Home / Intel Core i5 / Intel Core i5-1235U (IPU): Performance and Specs

Intel Core i5-1235U (IPU)

Intel Core i5-1235U (IPU)

Intel Core i5-1235U: Mobile Processor for a Balance Between Performance and Battery Life

March 2025

Architecture and Process Technology: A Hybrid Approach for Mobility

The Intel Core i5-1235U processor, released as part of the Alder Lake-U lineup, is a hybrid solution that combines Performance (P-cores) and Efficiency (E-cores) cores. This is the first generation of Intel processors that employs the Intel Thread Director technology, optimizing task distribution between the cores.

- Cores and Threads: 10 cores (2 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 12 threads. P-cores support Hyper-Threading (4 threads), while E-cores are single-threaded.

- Clock Speeds: Base clock for P-cores is 1.3 GHz, with a maximum in turbo mode of up to 4.4 GHz. E-cores operate at 0.9–3.3 GHz.

- Process Technology: 10 nm (Intel 7), providing a 10–15% reduction in power consumption compared to previous generations.

- Integrated Graphics: Iris Xe 80EU with a frequency of up to 1.2 GHz. Supports DirectX 12, HDMI 2.1, and up to 4 monitors.

Example: In everyday tasks (for instance, working in a browser), E-cores are utilized to save battery life. When running Photoshop, P-cores activate to ensure swift image processing.

Power Consumption and TDP: Efficiency for Ultrabooks

The processor's TDP is 15W, making it ideal for thin laptops. However, manufacturers can adjust parameters:

- Power Modes: In some models, TDP can temporarily increase to 25W for short bursts of activity (for example, rendering a presentation).

- Heat Dissipation: Thanks to the 10 nm process and optimized cooling, the laptop does not overheat even under load.

Tip: Opt for devices with heat pipe cooling systems — for example, the ASUS ZenBook 14 (2025) with dual fans.

Performance: Versatility for Work and Entertainment

Office Tasks and Multimedia

- Microsoft Office, Browsers: The processor handles 20+ Chrome tabs and simultaneous Excel launches without delays.

- Video Conferencing: Enabling background blur in Zoom consumes no more than 30% of resources.

- Video Editing: Rendering a 1080p clip in Adobe Premiere Pro takes 2–3 minutes. For 4K editing, a discrete graphics card is needed.

Gaming

Iris Xe 80EU shows the following results (Low/Medium settings, 1080p resolution):

- CS:GO: 50–60 FPS.

- Fortnite: 40–45 FPS.

- Indie Games (Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley): consistent 60 FPS.

Turbo Mode: When connected to power, the processor automatically boosts to 4.4 GHz, but after 10–15 minutes of intensive load, throttling may occur (frequency drop by 10–15%).

Usage Scenarios: Who is the i5-1235U Suitable For?

- Students and Office Workers: A lightweight laptop for studying, working with documents, and Zoom meetings.

- Travelers: A portable device with a battery life of 8–10 hours.

- Casual Gamers: Ability to run less demanding games without discrete graphics.

Not Suitable For:

- Professional designers (need a Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9).

- Streamers (require high multi-threading performance).

Battery Life: Technologies for Power Savings

- Intel Dynamic Tuning 2.0: Adaptively adjusts power based on load.

- Windows "Battery Saver" Mode: Reduces E-core frequency to 1.2 GHz, extending usage time by 1.5–2 hours.

- Practical Results: At a screen brightness of 150 nits:

- YouTube Streaming: Up to 9 hours.

- Working in Word: Up to 11 hours.

Tip: Laptops with a battery capacity of 60 Wh (for example, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7) demonstrate better battery life.

Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (Zen 3, 6 cores/12 threads)

- Pros: Better multi-threaded performance (15–20% higher in Blender).

- Cons: Weaker in single-threaded tasks (e.g., Excel).

Apple M2 (8 cores)

- Pros: Battery life up to 14 hours, higher performance per watt.

- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows programs.

Prices: Laptops with the i5-1235U cost $700–1000, while similar models with the M2 start at $1100.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

- Hybrid architecture for a balance between power and energy efficiency.

- Support for Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E.

- Affordable price.

Weaknesses:

- A bit underpowered for professional video editing.

- Integrated graphics lag behind the AMD Radeon 680M.

Laptop Selection Recommendations

1. Device Type: Ultrabook (e.g., Dell XPS 13) or 2-in-1 hybrid (HP Spectre x360).

2. RAM: At least 16 GB LPDDR5 for multitasking.

3. Storage: SSD with a minimum of 512 GB (preferably NVMe).

4. Display: IPS panel with Full HD resolution and 100% sRGB coverage (important for designers).

Examples of 2025 Models:

- Acer Swift 5 ($899): 14-inch screen, weight 1.2 kg.

- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ($1099): Backlit keyboard, moisture protection.

Final Conclusion

The Intel Core i5-1235U is an optimal choice for those seeking a versatile laptop with good battery life and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. It is suitable for students, freelancers, and users who value mobility. If your requirements are limited to office work, internet browsing, and occasional gaming sessions — this processor will be a reliable companion.

Key Benefits:

- Energy efficiency without sacrificing base performance.

- Modern interfaces for connecting peripherals.

- Availability in the mid-price segment.

Read more...

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Mobile
Launch Date
February 2022
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i5-1235U (IPU)
Code Name
Alder Lake-U
Generation
Core i5 (Alder Lake-U)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
10
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
12
Performance-cores
2
Efficient-cores
8
Performance-core Base Frequency
1300 MHz
Efficient-core Base Frequency
900 MHz up to 3.3 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency
?
Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
up to 4.4 GHz
L1 Cache
80 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
L3 Cache
12 MB (shared)
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel BGA 1744
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
13.0x
Multiplier Unlocked
No
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
10 nm
TDP
15 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
100°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4, DDR5
LPDDR5 Speed
5200 MT/s
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Iris Xe 80EU