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Intel Core i7-1255U

Intel Core i7-1255U: A Balance of Power and Battery Life for Mobile Devices

March 2025

The Intel Core i7-1255U processor, released in 2022, continues to be a relevant choice for ultrabooks and business laptops even three years later. Its hybrid Alder Lake architecture, support for modern standards, and balanced performance make it an appealing option for users who prioritize mobility without compromising performance. In this article, we will explore who this chip is suitable for in 2025, how it performs in real-world tasks, and what to pay attention to when purchasing a device based on it.

Architecture and Technology Process: Hybrid Approach and Intel 7

The Core i7-1255U processor is built on the hybrid Alder Lake architecture, which combines two types of cores for the first time: Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores). This solution aims to optimize power consumption and performance depending on the workload.

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

- Clock Frequencies: The base clock of the P-cores is 1.7 GHz, with a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of up to 4.7 GHz. E-cores run at a frequency of up to 3.5 GHz.

- Technology Process: Intel 7 (previously known as 10nm Enhanced SuperFin). This allows for reduced power consumption and improved transistor density.

- Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe with 96 EU (Execution Units). It supports 4K displays, AV1 encoding, and provides sufficient performance for light gaming.

Architecture Features:

The hybrid system distributes tasks: P-cores handle "heavy" applications (such as Photoshop or code compilation), while E-cores manage background processes (updates, streaming). This reduces overall power consumption.

Power Consumption and TDP: 15W for Mobility

The processor's TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 15W, classifying it as an ultrabook chip. However, in Turbo mode, power consumption can briefly reach 55W.

- Real-World Scenarios:

- When performing office tasks (browser, Word), the processor consumes 5-8W.

- Under load (video rendering) — up to 25-30W, but the cooling system must be able to handle this.

- Thermal Output: In compact laptops (e.g., Dell XPS 13), the chip can heat up to 80-90°C under load, but throttling (frequency reduction) is usually avoided thanks to dynamic management.

Tip: Choose laptops with dual-fan cooling systems, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. This will improve frequency stability during prolonged tasks.

Performance: Office, Multimedia, and Gaming

Office Tasks

- Geekbench 6: 1939 (single-thread), 6257 (multi-thread). This is higher than the Ryzen 7 5825U (1800/6000), making the i7-1255U faster in single-core dependent applications (Excel, browsers).

- Real Tests:

- Running 30 tabs in Chrome + Zoom + Slack: no delays.

- PDF export in Adobe Acrobat: 20% faster than the i7-1165G7 (Tiger Lake).

Multimedia

- 4K Video: Rendering a 10-minute video in DaVinci Resolve takes ~12 minutes (compared to ~15 with the Ryzen 7 5825U).

- Photo Editors: In Lightroom, batch processing of 100 RAW files takes about 8 minutes.

Gaming

- Iris Xe Graphics handles games at low settings:

- CS:GO — 60-70 FPS (1080p).

- GTA V — 40-45 FPS (720p).

- For more demanding titles (Cyberpunk 2077), an eGPU is recommended.

Turbo Mode: In laptops with good cooling (HP EliteBook 840), the frequency of P-cores is maintained at 4.3-4.5 GHz for up to 3 minutes before dropping to 3.8 GHz.

Use Cases: Who is this Processor For?

- Students and Office Workers: Lightweight laptops with long battery life (up to 10 hours).

- Freelance Designers: Capability to work in Figma, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro on the go.

- Travelers: Devices weighing from 1.2 kg (Acer Swift 5).

Not Suitable For:

- Hardcore gamers — discrete graphics are needed.

- Engineers working with 3D modeling — better to choose the H-series (e.g., i7-12700H).

Battery Life: Energy Saving Technologies

- Operating Time: In laptops with a 60 Wh battery (Asus ZenBook 14), up to 8-9 hours under mixed use (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi).

- Energy Efficiency:

- Intel Dynamic Tuning 2.0: Automatically adjusts power based on workload.

- Deep Learning Boost: Accelerates AI tasks (noise cancellation in Teams) with lower energy consumption.

- Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in power settings to increase battery life by 1.5-2 hours.

Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (Zen 3)

- Pros: Better multi-thread performance (8 cores/16 threads), lower laptop prices (~$900 vs $1100).

- Cons: Weaker in single-thread tasks, Radeon Vega graphics underperform compared to Iris Xe.

Apple M2

- Pros: Longer battery life (up to 15 hours), cool operation.

- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows software, no eGPU support.

Intel Core i7-1260P

- A more powerful chip (28W TDP), but battery life is reduced by 20-30%.

Conclusion: The i7-1255U represents a sweet spot between performance and battery life for Windows devices.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

1. High single-thread performance.

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

3. Adequate graphics for less demanding games.

Weaknesses:

1. 12 threads vs. 16 on the Ryzen 7.

2. Potential overheating in compact laptops.

3. Price: devices with the i7-1255U start at $1000.

Recommendations for Laptop Selection

1. Type of Device: Ultrabooks (Dell XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga 9i) or business laptops (HP EliteBook).

