CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 210H vs Intel Core 7 240H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 210H is a mobile processor for performance laptops with an 8-core hybrid design (4 P-cores + 4 E-cores), 12 threads, and up to 4.80 GHz boost, built on Intel’s 10 nm process. It targets mainstream users who need snappy everyday performance and capable integrated graphics without stepping up to power-hungry HX parts.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Everyday productivity and light creative work feel responsive thanks to the 4.8 GHz P-core boost and 12 MB L3 cache.
10 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads efficiently, though it trails behind higher core-count HX series chips.
Gaming
With the 48 EU Iris Xe iGPU, expect playable 1080p frame rates in esports titles at medium settings; AAA games will generally need low settings or a discrete GPU.
When paired with a dedicated GPU, the 5.2 GHz boost clock ensures minimal CPU bottlenecks in most modern titles.
Virtualization
Reasonable for a few light VMs or containers; for sustained heavy virtualization workloads, more cores and higher sustained power would help.
Adequate for running a few light virtual machines, but limited by 45W base power and 10 cores compared to desktop replacements.
Efficiency
Configurable TDPs allow OEMs to prioritize battery life or performance; long-ramp PL2 (115 W, ~28 s) can cause brief heat spikes in thin chassis if not tuned.
The 10nm process and 115W PL2 limit mean it requires significant cooling, reducing battery life under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU; AI inference runs on CPU or iGPU.
- AVX2/AVX and DL Boost (VNNI) provide some acceleration for compatible workloads.
- For serious or sustained AI workloads, a dedicated GPU or newer Core Ultra parts are better suited.
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware found in Core Ultra chips.
- Relies on CPU instructions for AI workloads.
- Suitable for basic background blur or noise cancellation, not heavy local LLM inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 48 EU Iris Xe provides playable 1080p esports performance.
- AAA titles typically require low settings or external GPU.
- Discrete GPUs in laptops will outpace the iGPU significantly.
- High 5.2 GHz boost clock benefits CPU-limited games.
- Hybrid architecture requires Windows 11 Thread Director for optimal scheduling.
- Sufficient for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming with a mid-range dGPU.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Balanced 4P+4E layout with 12 threads suits everyday and light multi-threaded work.
- 12 MB L3 cache and up to 4.8 GHz boost keep single-thread performance competitive.
- PCIe 5.0 from CPU enables one high-speed NVMe SSD at full bandwidth.
- Flexible memory support (DDR4/DDR5 and LPDDR variants) for OEMs.
- Integrated Iris Xe 48 EU iGPU handles 1080p esports and display tasks well.
Cons
- No unlocked multiplier; performance tuning is OEM-dependent.
- High PL2 (115 W) can cause brief throttling on thermally constrained laptops if OEM power profiles are aggressive.
- No dedicated NPU for emerging on-device AI workloads.
- For heavy workloads, HX or newer Core Ultra parts provide more cores and better efficiency.
Pros
- High 5.2 GHz maximum boost clock
- Strong single-core performance for gaming
- Versatile memory support (DDR4 to LPDDR5)
- Capable Iris Xe 64EU iGPU
- PCIe 5.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- No integrated NPU for AI tasks
- 10nm process is less efficient than newer competitors
- 115W PL2 power draw requires substantial laptop cooling
- Locked multiplier restricts manual CPU overclocking
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 5 210H
- AMD Ryzen 5 7535HSRival
Mobile (6C/12T, Zen 3+, 35 W HS-series)
- AMD Ryzen 5 8540URival
Mobile (6C/12T, Zen 4, 28 W U-series)
- Intel Core 7 155HRival
Mobile (6P+8E, Meteor Lake, Core Ultra 7, with NPU)
- Intel Core 5 220HAlt
Higher base and boost clocks and more cache (18 MB L3) if you need stronger multi-thread performance within the same platform.
- Intel Core 7 150HXAlt
More cores and higher sustained power for heavier creator/gaming workloads, at the cost of power draw.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSAlt
Zen 4 with RDNA 3 iGPU and stronger integrated graphics if you prefer AMD’s mobile ecosystem.
Meteor Lake with a dedicated NPU and modern iGPU if you prioritize AI features and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-13500HAlt
13th-gen H-series with more cores (12C/16T) if you find a good deal on a prior-generation laptop.
Intel Core 7 240H
- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSRival
Mobile Premium
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Mobile Gaming
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile Efficiency
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HAlt
Offers better efficiency and a dedicated NPU for AI tasks.
- Intel Core 7 240HXAlt
If available, offers more cores and higher power limits for heavier workloads.
- Alt
Better overall efficiency for non-gaming, ARM-based workflows.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core 5 220HAlt
A lower-cost option if extreme single-core speed is not strictly necessary.
Our Verdict on Each
The Core 5 210H offers a sensible mid-range mix of P-cores and E-cores with 12 MB of shared L3, PCIe 5.0 from the CPU, and modern memory support. It isn’t a halo part, but for everyday work, light creation, and esports-class gaming on the iGPU, it delivers strong value.
Best for: Mid-range laptops used for everyday work, study, light content creation, and casual/esports gaming; choose models with good cooling and dual-channel memory enabled.
Read the full reviewA capable 10-core mobile chip that balances multi-threaded productivity with high single-core speeds for gaming, though it faces fierce competition from AMD's Ryzen 8000 series and Intel's own Core Ultra lineup.
Best for: The Intel Core 7 240H is highly recommended for users purchasing a premium thin-and-light or mid-range gaming laptop in 2025 who prioritize raw CPU frequency and legacy software compatibility. Its 5.2 GHz boost clock makes it particularly well-suited for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated mid-range GPU like an RTX 4060. It is also an excellent choice for students and content creators who need snappy performance in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. However, you should avoid this chip if your workflow relies heavily on local AI generation, as it lacks a dedicated NPU. Additionally, if maximum battery life is your primary concern, the newer Core Ultra chips built on the Intel 4 process will serve you much better.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 210H or Intel Core 7 240H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 7 240H comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 5 210H or Intel Core 7 240H?
For gaming, the Intel Core 7 240H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core 5 210H and Intel Core 7 240H.
Do Intel Core 5 210H and Intel Core 7 240H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 7 240H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 5 210H (8 cores), Intel Core 7 240H (10 cores).