CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Intel Core i7-1260P
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.
Excels at multitasking, heavy office workloads, and web browsing with dozens of tabs open.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p well, but struggles with demanding AAA titles without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Capable of running local virtual machines for development purposes, though limited by memory bandwidth.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
The E-cores provide excellent idle and low-load efficiency, extending battery life significantly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- Uses CPU-based inference for AI workloads
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in later Meteor Lake generations
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.
- Relies on Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming without discrete GPU
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 multi-core performance for a 28W chip
- Hybrid architecture improves multitasking heavily
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong integrated graphics (96EU)
- Good sustained performance in well-cooled chassis
Cons
- 28W base TDP requires decent cooling
- No unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Battery life is shorter than 15W U-series equivalents
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 i7-1260P
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds for marginally better performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter battery life in thinner chassis due to 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-headSimilar P-core count but lower price point in laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Excellent efficiency and integrated graphics performance.
Lower power consumption variant for premium ultrabooks.
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 capable mobile processor that brought desktop-class hybrid architecture to thin-and-light laptops, offering excellent multi-core scaling.
Best for: Purchasing a used or discounted premium ultrabook from 2022.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i7-1260P?
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 i7-1260P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1260P leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-1260P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1240P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1240P (28 W), Intel Core i7-1260P (64 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-1260P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-1260P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-1260P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.