2. Cooling: Two fans and heat pipes.

3. Screen: IPS matrix with 99% sRGB for designers.

4. Battery: At least 60 Wh.

5. Memory and SSD: 16 GB LPDDR5 and at least 512 GB SSD.

Examples of 2025 Models:

- Acer Swift 5 (2025): $1200, 1.1 kg, 14-inch OLED display.

- Microsoft Surface Laptop 6: $1350, touchscreen display, 18 hours of battery life.

Final Conclusion

In 2025, the Intel Core i7-1255U is an optimal choice for those seeking a versatile laptop with a premium design. Its key advantages include:

- Ability to handle "heavy" applications without being tethered to a power outlet.

- Support for modern interfaces (Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0).

- Hybrid architecture that extends battery life.

This processor is suitable for:

- Freelancers often working in cafes or airports.

- Students in technical disciplines.

- Corporate users who value reliability and portability.

If your budget is limited, consider laptops with the Ryzen 7 5825U. However, for maximum performance in single-thread tasks and a premium experience, the i7-1255U remains one of the best options in the ultrabook segment.

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.

i7-1255U

Code Name

Alder Lake

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).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Performance-cores

Efficient-cores

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

4.70 GHz

Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency

Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.

4.70 GHz

Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency

Maximum E-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.

3.50 GHz

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

L3 Cache

12 MB

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1744

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.

Intel 7

TDP

15 W

Processor Base Power

The time-averaged power dissipation that the processor is validated to not exceed during manufacturing while executing an Intel-specified high complexity workload at Base Frequency and at the junction temperature as specified in the Datasheet for the SKU segment and configuration.

15 W

Maximum Turbo Power

The maximum sustained (>1s) power dissipation of the processor as limited by current and/or temperature controls. Instantaneous power may exceed Maximum Turbo Power for short durations (<=10ms). Note: Maximum Turbo Power is configurable by system vendor and can be system specific.

55 W

Minimum Assured Power

12 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

100°C

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

Microprocessor PCIe Revision

Gen 4

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.

Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s Up to LPDDR5 5200 MT/s Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

64 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

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.

Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

1.25 GHz

DirectX Support

DirectX* Support indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft’s collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for handling multimedia compute tasks.

12.1

Execution Units

The Execution Unit is the foundational building block of Intel’s graphics architecture. Execution Units are compute processors optimized for simultaneous Multi-Threading for high throughput compute power.

Max Resolution (HDMI)

Max Resolution (HDMI) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz

Max Resolution (DP)

Max Resolution (DP) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the DP interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz

Max Resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel)

Max Resolution (Integrated Flat Panel) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor for a device with an integrated flat panel (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your device.

4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP 1.4b | DP 1.4a | HDMI 2.1

Miscellaneous

Intel Deep Learning Boost (Intel DL Boost) on CPU

A new set of embedded processor technologies designed to accelerate AI deep learning use cases. It extends Intel AVX-512 with a new Vector Neural Network Instruction (VNNI) that significantly increases deep learning inference performance over previous generations.

Yes

Intel Image Processing Unit

6.0

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)

Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

12 MB Intel® Smart Cache

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel High Definition Audio

Yes

Intel Volume Management Device (VMD)

Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) provides a common, robust method of hot plug and LED management for NVMe-based solid state drives.

Yes

Intel Boot Guard

Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard helps protect the system’s pre-OS environment from viruses and malicious software attacks.

Yes

Intel Hardware Shield Eligibility

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel QuickAssist Software Acceleration

Yes

Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology

CET - Intel Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) helps protect against the misuse of legitimate code snippets through return-oriented programming (ROP) control-flow hijacking attacks.

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel OS Guard

Yes

OpenGL Support

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.

4.6

OpenCL Support

OpenCL (Open Computing Language) is a multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for heterogeneous parallel programming.

3.0

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

1939

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

6257

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

1452

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

6389

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

3304

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

13780

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Core i3-12100

2146 +10.7%

Core Ultra 5 134U

2041 +5.3%

Core i7-1255U

1939

Core i7-11600H

1845 -4.8%

Ryzen 9 3900XT

1716 -11.5%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Core i7-9700KF

7072 +13%

Core i7-1260P

6639 +6.1%

Core i7-1255U

6257

Xeon E5-2670

5826 -6.9%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350GE

5524 -11.7%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Ryzen 5 5600X3D

1595 +9.8%

Core i3-1210U

1531 +5.4%

Core i7-1255U

1452

Core i7-11850H

1386 -4.5%

Core i7-13700E

1331 -8.3%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Core i3-14100F

7188 +12.5%

Ryzen 5 PRO 3600

6759 +5.8%

Core i7-1255U

6389

Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G

6034 -5.6%

Core i7-11600H

5832 -8.7%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Ryzen 5 5600XT

3455 +4.6%

Snapdragon X Plus

3375 +2.1%

Core i7-1255U

3304

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

3230 -2.2%

Ryzen 5 PRO 6650U

3188 -3.5%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U

14927 +8.3%

Xeon E5-2666 v3

14346 +4.1%

Core i7-1255U

13780

Core i7-9700F

13269 -3.7%

Ryzen 3 3300X

12658 -8.1%