CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-1260U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1260U is a 9W ultra-low power mobile processor designed for extreme portability, featuring 10 hybrid cores and LPDDR memory support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Great for bursty office tasks like email and documents, but slows down under heavy continuous loads.
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Very limited gaming performance due to the 9W TDP. Only suitable for basic 2D games and old software.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Not recommended for VMs. The low power and core count will result in severe sluggishness.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Efficiency
Industry-leading efficiency for x86 laptops, often providing 15+ hours of battery life.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Low power limits restrict AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
- 11 TOPS NPU included
- Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- Not for heavy AI generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Severely limited by 9W thermal envelope
- Suitable only for retro or 2D indie games
- Throttles quickly under 3D load
- 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
- Incredible 9W power efficiency
- Enables fanless, silent designs
- Excellent single-core burst performance
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Very light on battery drain
Cons
- Very low sustained multi-core performance
- Only 2 P-cores
- Soldered BGA 1781 socket
- Limited to 29W turbo power
- 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 i7-1260U
- 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
Essentially identical 9W performance, often used interchangeably by OEMs.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
A more budget-friendly 9W option with similar efficiency.
Offers better performance in a 15W envelope if you don't need a fanless design.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M2 MacBook AirAlt
Superior performance-per-watt in a fanless chassis.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Excellent efficiency with significantly better performance.
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
An excellent 9W processor for silent, fanless laptops, though its strict power limits mean it lags behind 15W chips in sustained workloads.
Best for: Buying a premium 2-in-1 tablet or fanless laptop where silence and weight are the primary concerns.
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 better, Intel Core i7-1260U or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1260U (29 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-1260U and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-1260U: Intel BGA 1781, Intel Core Ultra 5 115U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1260U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-1260U (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-1260U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-1260U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.