CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-1250U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1250U is an ultra-low power 9W mobile processor designed for fanless thin-and-light laptops and tablets, featuring a 10-core hybrid architecture.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for everyday office tasks and web browsing, but struggles under sustained heavy multi-threaded loads.
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Severely limited by the 9W TDP and potential thermal throttling in fanless designs. Only suitable for very light 2D games.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtual machines due to low core count and strict power limits.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency, offering some of the best battery life figures in the 12th Gen lineup.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Low power limits restrict AI inference capabilities
- No dedicated NPU
- 11 TOPS NPU included
- Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- Not for heavy AI generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- 9W TDP heavily restricts GPU boost duration
- Only playable for older or 2D indie games
- Not suitable for modern 3D gaming
- 48EU graphics is entry-level
- Fine for browser games
- Not suitable for modern 3D titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 9W base power consumption
- Excellent for fanless and silent designs
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Decent single-core burst performance
- Strong integrated graphics for its power class
Cons
- Severely limited multi-core performance
- Low PL2 ceiling (29W) limits burst duration
- Only 2 P-cores for heavy threads
- Uses BGA 1781 socket, fully soldered
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Good burst performance for daily tasks
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
- Affordable entry to Core Ultra
Cons
- Low core count limits multitasking
- Only 48EU graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5 support
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-1250U
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
Offers a higher 15W TDP for better sustained performance in slightly thicker laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
A cheaper alternative with similar 9W efficiency and slightly lower clocks.
Another 9W option with similar specs for ultra-portables.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Excellent efficiency with better integrated graphics.
- Apple M2 MacBook AirAlt
Superior performance-per-watt in a fanless design.
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
More E-Cores and better graphics for a small price bump.
Compare head-to-headOlder Raptor Lake architecture but similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1334UAlt
Cheaper, older generation alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7440UAlt
Competitive budget alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 9W chip that brings desktop-class hybrid architecture to the thinnest form factors, though multi-core performance is limited by power constraints.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin tablet or fanless laptop where battery life is the absolute top priority.
Read the full reviewA solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-1250U or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1250U leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i7-1250U and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1250U (29 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-1250U and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-1250U: Intel BGA 1781, Intel Core Ultra 5 115U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1250U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-1250U (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-1250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-1250U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.