CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1215U vs Core i7-680UM
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.
Will struggle heavily with modern office software and web apps.
Gaming
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Completely incapable of modern gaming.
Virtualization
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Lacks the cores and RAM support for practical virtualization.
Efficiency
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Good for 2010, but modern 3W chips outperform it massively.
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 AI capabilities.
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
- Ironlake graphics offer no 3D acceleration capability for modern titles.
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
- Extremely low 18W TDP for its time
- Good battery life for 2010 laptops
- Included AES-NI for encryption
- Turbo Boost provided burst performance
Cons
- Very low base clock speed
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot handle modern web browsing
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.
Core i7-680UM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K325Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
Modern low-power mobile CPU with lightyears better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Modern budget alternative with excellent battery life.
- Intel Core i7-2637MAlt
The Sandy Bridge ULV successor for historical context.
- Alt
Shows the modern peak of ultra-low voltage mobile computing.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Processor N200Alt
A 6W modern Intel chip that destroys this old i7.
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 groundbreaking ultra-low voltage chip for 2010, but completely incapable of handling modern web or software demands.
Best for: Collector's item
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1215U or Core i7-680UM?
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 Core i7-680UM?
For gaming, the Core i7-680UM leads with a gaming performance score of 2/100 among Intel Core i3-1215U and Core i7-680UM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-1215U (15 W), Core i7-680UM (18 W).
Do Intel Core i3-1215U and Core i7-680UM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744, Core i7-680UM: BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores), Core i7-680UM (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-680UM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-680UM (1,300). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.