is ahead with a 19.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5820K pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-5820K also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5820K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-11390H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-11390H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $389 MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5820K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-11390H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-11390H Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-5820K

The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.

Intel

Core i7-11390H

The Core i7-11390H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 June 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,798 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-5820K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-11390H offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-5820K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-11390H — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-11390H (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-5820K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-11390H uses Tiger Lake-H35 (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i7-5820K scores 9,826 against the Core i7-11390H's 9,798 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-5820K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,134 vs 1,948, a 52.8% lead for the Core i7-11390H that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-11390H.

FeatureCore i7-5820KCore i7-11390H
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+50%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
5 GHz+39%
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+14%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB (total)+25%
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process
22 nm
10 nm SuperFin-55%
Architecture
Haswell-E (2014)
Tiger Lake-H35 (2021)
PassMark
9,826
9,798
Cinebench R23 Multi
5,700
Geekbench 6 Single
1,134
1,948+72%
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,383
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5820K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-11390H uses FCBGA1449 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11390H — the Core i7-11390H supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-5820K) vs 2 (Core i7-11390H). PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-5820K) vs 20 (Core i7-11390H) — the Core i7-5820K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99 (Core i7-5820K) and HM570,QC570,WM590 (Core i7-11390H).

FeatureCore i7-5820KCore i7-11390H
Socket
LGA2011
FCBGA1449
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
DDR4-3200+50%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
64 GB
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
28+40%
20
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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-5820K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-11390H supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-5820K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-11390H). The Core i7-11390H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i7-5820K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation, Core i7-11390H targets Thin & Light Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600; Core i7-11390H rivals Ryzen 7 5800U.

FeatureCore i7-5820KCore i7-11390H
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Enthusiast Workstation
Thin & Light Gaming Laptop