CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1240U vs Core i5-1334U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1240U is an ultra-low power mobile processor from the 12th Generation Alder Lake-U lineup, released in February 2022.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and browser tabs well, though burst limits are low.
Great for standard office suites and web apps.
Gaming
Only suitable for 2D or very old 3D games at low resolutions.
Iris Xe can handle very light e-sports at low settings, but not ideal for gaming.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but heavily constrained by the 9W power limit.
12 threads handle basic VMs but lack sustained power.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency, allowing for multi-day battery life in small batteries.
15W TDP ensures excellent battery life in thin-and-lights.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles basic background blur.
- Not suited for any demanding AI workloads.
- No NPU; relies on CPU/GPU for AI tasks.
Content Creation
Gaming
- iGPU is capped at 900 MHz to save power.
- Best for hardware video decoding and simple 2D games.
- Not suitable for 3D gaming.
- Not intended for AAA gaming.
- Can run 2D or older games at low resolutions.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Exceptional 9W power efficiency
- Allows for silent, fanless designs
- 10 cores for great everyday multitasking
- Supports LPDDR5 memory
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very low boost power limit (29W)
- iGPU clocked very low (900 MHz)
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
- Soldered to the motherboard
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- 10 cores handle multitasking well
- Iris Xe 80EU graphics are capable for an iGPU
- Runs cool in thin chassis
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Lacks PCIe 5.0 support
- Locked multiplier
- Low base clock
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1240U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5425URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1215URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1250URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Higher base power (15W) for slightly better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Industry-leading efficiency and performance for fanless designs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 6600UAlt
Better iGPU and higher power for standard thin-and-lights.
More threads and higher clocks if you need slightly more power.
Compare head-to-headBudget alternative for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head
Core i5-1334U
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 7330URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Mobile
Very similar performance, often used interchangeably by OEMs.
Compare head-to-head- Ryzen 5 7530UAlt
Strong competitor with good battery life.
- Core i5-1235UAlt
Older gen but similar performance, often cheaper.
- Core i3-1305UAlt
Cheaper if you only need basic office work.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 9W processor that balances 10-core multitasking with extreme battery life, perfect for the most portable form factors.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin 2-in-1 convertible or a fanless tablet for note-taking and travel.
Read the full reviewA solid 15W CPU that balances 10-core multitasking with excellent battery life, ideal for standard productivity and portability.
Best for: Ultraportable laptops for students and office workers.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1240U or Core i5-1334U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1240U comes out ahead with a score of 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 i5-1240U or Core i5-1334U?
For gaming, the Core i5-1334U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-1240U and Core i5-1334U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1240U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1240U (9 W), Core i5-1334U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1240U and Core i5-1334U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1240U: Intel BGA 1781, Core i5-1334U: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-1334U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-1334U (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.