Quick Verdict
An excellent mobile CPU that hits the sweet spot between price and performance for everyday ultrabook users.
Overview
Launch
2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
13th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-1355U is a mid-premium 13th Generation Raptor Lake processor engineered for thin-and-light ultrabooks. Launched on January 4th, 2023, it features a hybrid 2+8 core layout, offering 10 cores and 12 threads. Built on Intel's 10nm process, it delivers an optimal balance of performance and power efficiency for mobile professionals. The processor boasts a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 5.0 GHz, ensuring snappy responsiveness during single-threaded tasks. It incorporates Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units, providing superior graphical performance for creative applications and casual gaming compared to lower-tier models. With a 15W base TDP and a 55W turbo power limit, it maximizes battery life during light workloads while unleashing full performance when needed. Supporting DDR5-5200 and PCIe 4.0, the 1355U ensures modern connectivity standards in highly portable form factors, making it a highly versatile chip for premium ultraportable devices.
The Core i7-1355U is built on Intel's Raptor Lake architecture, featuring 2 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores. Reaching up to 5.0 GHz, it offers incredible single-threaded snappiness for everyday tasks.
The integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics handle 4K media and light creative workloads effortlessly. With a 15W base TDP and DDR5 support, it is an ideal, slightly more affordable alternative to the 1365U for premium thin-and-light laptops.
Specifications
Performance
Flawless performance for office suites, heavy browsing, and video calls.
Can run lightweight VMs, but limited by 15W thermal envelope.
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings reasonably well.
Excellent idle power consumption and efficient multi-core scaling.
- •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
- •Uses CPU and integrated GPU for AI tasks
- •Supports OpenVINO for optimized inference
- •Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Raptor Lake-U
Codename
10C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-1355U is built on the Raptor Lake-U architecture, utilizing a 2 Performance-core and 8 Efficient-core heterogeneous design. The P-cores are based on the Raptor Cove microarchitecture, delivering exceptional single-threaded execution for demanding applications, reaching up to 5.0 GHz. The 8 E-cores handle parallel workloads and background processes, significantly extending battery life. The processor is equipped with 12 MB of shared L3 intelligent cache, optimizing data access latency. Memory support is highly versatile, accommodating DDR4-3200, DDR5-5200, LPDDR4x-4267, and LPDDR5-6400 across a dual-channel bus. The integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics operate dynamically up to 1300 MHz, accelerating media encoding and rendering. For I/O, the CPU provides 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes for direct NVMe storage connections, while the PCH offers 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes for wireless and peripheral integration. This robust architectural layout ensures seamless multitasking and high-speed data throughput in premium mobile devices.
CPU Design
2 Raptor Cove P-Cores and 8 Gracemont E-Cores orchestrated by Intel Thread Director.
Memory Subsystem
Flexible dual-channel controller supporting up to LPDDR5-6400.
PCIe & I/O
8 PCIe 4.0 lanes for CPU-connected NVMe or discrete GPUs.
Overclocking
Fully locked multiplier for guaranteed OEM thermal compliance.
- 300 MHz higher max turbo frequency
- Improved cache architecture
- Better power efficiency during video playback
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The Core i7-1355U was unveiled at CES 2023 as part of Intel's 13th Gen mobile processor lineup, specifically targeting the highly competitive 15W ultrabook segment. </br> This launch was crucial for Intel to maintain market share against AMD's Ryzen 7000 mobile series. The 1355U was positioned as a slightly more affordable alternative to the 1365U, offering a 100 MHz lower max turbo frequency to hit a distinct price-performance tier.
</br> The 13th Gen U-series represented an iterative refinement over Alder Lake, focusing on extracting higher frequencies and improving power management algorithms rather than fundamentally changing the core count. </br> Its release facilitated a new wave of ultra-thin laptops featuring LPDDR5 memory and advanced connectivity, cementing Intel's architecture as the foundation for modern premium mobile computing experiences. This solidified the 13th gen's reputation for balancing power and portability.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 300 MHz higher max turbo frequency
- Improved cache architecture
- Better power efficiency during video playback
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a mid-range premium ultrabook for school or office work
Avoid if…
- You need to render 4K video frequently
- You want to play modern games at high settings
- Your workload requires sustained all-core loads
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 1355U is the direct step-down from the 1365U, offering a 200 MHz lower max turbo.
It retains the full 96EU Iris Xe graphics, making it a great value for multimedia.
The chip can consume up to 55W (PL2) for short bursts despite its 15W rating.
It was launched at CES 2023 alongside the rest of the 13th Gen mobile family.
The part number SRMLY specifically identifies this retail mobile tray processor.
Like other U-series chips, it uses the BGA 1744 socket, meaning zero upgradeability.
It supports Intel's Deep Learning Boost (DLBoost) for AI inference acceleration.
The base frequency of 1.7 GHz applies to the P-cores, while E-cores start at 1.2 GHz.
It supports both traditional DDR4 and modern DDR5, allowing OEMs flexibility.
Intel vPro is supported, making it a common choice for enterprise business laptops.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i7-1355U and i7-1365U?
The 1365U has a 200 MHz higher max turbo frequency (5.2 GHz vs 5.0 GHz).
Is the Core i7-1355U good for gaming?
It is suitable for light, casual, and esports gaming via its 96EU integrated graphics.
How many cores does the i7-1355U have?
It has 10 total cores: 2 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores.
What is the base TDP of the Core i7-1355U?
The base TDP is 15 Watts, with a maximum turbo power of 55 Watts.
Does the i7-1355U support DDR5 memory?
Yes, it supports DDR5-5200 as well as LPDDR5-6400.
Can I overclock the Core i7-1355U?
No, the processor has a locked multiplier.
What socket does the i7-1355U use?
It is permanently soldered using the Intel BGA 1744 socket.
What graphics does the i7-1355U feature?
It includes Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units.
When was the Core i7-1355U released?
It was officially released on January 4th, 2023.
Does the i7-1355U have vPro support?
Yes, this model includes Intel vPro Enterprise features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core i7-1355U have integrated graphics?
Yes, it features Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units.
What memory types are supported by the Core i7-1355U?
It supports DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4x, and LPDDR5 memory.
Can I overclock the Core i7-1355U?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base and boost clock speed of the i7-1355U?
The base clock is 1.7 GHz, and the max turbo boost is 5.0 GHz.
How many P-cores and E-cores are in the i7-1355U?
It features 2 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores.
What is the thermal junction max (TjMax) of the i7-1355U?
The maximum safe operating temperature is 100°C.
How much L3 cache does the i7-1355U have?
It has 12 MB of shared Intel Smart Cache.
What PCIe version does the i7-1355U support?
It supports PCIe 4.0 with 8 lanes directly from the CPU.
Is the i7-1355U soldered to the motherboard?
Yes, it uses the FCBGA1744 socket and cannot be upgraded.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-1355U?
The recommended customer price at launch was $469.