CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1215U vs Intel Core i3-1315UE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1215U is a 6-core (2P+4E), 8-thread mobile processor built on the Alder Lake-U architecture, featuring UHD Graphics 64EU and a 15W base TDP for mainstream thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Handles office applications, web browsing, and light multitasking smoothly. Stumbles with heavy spreadsheet calculations or large document processing.
Gaming
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light e-sports titles at low settings but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Limited by 6 cores and 15W TDP. Can run a single lightweight VM but not suitable for serious virtualization work.
Efficiency
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Excellent power efficiency for its performance class. The hybrid design allows E-Cores to handle background tasks at minimal power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
- No dedicated NPU or AI acceleration hardware
- CPU-based inference is slow due to low power budget
- Not suitable for running local AI models
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
- UHD Graphics 64EU is not a gaming GPU
- Can manage older 2D games and very light e-sports at 720p low
- No dedicated VRAM limits texture quality severely
- Modern games will experience severe bottlenecking
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings better multi-threading to entry-level mobile
- Very low 15W base power for thin chassis designs
- Supports modern LPDDR5-6400 memory
- PCIe 4.0 support for faster NVMe storage
- Capable UHD Graphics 64EU for a 15W chip
Cons
- Very low 1.2 GHz base clock leads to sluggishness at sustained loads
- Only 8 PCIe lanes directly from the CPU
- No overclocking support
- Not suitable for gaming or content creation
- BGA package means no upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
Intel Core i3-1315UE
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320URival
Mobile
- Apple M2 (base)Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1335UAlt
Significantly more P-Cores (4 vs 2) for better sustained performance with similar power characteristics.
- Intel Core i3-1215UEAlt
Nearly identical performance at potentially lower cost if found in a discounted laptop.
- Alt
Dramatically better efficiency and GPU performance in a similar power class.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 3 7330UAlt
Competitive efficiency with RDNA 2 integrated graphics for light gaming.
Our Verdict on Each
A competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewA capable low-power hybrid processor that brings Intel's P-Core and E-Core design to the entry-level mobile segment, though its 15W base power envelope limits sustained performance under heavy workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a pre-built thin-and-light laptop where this CPU is included by the OEM.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1215U or Intel Core i3-1315UE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1215U comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 i3-1215U or Intel Core i3-1315UE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1315UE leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i3-1215U and Intel Core i3-1315UE.
Do Intel Core i3-1215U and Intel Core i3-1315UE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.