Quick Verdict
A capable 10-core mobile chip that balances multi-threaded productivity with high single-core speeds for gaming, though it faces fierce competition from AMD's Ryzen 8000 series and Intel's own Core Ultra lineup.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
ActiveGeneration
Core 7 (Raptor Lake Refresh)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core 7 240H is a 10-core mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture of 6 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores, designed for high-performance laptops targeting gamers and creators.
The Intel Core 7 240H is a high-performance mobile processor that marks a transition in Intel's naming convention, stepping away from the classic 'i7' branding. Built on the mature Intel 10nm process, this 10-core, 16-thread chip utilizes a hybrid architecture combining six Performance-cores and four Efficient-cores. With a base clock of 2.
5 GHz and a maximum turbo boost of 5.2 GHz, it is engineered to handle demanding workloads such as gaming, video editing, and heavy multi-tasking. It features 24MB of shared L3 cache and supports versatile memory configurations, including LPDDR5 up to 6400 MT/s.
While it lacks the dedicated NPU found in newer Core Ultra chips, it compensates with aggressive clock speeds and robust PCIe 5.0 support, making it a formidable option for 2024/2025 laptops that prioritize raw CPU performance over power efficiency.
Specifications
Performance
10 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads efficiently, though it trails behind higher core-count HX series chips.
Adequate for running a few light virtual machines, but limited by 45W base power and 10 cores compared to desktop replacements.
When paired with a dedicated GPU, the 5.2 GHz boost clock ensures minimal CPU bottlenecks in most modern titles.
The 10nm process and 115W PL2 limit mean it requires significant cooling, reducing battery life under load.
- •High 5.2 GHz boost clock benefits CPU-limited games.
- •Hybrid architecture requires Windows 11 Thread Director for optimal scheduling.
- •Sufficient for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming with a mid-range dGPU.
- •Lacks dedicated NPU hardware found in Core Ultra chips.
- •Relies on CPU instructions for AI workloads.
- •Suitable for basic background blur or noise cancellation, not heavy local LLM inference.
Architecture
10 nm
Process Node
Raptor Lake-H
Codename
10C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Raptor Lake-H represents an iterative refinement of Intel's hybrid x86 architecture rather than a ground-up redesign. The Core 7 240H leverages the same foundational chiplet layout as its 13th-generation predecessors but focuses on extracting higher frequency ceilings from the 10nm manufacturing node.
CPU Design
Features 6 Redwood Cove P-Cores for single-threaded tasks and 4 Gracemont E-Cores for background multi-threading, totaling 10 cores and 16 threads.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel memory controller supporting both standard DDR5 and power-efficient LPDDR5, maximizing bandwidth up to 6400 MT/s.
PCIe & I/O
Provides 8 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU for primary storage, alongside 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the PCH.
Overclocking
Multiplier is locked, limiting tuning to power limits and memory XMP profiles by OEMs.
- Updated Intel Core series naming scheme (Core 7).
- Slight optimizations to turbo boost algorithms.
- Better integration with modern Intel chipsets like WM790.
Key Highlights
- High 5.2 GHz maximum boost clock
- Strong single-core performance for gaming
- Versatile memory support (DDR4 to LPDDR5)
- Capable Iris Xe 64EU iGPU
- PCIe 5.0 support for fast storage
- No integrated NPU for AI tasks
- 10nm process is less efficient than newer competitors
- 115W PL2 power draw requires substantial laptop cooling
- Locked multiplier restricts manual CPU overclocking
History
The Intel Core 7 240H arrived in late 2024 as part of a strategic shift in Intel's mobile branding. Moving away from the decades-old 'i7' nomenclature, Intel introduced the streamlined 'Core 7' tier to simplify consumer choices. </br>Architecturally, the 240H is a direct descendant of the 13th Generation Raptor Lake family, rebranded and subtly optimized for the 2025 laptop market.
It was introduced alongside the WM790 chipset to bridge the gap between the outgoing 13th Gen and the newer Core Ultra lineup, specifically targeting OEMs needing high-clock-speed parts without the premium cost of AI-enabled silicon. </br>This processor represents Intel's pragmatic approach of utilizing the highly matured 10nm process node to offer competitive clock speeds in the mid-to-high-end mobile segment, proving that older architectures still have significant market relevance.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Updated Intel Core series naming scheme (Core 7).
- Slight optimizations to turbo boost algorithms.
- Better integration with modern Intel chipsets like WM790.
