The 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core might be old but there is a sizeable number of consumers who still choose Intel Core desktop processors under these generations due to their relatively more affordable price points. The instability and degradation issues affecting certain variants of the 13th and 14th generations Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i9 processors have also reignited interest in older Intel Core processors. This article compares the 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core.
Rocket Lake and Alder Lake Desktop Processors Comparison: 11th Gen Intel Core vs 12th Gen Intel Core
The Rocket Lake or 11th-generation desktop processors from Intel Corporation were launched in March 2021. Note that 11th-generation processors for mobile computers had the codename Tiger Lake and were first introduced in September 2020. The naming convention can confuse some because of how Intel used different codenames for its desktop and mobile processor variants. Both the Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake were succeeded by Alder Lake or 12th-generation Intel Core desktop and mobile processors in November 2021.
Intel discontinued the Tiger Lake Series in January 2024 and the Rocket Lake series in February 2024. The Alder Lake series is also not in production anymore because it was replaced by the Raptor Lake or 13th Gen and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. Both older-generations desktop and processors are still available in several stores. These processors still receive regular support from Intel. The subsequent discussions explore and highlight the notable differences between the 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core processors.
1. Technology Node: 14nm vs 10nm Process Node
Desktop processors under the 11th Gen Intel Core series were based on 14nm technology or process node of Intel. This was the same node used in the previous Comet Lake or 12th-generation Intel Core processors but features more transistors due to a slight improvement in the fabrication process. Processors under the 12th Gen Intel Core series even have more transistors because they are based on the 10nm process node called Intel 7.
The transistor counts of the two generations of microprocessors vary depending on the variants. The exact numbers also remain unknown because Intel stopped publishing these technical details. However, considering that the 12th-generation Alder Lake processors were newer and based on more advanced process node, they arguably have better transistor density. This translates to better performance per watt and power efficiency.
2. Microarchitecture: Homogeneous vs Hybrid
Rocket Lake processors are based on the Cypress Cove CPU microarchitecture. The most defining feature is that it focuses on single-core performance by leveraging larger cores and higher clock speeds for improved gaming and single-threaded applications. Alder Lake processors mark the first time Intel uses a hybrid architecture in its desktop processors. This centers on the Golden Cove performance cores and Gracemont efficient cores.
The hybrid microarchitecture of 12th-gen Intel Core processors provided an advantage over their 13th-generation counterparts. The inclusion of performance cores and efficient cores enables the better handling of various workloads simultaneously. Note that the efficient cores kick in during light to moderate workloads to improve power efficiency while the performance cores take center stage during more demanding workloads.
3. Main Processing: Cores, Threads, Speed, Cache
Desktop processors under the Rocket Lake series can have up to 8 cores and 16 threads. This is seen in the high-tier Core i7 and Core i9 variants. The lowest core and tread counts are 6 and 12. This is seen in all variations of the Core i5. The 11900KF and 11900K variants have a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a Turbo Boost of 4.8 to 5.3 GHz. All Core i7 and Core i9 variants have an L3 Smart Cache of 16MB while all Core i5 variants have 12MB.
The desktop processors under the Alder Lake generation have better multi-core and multi-threaded specifications. The Core i9 variants have 8 performance cores with 16 threads and 8 efficient cores with 8 threads. All Core i7 also have the same number of performance cores and threads but with 4 efficient cores and 4 threads. Smart Cache for high-tier CPUs is 30MB. Core i5 CPUs have a Smart Cache of 18MB to 20MB while Core i3 CPUs have 12MB.
4. Integrated Graphics: New Intel Xe Architecture
Both the 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors have integrated graphics processors. These GPUs are based on the general Gen 12 or Intel Xe graphics architecture, the more specific Intel Xe-LP variant, and other technologies from variants like Intel Xe-HPG and Xe-HPC. It is specifically designed for low power consumption. This is suitable for everyday tasks, video playback, and light personal computer gaming.
All 11th-generation Intel Core desktop CPUs use the Intel UHD branding while higher-end variants of 12th-generation Intel Core CPUs use the Intel Xe branding. There are processors under the Rocket Lake and Alder Lake series that come with graphics processors capable of 32 execution units. The entire Intel Xe-LP GPU architecture has features like Sample Feedback, Dual Queue, support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, and AV1 video decoding.
Comparing Performance: Which Is Better Between 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core Processors?
The Rocket Lake and Alder Lake or the 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core processors might be old but they can still pack a punch. Their appeal is further heightened by the fact that the Core i7 and Core i9 variants of the 13th-generation and 14th-generation Intel Core processors have figured into instability and degradation issues.
Nevertheless, in selecting between the two generations of Intel Core desktop processors, it is worth noting that the 11th-generation Rocket Lake can be cheaper. The high-tier Core i7 and Core i9 variants can be purchased for less than USD 300 in selected online and offline stores. It can be still challenging to find one given the fact that Intel has discontinued its production. There are still pre-built desktop personal computers that run on these processors.
The 12th-generation Alder Lake processors are inherently better overall. This comes from its new hybrid architecture. The inclusion of efficient cores provides theoretically better power efficiency while the performance cores ensure that these processors remain capable when needed. The higher core and thread count also translates to better performance.
It is important to underscore the fact that an 11th Gen Intel Core and 12th Gen Intel Core comparison will always end with the latter outperforming the former. Alder Lake processors mark a significant leap forward compared to the previous Rocket Lake processors. This comes from the higher transistor density, hybrid architecture, higher core and thread counts, larger L3 Smart Cache, and the support for both DDR4 and the newer DDR5 memory.