CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1235U vs Core i5-12400T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1235U is a low-power mobile processor from the 12th Generation Alder Lake-U family, launched in February 2022.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and heavy browser tabs effortlessly.
Highly responsive for daily applications and moderate multitasking.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
Decent for gaming with a discrete GPU, though limited by lower max boost compared to 65W variants.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but core count is low for heavy dev work.
6 cores with 12 threads handle homelab virtualization well.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Near-perfect efficiency for a desktop chip; runs exceptionally cool.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles background blur and basic audio enhancement.
- Not suited for AI development or inference.
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU-based AI inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU is sufficient for hardware video decoding.
- Not recommended for 3D gaming.
- Can handle Minecraft or CS:GO at low settings.
- Requires a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Slightly lower FPS than 12400 due to clocks
- Excellent for living room gaming setups
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency (15W base TDP)
- 10 cores provide great multitasking
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Good single-core burst performance
- Hardware AV1 decoding
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy workloads
- Basic integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to the motherboard
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Pure P-core design
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Runs very cool
- DDR5 support
Cons
- Lower boost clocks than 12400
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- Harder to find than standard models
- PL2 drops quickly to 35W
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1235U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Even lower power (9W) for longer battery life in thinner designs.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you need more multi-core power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 6600UAlt
Better integrated graphics for light gaming.
- Alt
Superior efficiency and battery life in the Apple ecosystem.
Compare head-to-head
Core i5-12400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GRival
Desktop APU
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
Newer generation with more hybrid cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headCheaper and sufficient for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GAlt
Much better integrated graphics in a low-power envelope.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 15W processor that brings 10-core hybrid architecture to mainstream laptops, offering excellent battery life and solid daily performance.
Best for: Buying a thin-and-light laptop for school, office work, or general everyday use.
Read the full reviewAn incredibly efficient 6-core CPU that delivers excellent everyday desktop performance with near-silent operation, perfect for compact builds.
Best for: Building a silent or compact PC where heat output is the primary concern.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1235U or Core i5-12400T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-12400T comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-1235U or Core i5-12400T?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400T leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i5-12400T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1235U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1235U (15 W), Core i5-12400T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i5-12400T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1235U: Intel BGA 1744, Core i5-12400T: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1235U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores), Core i5-12400T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-12400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-12400T (12,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.