CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Intel Core i7-12800HE
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 multi-core scaling for compiling and rendering on the go.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Iris Xe can handle e-sports titles and older games at low settings.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
14 cores allow for efficient local virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
The 45W TDP ensures a good balance of performance and battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- Iris Xe includes matrix acceleration for basic 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.
- Depends on Iris Xe graphics
- Not intended for AAA gaming without a 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
- 14 cores in a 45W mobile envelope
- Long-term embedded availability
- Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Supports DDR5 memory
- Excellent multi-threaded efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard (not upgradeable)
- Not for gaming without a discrete GPU
- Base clock is relatively low for single-threaded tasks
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 i7-12800HE
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
Higher clock speeds for more demanding mobile workloads.
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 versatile mobile CPU packing 14 cores into a 45W envelope, perfect for embedded systems and portable workstations.
Best for: Buying a mobile workstation or industrial PC requiring long-term support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i7-12800HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-12800HE comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-12800HE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1240P leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-12800HE.
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 i7-12800HE (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-12800HE 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 i7-12800HE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores), Intel Core i7-12800HE (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12800HE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12800HE (25,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.