Quick Verdict
A nearly identical alternative to the 1250P, offering exceptional 12-core performance in a 28W envelope with excellent value.
Overview
Launch
2022
Status
ActiveGeneration
12th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-1240P is a 12-core mobile processor from the 12th Generation Alder Lake-P lineup, launched in February 2022.
The Intel Core i5-1240P utilizes a hybrid architecture with 4 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores. Operating at a 28W base TDP, it delivers robust multi-threaded performance. It features Iris Xe 80EU graphics running at 1300 MHz, providing solid multimedia capabilities.
With support for modern memory standards like DDR5, it is an excellent choice for portable productivity.
Specifications
Performance
12 cores ensure snappy performance in heavy multitasking and office applications.
Easily handles local development virtual machines.
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well but struggles with demanding AAA games.
Excellent performance-per-watt, ensuring all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
- •Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends.
- •Not designed for high-end gaming without a discrete GPU.
- •Supports fast hardware video decoding.
- •Adequate for background blur and basic audio noise cancellation.
- •No dedicated AI silicon.
Architecture
10 nm
Process Node
Alder Lake-P
Codename
12C / 16T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on Intel's 10nm Intel 7 process, the Core i5-1240P employs the Alder Lake hybrid architecture tailored for 28W mobile environments.
CPU Design
Integrates 4 Golden Cove P-cores for high single-threaded performance, alongside 8 Gracemont E-cores optimized for throughput and power efficiency.
Memory Subsystem
Supports dual-channel DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4x, and LPDDR5 memory, giving OEMs flexibility in design.
PCIe & I/O
Features 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed connectivity for NVMe SSDs and other peripherals.
Overclocking
The multiplier is locked, standard for P-series mobile processors.
- Massive increase in core count (4 to 12).
- Hybrid architecture improves efficiency.
- Added support for DDR5 and PCIe 4.0.
Key Highlights
- 12 cores and 16 threads in a 28W package
- Excellent performance-per-watt
- Supports DDR5 and LPDDR5 memory
- Great for heavy multitasking
- Good value compared to i7 variants
- Not unlocked for overclocking
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- iGPU slightly slower than i5-1250P
- Can run warm under sustained load
History
The Core i5-1240P launched in early 2022 as part of Intel's broader strategy to revamp its mobile CPU stack with the Alder Lake architecture. Prior to this generation, Intel's 28W mobile lineup was sparse, mostly limited to specific custom chips for high-end ultraportables. With AMD's Ryzen 5000 and 6000 series putting pressure on the thin-and-light market, Intel officially introduced the P-series to bridge the gap between 15W U-series and 45W H-series.
The i5-1240P was introduced to offer a slightly more affordable 28W option compared to the i5-1250P. By packing 12 cores (4P+8E) into a 28W envelope, Intel provided a massive leap in multi-threaded performance for ultrabooks. This model specifically targeted the mid-range premium laptop segment, ensuring that even base configurations of high-end thin-and-lights had enough processing headroom for creative tasks.
The launch of the i5-1240P marked a significant moment where hybrid architecture became accessible in mainstream portable devices, shifting industry expectations for ultrabook performance.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Massive increase in core count (4 to 12).
- Hybrid architecture improves efficiency.
- Added support for DDR5 and PCIe 4.0.
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a mid-range premium ultrabook for heavy productivity and light content creation.
Avoid if…
- You need to play demanding games.
- Your workload requires sustained 100% CPU loads for hours.
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 1240P offers near-identical performance to the 1250P but at a slightly lower iGPU clock.
Its 8 E-cores provide massive multi-threading throughput for a 28W chip.
The integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics run at 1300 MHz, 100 MHz slower than the 1250P.
It supports Intel Thread Director, requiring Windows 11 for optimal scheduling.
The chip is manufactured on Intel's 10nm SuperFin (Intel 7) node.
It includes 12 MB of L3 cache shared across both P-cores and E-cores.
The P-series bridges the gap between 15W ultrabooks and 45W gaming laptops.
It natively supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
The die is packaged in an FC-BGA16F format.
It was launched in February 2022 alongside the entire 12th Gen mobile lineup.
People Also Ask
Is Intel Core i5-1240P good for gaming?
It is good for light and casual gaming via its Iris Xe graphics, but not ideal for modern AAA titles.
What is the TDP of the Core i5-1240P?
The base TDP is 28W, and it can boost up to 64W under load.
How many cores does the i5-1240P have?
It features 12 cores: 4 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores.
Does the i5-1240P support DDR5?
Yes, it supports DDR5, DDR4, LPDDR5, and LPDDR4x memory.
What is the difference between i5-1240P and i5-1250P?
The i5-1250P has a slightly higher integrated graphics boost clock (1400 MHz vs 1300 MHz).
Can the i5-1240P be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked on P-series mobile processors.
What socket does the i5-1240P use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket.
Is the i5-1240P good for video editing?
Yes, its 12 cores make it very capable for 1080p and light 4K video editing.
Does the i5-1240P have a built-in GPU?
Yes, it features Intel Iris Xe 80EU graphics.
What generation is the Core i5-1240P?
It is a 12th Generation Intel Core processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core i5-1240P support hyper-threading?
Yes, the 4 P-cores support hyper-threading, combining with 8 E-cores for 16 total threads.
Can I upgrade the i5-1240P in my laptop?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard using the BGA 1744 socket.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-1240P?
The P-cores can boost up to 4.4 GHz.
Does the i5-1240P support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it provides 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for storage and expansion.
Is the i5-1240P better than the i7-1165G7?
Yes, the 1240P offers significantly more cores and higher multi-threaded performance.
What cooling is required for the i5-1240P?
It requires a good dual-fan cooling system in a thin-and-light chassis to sustain boosts.
Does the i5-1240P support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX, AVX2, and FMA3 instructions.
What is the L3 cache size of the i5-1240P?
It has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.
Is the i5-1240P good for programming?
Yes, its 12 cores make it excellent for code compilation and virtualization.
What RAM speed is best for the i5-1240P?
DDR5-4800 or LPDDR5-5200 will provide the best memory bandwidth.