CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Intel Core i7-4960HQ
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 8MB cache helps with productivity tasks.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Good for older games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Handles VMs well for legacy systems.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
22nm process is less efficient than modern alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- No AI-specific hardware
- Slow inference
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.
- eDRAM helps with frame rates
- Adequate for indie games
- Not suitable for modern high-end 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
- Still active for embedded markets
- 8MB L3 cache
- Strong Iris Pro integrated graphics
Cons
- Outdated 22nm process
- High 47W TDP
- Expensive if bought new for embedded use
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 i7-4960HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3632QMRival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 800Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Alt
Modern architecture with much faster single-core speeds.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for mobile workstations.
Compare head-to-head Hybrid architecture offers significantly better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern budget alternative with strong battery life.
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 robust mobile processor that still sees use in embedded systems due to its reliable 22nm architecture and eDRAM.
Best for: Industrial or legacy system replacement. When considering the purchase of a system with the Core i7-4960HQ today, the context is crucial. For modern consumer use, it is heavily outdated and outperformed by even low-tier contemporary processors. However, because it remains listed as active for embedded markets, it may still be relevant for specific industrial systems requiring legacy support. For general consumers, buying a used laptop with this CPU should only be done at a rock-bottom price. It remains functional for basic computing tasks and older games, but its power efficiency pales in comparison to current architectures. Do not invest in this platform for a primary work or gaming machine today.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Intel Core i7-4960HQ?
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 i7-4960HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1240P leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-4960HQ.
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 i7-4960HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Intel Core i7-4960HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1240P: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i7-4960HQ: Intel BGA 1364), 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 i7-4960HQ (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4960HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4960HQ (8,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.