Intel Core I5 11th Gen Vs 12th Gen

The Intel Core i5 processor series has long been a popular choice for mainstream users, offering a balance of performance and affordability. The 11th and 12th generations of the Core i5 have brought significant improvements over their predecessors, making them even more attractive options. In this blog post, we will compare the Intel Core i5 11th gen vs 12th gen processors, exploring their key differences and helping you decide which generation is right for you.

Architecture

The 11th gen Core i5 processors are based on the Tiger Lake architecture, while the 12th gen Core i5 processors are based on the Alder Lake architecture. Alder Lake introduces a hybrid architecture that combines high-performance “Golden Cove” cores with energy-efficient “Gracemont” cores. This allows the 12th gen Core i5 processors to deliver both high single-core performance and improved multi-core performance compared to the 11th gen.

Core Count and Thread Count

The 11th gen Core i5 processors have 4 cores and 8 threads, while the 12th gen Core i5 processors have 6 cores and 12 threads. The additional cores and threads in the 12th gen processors give them a significant advantage in multi-threaded workloads, such as video editing and 3D rendering.

Clock Speed

The base clock speeds of the 11th gen Core i5 processors range from 2.4 GHz to 3.0 GHz, while the base clock speeds of the 12th gen Core i5 processors range from 2.5 GHz to 3.3 GHz. The 12th gen processors have a slight edge in base clock speeds, but both generations offer Turbo Boost speeds of up to 4.6 GHz.

Cache

The 11th gen Core i5 processors have 8 MB of L3 cache, while the 12th gen Core i5 processors have 12 MB of L3 cache. The increased cache size in the 12th gen processors helps to improve performance in applications that require large amounts of data.

Integrated Graphics

The 11th gen Core i5 processors have Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, while the 12th gen Core i5 processors have Intel UHD Graphics. The Iris Xe graphics are more powerful than the UHD Graphics, offering better performance in gaming and video editing.

Power Consumption

The 11th gen Core i5 processors have a TDP of 15W to 28W, while the 12th gen Core i5 processors have a TDP of 15W to 45W. The higher TDP of the 12th gen processors indicates that they may consume more power under heavy loads.

Pricing

The 11th gen Core i5 processors are generally more affordable than the 12th gen Core i5 processors. The price difference between the two generations varies depending on the specific model and retailer.

Which Generation is Right for You?

The best generation of Intel Core i5 processor for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a processor that offers a good balance of performance and affordability, the 11th gen Core i5 is a solid choice. However, if you need a processor that can handle demanding multi-threaded workloads and offers better integrated graphics, the 12th gen Core i5 is the better option.

Key Points

The Intel Core i5 11th gen and 12th gen processors offer a wide range of options for mainstream users. The 11th gen processors are more affordable and offer good overall performance, while the 12th gen processors offer improved multi-core performance, better integrated graphics, and support for the latest technologies. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can choose the best Intel Core i5 processor for your next computer build.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which generation of Intel Core i5 processor is faster?
A: The 12th gen Intel Core i5 processors are generally faster than the 11th gen processors, especially in multi-threaded workloads.

Q: Do 12th gen Intel Core i5 processors support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, 12th gen Intel Core i5 processors support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

Q: Are 11th gen Intel Core i5 processors still worth buying?
A: Yes, 11th gen Intel Core i5 processors are still worth buying if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers good overall performance.