CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Core i5-1245U
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.
Excellent for office apps, heavy browsing, and light coding.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Good for casual and older titles at 1080p low settings.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Can handle light VMs, but memory bandwidth is a limit.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Dynamic power management ensures excellent battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- Intel GNA 3.0 for background AI tasks
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.
- Can run eSports titles at 60fps
- Shares system memory, so RAM speed affects FPS
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
- Excellent balance of performance and 15W power draw
- 10 cores for heavy multitasking
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong single-core performance for an ultrabook chip
- Good integrated graphics
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Can run warm under sustained all-core loads
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.
Core i5-1245U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
Better graphics and slightly higher clocks for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-headMore P-cores for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
Lower TDP variant for ultimate portability.
Budget alternative for basic office 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 U-series processor that hits the sweet spot for everyday productivity and portable computing.
Best for: Mainstream thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Core i5-1245U?
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 uses less power?
The Core i5-1245U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1240P (28 W), Core i5-1245U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Core i5-1245U 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: Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores), Core i5-1245U (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-1245U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-1245U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.