CPU Comparison
Core i5-1334U vs Intel Core i7-1255U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1334U is a low-power mobile processor designed for everyday ultrabooks and thin-and-light laptops. Part of the Raptor Lake-U family, it features 10 cores (2 Performance + 8 Efficient) and 12 threads. Operating at a 15W base TDP, it prioritizes battery life and thermals. With a max turbo of 4.6 GHz and 12MB of L3 cache, it delivers snappy performance for daily tasks, web browsing, and office applications. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics with 80 Execution Units provides capable display handling and light media consumption. Released in early 2023, the 1334U targets students and professionals who need long battery life and basic productivity capability in a highly portable, fanless or single-fan chassis.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Great for standard office suites and web apps.
Highly responsive for daily office tasks, with plenty of E-cores to keep background apps from slowing down the system.
Gaming
Iris Xe can handle very light e-sports at low settings, but not ideal for gaming.
Can run esports games like League of Legends smoothly, but struggles with modern AAA titles on integrated graphics.
Virtualization
12 threads handle basic VMs but lack sustained power.
Good for light Docker containers, but 2 P-cores limit performance when running full Windows VMs.
Efficiency
15W TDP ensures excellent battery life in thin-and-lights.
Excellent power management ensures long battery life during typical office use.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU; relies on CPU/GPU for AI tasks.
- No NPU
- AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not intended for AAA gaming.
- Can run 2D or older games at low resolutions.
- Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings for older games
- Throttles under sustained 3D loads
- Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent performance-per-watt
- Very flexible memory support
- Good single-core burst performance
- Plenty of PCIe lanes for an ultrabook chip
- Reliable Iris Xe integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can get warm during 55W turbo bursts
- Not suitable for gaming without a discrete GPU
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-1255U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds (4.8 GHz) for marginally better burst performance.
Compare head-to-headA more cost-effective alternative that offers very similar everyday performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you can accommodate the 28W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Strong alternative with better integrated graphics efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1355UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with refined efficiency and clock speeds.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly efficient and popular 15W processor that powers a vast majority of mid-range premium ultrabooks, offering great daily responsiveness.
Best for: Buying a standard ultrabook for school or office work where you need strong battery life and snappy daily performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-1334U or Intel Core i7-1255U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-1255U comes out ahead with a score of 7.9/10. 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, Core i5-1334U or Intel Core i7-1255U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1255U leads with a gaming performance score of 64/100 among Core i5-1334U and Intel Core i7-1255U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-1334U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-1334U (15 W), Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W).
Do Core i5-1334U and Intel Core i7-1255U 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 Core i5-1334U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-1334U (9,500), Intel Core i7-1255U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.