CPU Comparison
Intel Core 7 150UL vs Core i5-12400
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 7 150UL is a highly efficient 10-core processor from the Raptor Lake-PS family, featuring a 15 W base TDP, 2 Performance-cores, 8 Efficient-cores, and integrated Iris Xe Graphics, designed specifically for ultra-compact and low-power desktop form factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, and light multitasking, but heavily threaded tasks will be slow due to the 15W limit.
Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.
Gaming
The integrated 96EU Iris Xe can handle older or esports titles at low settings, but it is not built for modern AAA gaming.
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Efficiency
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies entirely on integrated Iris Xe graphics
- Playable frame rates only in lightweight esports titles
- Modern AAA games will struggle significantly even at 720p low settings
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 15W power consumption
- Capable 96EU Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well for its tier
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Operates with minimal cooling requirements
Cons
- Severely limited 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Low base clock of 1.7 GHz
- Not suitable for modern gaming or heavy workloads
- Locked multiplier prevents any performance tuning
- Highly niche product with limited motherboard options
Pros
- Outstanding price-to-performance
- Pure 6 P-core design
- Runs cool and quiet
- DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
- Includes Laminar RM1 cooler
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- Only 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- No E-cores for background tasks
- 117W PL2 requires decent motherboard VRM
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 7 150UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 3 8300GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Efficient Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
A much faster standard 65W desktop CPU if your case allows a slightly larger cooler.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Excellent budget alternative with strong multi-threaded performance and capable iGPU.
Delivers superior single-core gaming performance at a very low price point.
Compare head-to-head
Core i5-12400
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
More hybrid cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headMuch cheaper for pure budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The Core 7 150UL excels in power efficiency rather than raw performance, making it a niche but solid choice for ultra-small form factor desktops where thermal and power limits are strictly enforced.
Best for: Building a completely silent, ultra-compact mini-PC or small form factor desktop where absolute minimal power draw and heat output are the primary design constraints.
Read the full reviewAn outstanding value CPU that delivers excellent gaming and productivity performance without breaking the bank.
Best for: Building a budget or mid-range gaming PC where value is the top priority.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 7 150UL or Core i5-12400?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-12400 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 7 150UL or Core i5-12400?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core 7 150UL and Core i5-12400.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 7 150UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 7 150UL (15 W), Core i5-12400 (65 W).
Do Intel Core 7 150UL and Core i5-12400 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700, Core i5-12400: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 7 150UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 7 150UL (10 cores), Core i5-12400 (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-12400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-12400 (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.