CPU Comparison
Core i5-1235U (IPU) vs Intel Core i5-1240P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1235U is a mobile processor that represents a fascinating blend of performance and efficiency, tailored for thin-and-light laptops and specialized business environments. Launched in early 2022, it utilizes Intel's Alder Lake-U architecture, bringing a hybrid design to the mobile space. What sets this specific SKU apart is the inclusion of an Infrastructure Processing Unit (IPU), designed to offload infrastructure tasks like networking and security from the main CPU. With 10 total cores—comprising 2 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores—and 12 processing threads, it handles multitasking with surprising agility. The chip operates at a base frequency of 1300 MHz on its P-cores and can boost up to 4.4 GHz under load. Its 15W default TDP makes it ideal for portable devices, ensuring long battery life while maintaining the processing grunt needed for modern office workloads and background data management.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance in office applications and heavy multitasking.
12 cores ensure snappy performance in heavy multitasking and office applications.
Gaming
Capable of light gaming via Iris Xe 80EU, but not designed for AAA titles.
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Virtualization
Excellent VM performance due to the dedicated IPU offloading network overhead.
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for all-day battery life.
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA 3.0 provides AI acceleration for audio and background blur
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU handles eSports titles well
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming without low settings
- Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends.
- Not designed for high-end gaming without a discrete GPU.
- Supports fast hardware video decoding.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Includes an Infrastructure Processing Unit (IPU)
- Excellent hybrid core efficiency (2P + 8E)
- Supports modern DDR5 memory
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Great battery life potential
Cons
- Overkill for standard home users
- Integrated graphics not for heavy gaming
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- 12 cores and 16 threads in a 28W package
- Excellent performance-per-watt
- Supports DDR5 and LPDDR5 memory
- Great for heavy multitasking
- Good value compared to i7 variants
Cons
- Not unlocked for overclocking
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- iGPU slightly slower than i5-1250P
- Can run warm under sustained load
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-1235U (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1245URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
More P-cores for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter integrated graphics and clock speeds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Refreshed Zen 3 architecture with solid efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
Lower TDP variant for fanless designs.
Budget-friendly alternative for basic office work.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-1240P
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1260PRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1250PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
Better battery life for standard office use.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800UAlt
Superior integrated graphics performance for light gaming.
Lower power variant for thinner designs and longer battery life.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Older but cost-effective alternative with solid performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A unique Alder Lake chip that combines excellent efficiency with an IPU for specialized enterprise workloads.
Best for: Enterprise thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewA nearly identical alternative to the 1250P, offering exceptional 12-core performance in a 28W envelope with excellent value.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range premium ultrabook for heavy productivity and light content creation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-1235U (IPU) or Intel Core i5-1240P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1240P comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 i5-1235U (IPU) or Intel Core i5-1240P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1240P leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Core i5-1235U (IPU) and Intel Core i5-1240P.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-1235U (IPU) has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-1235U (IPU) (15 W), Intel Core i5-1240P (28 W).
Do Core i5-1235U (IPU) and Intel Core i5-1240P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1240P has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-1235U (IPU) (10 cores), Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-1235U (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-1235U (IPU) (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.