Xeon Gold 5117 vs Core i5-11400
Xeon Gold 5117
Core i5-11400
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 Xeon Gold 5117
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($141) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+110%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($141) |
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 Xeon Gold 5117 and Core i5-11400
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5117 packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Core i5-11400 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon Gold 5117 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5117 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-11400 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-11400 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5117 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-11400 uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5117 scores 16,897 against the Core i5-11400's 16,670 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 5117. L3 cache: 19.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 5117 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11400.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28+133% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.4 GHz+57% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.6 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB+60% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 14 MB+5500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 16,897+1% | 16,670 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 10,350 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,960 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,260 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5117 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-11400 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2400 on the Xeon Gold 5117 versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11400 — 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: 6 (Xeon Gold 5117) vs 2 (Core i5-11400). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 5117) vs 20 (Core i5-11400) — the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 5117) and B560,Z590 (Core i5-11400).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2400+59900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 | 128 GB+17476167% |
| RAM Channels | 6+200% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+140% | 20 |
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: Xeon Gold 5117 rivals Xeon Silver 4114; Core i5-11400 rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel UHD Graphics 730 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 5117 launched at $1286 MSRP, while the Core i5-11400 debuted at $182. At current prices ($300 vs $141), the Core i5-11400 is $159 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 5117 delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 118.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-11400 — making the Core i5-11400 the 70.9% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5117 | Core i5-11400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1286 | $182-86% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $141-53% |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.3 | 118.2+110% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2021 |
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