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Intel Core 7 240H is highly recommended for users purchasing a premium thin-and-light or mid-range gaming laptop in 2025 who prioritize raw CPU frequency and legacy software compatibility. Its 5.2 GHz boost clock makes it particularly well-suited for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated mid-range GPU like an RTX 4060. It is also an excellent choice for students and content creators who need snappy performance in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. However, you should avoid this chip if your workflow relies heavily on local AI generation, as it lacks a dedicated NPU. Additionally, if maximum battery life is your primary concern, the newer Core Ultra chips built on the Intel 4 process will serve you much better.
Avoid if…
- You need maximum battery life (look for Core Ultra instead).
- You require high-end AI capabilities (NPU missing).
- You do heavy 3D rendering (HX-series or desktop is better).
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Represents Intel's transition away from the traditional 'i3, i5, i7, i9' naming structure for mobile processors.
While branded as a 'Refresh', it relies heavily on the same Raptor Lake silicon as 13th Gen parts.
The P-Cores feature a larger L2 cache of 2MB per core compared to standard desktop chips.
Includes an integrated IPU 6.0 for improved webcam image processing and background blur.
It uses the FC-BGA16F package, maintaining physical socket compatibility with previous generation mobile parts.
Despite the new naming scheme, the CPUID and underlying microarchitecture remain identical to 13th Gen Raptor Lake.
The 115W PL2 power limit is designed to be sustained for exactly 28 seconds before dropping to base 45W.
It supports up to 28 total PCIe lanes across Gen 5, Gen 4, and Gen 3 standards simultaneously.
The integrated Iris Xe graphics can dynamically boost up to 1550 MHz for light gaming or display output.
Intel shifted to the Core 7 naming to prevent consumer confusion between generation numbers and tier levels.
People Also Ask
What does the 'H' mean in Intel Core 7 240H?
The 'H' designates a high-performance mobile processor typically found in gaming and creator laptops, featuring a 45W base power limit.
Does the Intel Core 7 240H have an NPU?
No, the Core 7 240H is based on the older Raptor Lake architecture and lacks the dedicated Neural Processing Unit found in Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) chips.
Is the Intel Core 7 240H good for gaming?
Yes, its 5.2 GHz boost clock provides excellent frame rates in CPU-bound scenarios, though actual gaming performance depends heavily on the laptop's discrete GPU.
What is the difference between Core 7 240H and Core i7-13700H?
They are architecturally very similar, but the Core 7 240H features updated branding, minor firmware optimizations, and support for newer Intel chipsets like the WM790.
Can the Intel Core 7 240H be upgraded?
No, like all 'H' class mobile processors, it is permanently soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1744) and cannot be removed or upgraded.
What RAM is compatible with the Core 7 240H?
It supports dual-channel DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4x, and LPDDR5, with speeds up to 6400 MT/s when using LPDDR5.
How hot does the Core 7 240H get?
It has a maximum operating temperature (tJMax) of 100°C, though laptops are designed to throttle performance long before reaching this limit to maintain comfort and component longevity.
Does the Core 7 240H support Thunderbolt 4?
While not explicitly listed in the base PCIe specs, modern Intel H-series platforms with these chipsets universally support Thunderbolt 4 through the PCH.
Is 10 cores enough for video editing in 2025?
Yes, 10 cores (6 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores) and 16 threads are highly capable for 1080p and 4K video editing in software like Premiere Pro.
Why did Intel change the name from Core i7 to Core 7?
Intel simplified its naming scheme to remove the 'i' prefix, making it easier for consumers to understand the tier (Core 3, 5, 7, 9) without confusing generation numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TDP of the Intel Core 7 240H?
The base TDP (PL1) is 45W, but it can boost up to 115W (PL2) for short durations under heavy load.
Does the Intel Core 7 240H have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 64 Execution Units, running at a dynamic frequency of up to 1550 MHz.
What socket does the Core 7 240H use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, meaning it is soldered directly onto the laptop motherboard.
What process node is the Core 7 240H built on?
It is manufactured using Intel's 10nm process technology (Intel 7).
Can you overclock the Core 7 240H?
No, the multiplier is locked. Overclocking is generally not possible on mobile H-series processors.
How much L3 cache does the Core 7 240H have?
It features 24 MB of shared L3 cache.
What is the base clock speed of the Core 7 240H?
The base clock speed is 2.5 GHz.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, the Intel Core 7 240H does not support Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory.
What is the launch price of the Core 7 240H?
The manufacturer launch price is listed at $502.
When was the Intel Core 7 240H released?
It was released on December 18th, 2024.