CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-1355U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1255U is a 15W mobile processor featuring a 10-core hybrid design, tailored for standard ultrabooks balancing performance and battery life.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-1255U
10C / 12T4.7 GHz55 W
7.9
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-1355U
10C / 12T5 GHz15 W
8.6
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
12th Generation
13th Gen
Launched
2022
2023
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Alder Lake-U
Raptor Lake-U
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Alder Lake-U
13th Generation Raptor Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-1165G7
Intel Core i7-1255U
Successor
Intel Core i7-1355U
Intel Core Ultra 7 155U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
10
10
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
1.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz
5 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
55 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Alder Lake-U
Raptor Lake-U
Process Node
10 nm
10nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4X, LPDDR5
DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4x, LPDDR5
Memory Speed
DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR4X-4267, LPDDR5-5200
DDR5-5200
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
0 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1744
Intel BGA 1744
PCIe Version
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
20
8
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-1255U84

Highly responsive for daily office tasks, with plenty of E-cores to keep background apps from slowing down the system.

Core i7-1355UBest87

Flawless performance for office suites, heavy browsing, and video calls.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1255U64

Can run esports games like League of Legends smoothly, but struggles with modern AAA titles on integrated graphics.

Core i7-1355UBest65

Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings reasonably well.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-1255U58

Good for light Docker containers, but 2 P-cores limit performance when running full Windows VMs.

Core i7-1355UBest70

Can run lightweight VMs, but limited by 15W thermal envelope.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-1255U90

Excellent power management ensures long battery life during typical office use.

Core i7-1355UBest94

Excellent idle power consumption and efficient multi-core scaling.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-1255ULimited
  • No NPU
  • AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
Core i7-1355ULimited
  • Uses CPU and integrated GPU for AI tasks
  • Supports OpenVINO for optimized inference
  • Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-1255UGood
PhotoshopLightroom1080p Video EditingWeb Design
Core i7-1355UGood
PhotoshopLightroomIllustrator1080p Video Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1255UModerate
  • Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings for older games
  • Throttles under sustained 3D loads
  • Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious gaming
Core i7-1355UFair
  • Capable of 60fps in games like CS:GO and League of Legends
  • Struggles with modern AAA titles
  • Shares system memory, so DDR5 improves frame rates

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
HD Video Streaming
Excellent
Photo Editing
Good
Good
Programming
Very Good
Light Gaming
Moderate
Business Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
4K Video Streaming
Excellent
Code Compilation
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-1255U

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
Core i7-1355U

Pros

  • Strong 5.0 GHz single-core burst
  • Excellent power efficiency
  • Iris Xe 96EU graphics
  • Modern DDR5 and PCIe 4.0 support
  • Great value for ultrabook performance

Cons

  • Not unlocked
  • Limited to 8 PCIe lanes from CPU
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • Throttles under sustained multi-core loads
  • Only 2 P-cores limits heavy multitasking

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-1255U

Core i7-1355U

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7730U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7530U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-1365U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Apple M2

    Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i5-1345U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-1335U
    Alt

    A more affordable option with slightly lower clocks but similar architecture.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7735U
    Alt

    Better raw multi-core performance and efficiency in the same TDP class.

  • Apple M1 Air
    Alt

    Offers unmatched fanless efficiency and battery life for basic productivity.

  • Newer Meteor Lake chip with better idle battery life and integrated AI.

    Compare head-to-head

Our Verdict on Each

A 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 review
Core i7-1355URecommended

An excellent mobile CPU that hits the sweet spot between price and performance for everyday ultrabook users.

Best for: Buying a mid-range premium ultrabook for school or office work

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-1255U or Core i7-1355U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1355U comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 i7-1255U or Core i7-1355U?

For gaming, the Core i7-1355U leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-1255U and Core i7-1355U.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-1355U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W), Core i7-1355U (15 W).

Do Intel Core i7-1255U and Core i7-1355U use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.