CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240P vs Core i7-620M
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.
Struggles with modern web and office software.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Can run very old games, but lacks modern instructions.
Virtualization
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Can run basic VMs but lacks RAM support.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
35W for 2 cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI silicon.
- No AI capabilities.
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.
- Ironlake graphics are too weak; relies on discrete GPUs. Lacks AVX2.
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
- Very high clock speeds for 2010
- Good single-threaded performance
- Socketed design allows replacement
- Included AES-NI
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- High 35W TDP for a dual-core
- Lacks modern instruction sets
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 i7-620M
- Intel Core 2 Duo P9700Rival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-430MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640MRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
Modern mobile alternative with massive multi-core gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern efficient mobile chip.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Alt
Modern ARM comparison.
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 high-performance standard-voltage mobile CPU for 2010, but completely obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Legacy laptop repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240P or Core i7-620M?
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 Core i7-620M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1240P leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1240P and Core i7-620M.
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), Core i7-620M (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240P and Core i7-620M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1240P: Intel BGA 1744, Core i7-620M: Socket G1 (rPGA988A)), 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), Core i7-620M (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-620M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620M (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.