CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Intel Core i5-1240U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1240P is a 12-core mobile processor from the 12th Generation Alder Lake-P lineup, launched in February 2022.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 cores ensure snappy performance in heavy multitasking and office applications.
Handles office tasks and browser tabs well, though burst limits are low.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Only suitable for 2D or very old 3D games at low resolutions.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Can run a light VM, but heavily constrained by the 9W power limit.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Exceptional efficiency, allowing for multi-day battery life in small batteries.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- Handles basic background blur.
- Not suited for any demanding AI workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends.
- Not designed for high-end gaming without a discrete GPU.
- Supports fast hardware video decoding.
- iGPU is capped at 900 MHz to save power.
- Best for hardware video decoding and simple 2D games.
- Not suitable for 3D gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Exceptional 9W power efficiency
- Allows for silent, fanless designs
- 10 cores for great everyday multitasking
- Supports LPDDR5 memory
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very low boost power limit (29W)
- iGPU clocked very low (900 MHz)
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
- Soldered to the motherboard
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i5-1240U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5425URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1215URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1250URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Higher base power (15W) for slightly better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Industry-leading efficiency and performance for fanless designs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 6600UAlt
Better iGPU and higher power for standard thin-and-lights.
More threads and higher clocks if you need slightly more power.
Compare head-to-headBudget alternative for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly efficient 9W processor that balances 10-core multitasking with extreme battery life, perfect for the most portable form factors.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin 2-in-1 convertible or a fanless tablet for note-taking and travel.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i5-1240U?
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, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i5-1240U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1240P leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i5-1240U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1240U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1240P (28 W), Intel Core i5-1240U (9 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i5-1240U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1240P: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i5-1240U: Intel BGA 1781), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1240P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores), Intel Core i5-1240U (10 cores).