CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1235U vs Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
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.
Adequate for word processing and spreadsheets but slow with modern web applications.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
Intel HD 3000 cannot handle modern games. Only legacy titles at minimum settings are playable.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but core count is low for heavy dev work.
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores limit practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
35 W TDP is modest for 2011 but inefficient compared to any modern mobile processor.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles background blur and basic audio enhancement.
- Not suited for AI development or inference.
- No AI-specific hardware
- Cannot execute modern ML inference workloads
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.
- No modern graphics API support
- Intel HD 3000 limited to DirectX 10.1
- Unsuitable for any game released after 2013
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
- Identical performance to the upgradeable rPGA variant
- Enables thinner laptop designs
- AES-NI encryption acceleration
- Reliable platform for basic tasks in 2011
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded or replaced
- Same performance limitations as the rPGA variant
- BGA solder joints can fail with thermal cycling over many years
- No modern graphics API support
- Completely obsolete for current workloads
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
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-2540M (rPGA)Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-2620M (BGA)Rival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i5-3210M (BGA)Alt
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process and improved HD 4000 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3320M (BGA)Alt
Higher-clocked Ivy Bridge option for BGA platforms.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core, 12-thread mobile processor with dramatically superior performance.
Current-generation mid-range mobile CPU with 10 cores and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewFunctionally identical to the rPGA variant in performance, but the BGA packaging means it cannot be upgraded or replaced, which is a significant limitation for long-term usability.
Best for: None, as the BGA variant cannot be purchased separately for upgrades
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1235U or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1235U 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, Intel Core i5-1235U or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1235U leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA).
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), Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1235U: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA): Intel BGA 1023), 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), Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.