CPU Comparison
Core i5-11300H vs Intel Core i5-12450H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11300H is a mobile processor designed for thin-and-light laptops that require a bit more performance than standard ultrabooks. Launched in January 2021 as part of the Tiger Lake-H family, it features 4 cores and 8 threads. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, it operates at a 28W TDP, which can be configured up to 35W. The chip has a base clock of 2.6 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz, ensuring snappy performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. While it shares the 4-core layout of the 11320H, it integrates Intel Iris Xe graphics with 80 Execution Units. This processor was aimed at the premium thin-and-light segment, offering a balance of single-threaded speed and integrated graphics power for users who needed more than a 15W U-series chip could provide.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clock speeds ensure smooth office and browsing performance.
8 cores provide smooth multitasking for daily laptop use.
Gaming
80EU graphics are good for light gaming, but fall short of the 11320H's 96EU.
Handles esports and mid-range gaming well when paired with a decent mobile GPU.
Virtualization
4 cores can handle light VMs but will bottleneck quickly.
Can run basic VMs but limited by mobile power constraints.
Efficiency
28W TDP runs warmer than U-series but is manageable in thin chassis.
Good balance of performance and battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel GNA 2.0 for AI-accelerated background tasks
- Basic CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- 80EU Iris Xe is sufficient for Minecraft, Sims 4, and CS:GO
- Not recommended for modern AAA games
- Suitable for budget gaming laptops
- 4 P-cores handle games well
- E-cores manage background tasks
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good single-core performance
- 28W TDP allows for sustained boosts
- 80EU Iris Xe graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Solid choice for everyday ultrabooks
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- No DDR5 support
- Slightly weaker graphics than the 11320H
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Hybrid 8-core design
- Good single-core performance
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 4.0
- Excellent for budget gaming laptops
- Decent power efficiency
Cons
- Only 12MB of L3 cache
- Basic UHD integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11300H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11370HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11320HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
A 15W alternative if you want better battery life.
Newer Alder Lake hybrid chip with 12 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
More efficient with comparable multi-core performance.
Intel Core i5-12450H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12500HRival
Mobile
Significantly better performance for heavy workloads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Better integrated graphics and multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
Older but cheaper alternative if on a strict budget.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 4-core chip that brought H-series performance to thin-and-light laptops, though outclassed by newer generations.
Best for: Budget thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewA solid entry-level mobile processor bringing hybrid architecture to budget gaming laptops.
Best for: If you are shopping for an entry-level gaming laptop, the Core i5-12450H provides excellent value. It offers the core benefits of Intel's 12th Gen hybrid architecture without the premium price tag. It pairs well with mid-range mobile GPUs like the RTX 3050 or 4050. However, if you plan to do heavy video editing or 3D rendering, you might want to look for a laptop with the i5-12500H or i7-12700H for better multi-core performance. For pure 1080p gaming and school work, this CPU is more than sufficient.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11300H or Intel Core i5-12450H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-12450H comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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, Core i5-11300H or Intel Core i5-12450H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-12450H leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i5-11300H and Intel Core i5-12450H.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-11300H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-11300H (28 W), Intel Core i5-12450H (45 W).
Do Core i5-11300H and Intel Core i5-12450H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-11300H: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i5-12450H: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-12450H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-11300H (4 cores), Intel Core i5-12450H (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-12450H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-11300H (0), Intel Core i5-12450H (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.