CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Intel Core i7-1270P
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.
The extra 100 MHz on the P-cores provides a slight edge in single-threaded office tasks.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Performs marginally better than the 1260P in CPU-bound games, but still limited by integrated graphics for AAA titles.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Easily handles local Docker containers and virtual machines for development.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Efficiency remains strong, though the higher clocks can draw slightly more power under peak loads.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- No dedicated NPU
- Inference relies on CPU and integrated GPU
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.
- Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings well
- Beneficial for CPU-bound esports titles
- Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious 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
- High 4.8 GHz turbo boost for single-threaded tasks
- 12 cores and 16 threads for heavy multitasking
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Excellent Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Strong sustained performance at 28W
Cons
- Only a marginal performance increase over the 1260P
- Soldered BGA package prevents upgrades
- 28W TDP can drain battery quickly under load
- Cannot be manually overclocked
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 i7-1270P
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900HKRival
Mobile
Offers nearly identical performance for a lower price in most laptops.
Compare head-to-headA 15W alternative for significantly better battery life.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Superior integrated graphics and efficiency.
A budget-friendly alternative with the same core count.
Compare head-to-headThe 13th gen successor with better performance and efficiency.
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 slight step up from the 1260P, offering faster clock speeds that make it ideal for users needing top-tier single-thread performance in a portable form factor.
Best for: Buying a high-end business ultrabook that requires vPro and maximum single-core speed.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i7-1270P?
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 i7-1270P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1270P leads with a gaming performance score of 76/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-1270P.
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 i7-1270P (64 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-1270P 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 i7-1270P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-1270P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.