CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-1365U

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 i7-1365U
10C / 12T5.2 GHz15 W
8.7
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
1.8 GHz
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz
5.2 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 i7-1365UBest88

Exceptional performance for office applications and multitasking.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1255U64

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

Core i7-1365UBest65

Suitable for casual and esports gaming at 1080p using integrated graphics.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-1255U58

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

Core i7-1365UBest70

Capable of running light virtual machines, though limited by 15W TDP.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-1255U90

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

Core i7-1365UBest95

Outstanding performance-per-watt, ensuring long battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-1255ULimited
  • No NPU
  • AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
Core i7-1365ULimited
  • Relies on CPU and Iris Xe for inference
  • Suitable for background AI noise cancellation
  • Not designed for local LLM deployment

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-1255UGood
PhotoshopLightroom1080p Video EditingWeb Design
Core i7-1365UGood
Adobe PhotoshopLightroomVideo ConferencingAudio Production

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 i7-1365UFair
  • Iris Xe 96EU handles older titles well
  • Not suitable for AAA gaming without a discrete GPU
  • Excellent for cloud gaming streaming

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
HD Video Streaming
Excellent
Photo Editing
Good
Good
Programming
Very Good
Light Gaming
Moderate
Web Browsing
Excellent
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Casual Gaming
Fair

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 i7-1365U

Pros

  • Excellent single-core burst performance
  • Outstanding power efficiency
  • Supports modern DDR5 and LPDDR5 memory
  • Integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics
  • Ideal for fanless or thin-and-light designs

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • Limited PCIe lanes (8) from CPU
  • Not suitable for sustained heavy workloads
  • Soldered BGA socket prevents upgrades
  • Integrated graphics struggle with modern games

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-1255U

Core i7-1365U

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7730U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7735U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-1355U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Apple M2

    Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-1335U
    Alt

    Offers similar architecture at a lower price point for budget ultrabooks.

  • Intel Core i7-13700P
    Alt

    Better choice for users needing sustained multi-core performance in thicker laptops.

  • AMD Ryzen 5 7530U
    Alt

    Excellent battery life and multi-core efficiency for thin-and-lights.

  • Superior sustained performance and efficiency in the macOS ecosystem.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Newer Meteor Lake architecture with dedicated low-power AI silicon.

    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 i7-1365URecommended

A highly efficient mobile processor delivering exceptional single-thread burst speeds for everyday ultrabook use.

Best for: Purchasing a premium ultrabook for professional productivity

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-1255U or Core i7-1365U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1365U 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 i7-1255U or Core i7-1365U?

For gaming, the Core i7-1365U leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-1255U and Core i7-1365U.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-1365U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W), Core i7-1365U (15 W).

Do Intel Core i7-1255U and Core i7-1365U use the same socket?

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