Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1200 125W
Bottom line: The Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz ($439.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-09): 8 cores unlocked for overclocking, boosting up to 5.0 GHz; main trade-off: no thermal solution in the box - cooler is a separate purchase.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-09. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 8 cores unlocked for overclocking, boosting up to 5.0 GHz
- ✓ Turbo Boost Max 3.0 routes single-thread loads to fastest cores
- ✓ PCIe Gen 4.0 support for Gen 4 NVMe SSDs and GPUs
- ✓ Drops into existing select Intel 400 series LGA1200 boards
Cons
- ✗ No thermal solution in the box - cooler is a separate purchase
- ✗ 125W TDP demands serious cooling to hold boost clocks
- ✗ LGA1200 socket only; no upgrade path to LGA1700 chips
- ✗ 400 series boards may need a BIOS update first
Manufacturer description
The Intel Core i7-11700K is an unlocked 11th Gen desktop processor built for enthusiast gamers and creators who want headroom to overclock. Eight cores clock up to 5.0 GHz, and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 steers demanding single-threaded work to the chip's fastest cores, which is what most game engines lean on. PCIe Gen 4.0 support doubles the bandwidth available to a compatible NVMe SSD or graphics card versus Gen 3, and Intel Optane Memory support is on the list too. It drops into LGA1200 boards using Intel 500 series or select 400 series chipsets, so a BIOS check with your…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the processors category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the processors category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core i7-11700K come with a cooler?
No. Intel lists no thermal solution included in the box, so you need to buy an air cooler or AIO liquid cooler separately. Size it for the 125W TDP if you plan to overclock.
What motherboard do I need for the i7-11700K?
An LGA1200 board with an Intel 500 series chipset, or a select Intel 400 series chipset board. Intel advises checking with your motherboard vendor for compatibility details, since 400 series boards can require a BIOS update.
Can the i7-11700K be overclocked?
Yes. The K suffix means the multiplier is unlocked, and Intel positions these 11th Gen chips for high performance overclocking. You will need a Z-series board and cooling that can handle sustained load above the 125W rating.
Does the i7-11700K support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, PCIe Gen 4.0 support is a listed feature, so a Gen 4 NVMe SSD or graphics card can run at full bandwidth on a compatible 500 series board. It also supports Intel Optane Memory.
How many cores does the i7-11700K have and how fast does it clock?
Eight cores, unlocked, clocking up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0.
Key Features
- Compatible with Intel 500 series & select Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
- Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Support
- Intel Optane Memory Support
- PCIe Gen 4.0 Support
- No thermal solution included
Full Specifications
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Turbo | Yes |
| Wattage | 125 watts |
| Platform | Windows 10 |
| CPU Model | Core i7-11700k |
| CPU Speed | 3.6 GHz |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Model Number | BX8070811700K |
| Item Type Name | Processor |
| Mfr Part Number | BX8070811700K |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 8 |
| Processor Speed | 3.6 GHz |
| Secondary Cache | 16 MB |
| CPU Manufacturer | Intel |
| Processor Series | Core i7-11700k |
| Processor Socket | LGA 1200 |
| Processor Core Count | 8 |
| Full listing title | Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1200 (Intel 500 Series & Select 400 Series Chipset) 125W |
Ready to buy?
Intel® Core™ i7-11700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Unlocked LGA1200 (Intel 500 Series & Select 400 Series Chipset) 125W is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-09. Price and availability subject to change.
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