Intel Core i5-10200H

Intel Core i5-10200H in 2025: Is it Worth Buying a Laptop with This Processor?
Introduction
In 2025, the laptop market is filled with processors based on 5nm and 3nm technology, integrated neural networks in chips, and AI optimization. However, even under such circumstances, models with the Intel Core i5-10200H continue to be sold as a budget solution. Let's explore who might find this CPU suitable in the era of Ryzen 8000 and Intel Core Ultra dominance.
Architecture and Process Technology: The Legacy of the 14nm Era
Comet Lake-H is the codename for the processor released back in 2020. Its architecture is based on the outdated 14nm technology that Intel has been using since 2014. This generation marked the last before the company transitioned to more efficient 10nm and 7nm processes.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads (Hyper-Threading).
- Clock Speeds: Base — 2.4 GHz, maximum in Turbo Boost — 4.1 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 6 MB.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics for the 10th generation (24 EU, frequency up to 1.05 GHz).
Architecture Features:
- No support for PCIe 4.0 — only PCIe 3.0.
- No hardware acceleration for AI tasks (unlike Core Ultra).
- The iGPU is weaker than AMD Vega and RDNA 2: suitable only for 4K video playback and simple games at 720p (e.g., Dota 2 at low settings — 30-40 FPS).
Power Consumption and TDP: The Cost of Performance
A TDP of 45W was standard for gaming and work laptops from 2020-2022. However, in 2025 this seems excessive. For comparison:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640U (4nm) shows 30% higher performance at a TDP of 28W.
- Apple M3 (3nm) in the MacBook Air requires no active cooling at all.
Heat Output:
Even in laptops with dual fans (e.g., Acer Nitro 5), the Core i5-10200H heats up to 85-90°C under load. This leads to throttling — a 10-15% reduction in clock speeds after 20-30 minutes in Turbo mode.
Performance: The Reality of 2025
Office Tasks:
- Running 20+ tabs in Chrome, Microsoft 365, Zoom — the processor manages but can experience lag with Excel macros during heavy usage.
- Geekbench 6: 1316 (Single-Core) / 3860 (Multi-Core). For comparison: Ryzen 5 5500U — 1450/4500.
Multimedia:
- Video conversion using HandBrake (1080p → 720p): ~12 minutes (compared to 8 minutes for Ryzen 5 7530U).
- Editing in Photoshop: filters apply with a delay of 1-2 seconds.
Gaming:
- Paired with GeForce GTX 1650: Fortnite at medium settings in 1080p — 50-60 FPS.
- On iGPU: Genshin Impact at 720p — 25-30 FPS.
Turbo Boost:
The maximum frequency of 4.1 GHz is achieved only on 1-2 cores and lasts no longer than 3-4 minutes. In multi-threaded tasks (rendering), the frequency stabilizes at 3.2-3.5 GHz.
Use Scenarios: Who is the i5-10200H Suitable For in 2025?
1. Students: For studying (Word, PowerPoint, online courses) and light entertainment (Netflix, indie games).
2. Office Workers: Working with email, documents, CRM systems.
3. Budget Gamers: Paired with a discrete GPU like the GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 (though such laptops are rare in 2025).
4. Windows 10 Users: The processor does not support Windows 12 and its AI features.
Who It Isn’t Suitable For:
- Video editors (slow rendering in Premiere Pro).
- Streamers (poor multi-threading for simultaneous gaming and streaming).
- Battery life enthusiasts (laptops with this CPU rarely last longer than 5 hours).
Battery Life: How to Extend Battery Life
At a TDP of 45W, even a large 60Wh battery provides only 4-5 hours of work in web browsing mode.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift: Dynamic frequency switching to reduce power consumption.
- C-States: Disabling unused cores.
Tips:
- Reduce screen brightness to 50%.
- Disable Turbo Boost in power settings.
- Use the "Battery Saver" mode in Windows.
Comparison with Competitors: What to Buy Instead of the i5-10200H?
1. AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (Zen 3, 6nm):
- Pros: +25% multi-threaded performance, PCIe 4.0 support, iGPU Radeon RX Vega 7 (twice as fast as UHD).
- Cons: More expensive by $70-100. Laptops starting at $650.
2. Apple M1 (2020):
- Pros: 18 hours of battery life, silent operation, performance comparable to Core i7-11800H.
- Cons: macOS, limited upgradeability. MacBook Air M1 — from $799 (new).
3. Intel Core Ultra 5 120U (Meteor Lake, 7nm):
- Pros: AI accelerator, Wi-Fi 7 support, AV1 decoding.
- Cons: High price (laptops from $900).
Pros and Cons of the Core i5-10200H
Strengths:
- Low price: laptops from $500.
- Adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Compatibility with Windows 10 and Linux.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14nm process technology.
- High power consumption.
- No support for DDR5 and PCIe 4.0.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type:
- Budget Gaming: ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (with GTX 1650) — $600-700.
- General Purpose: HP Pavilion 15 — $550.
2. What to Look For:
- Cooling: 2 fans + 3 heat pipes.
- RAM: Minimum 16GB DDR4.
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD.
3. What to Avoid:
- Laptops with TN panel screens.
- Models with HDD instead of SSD.
Final Conclusion
Intel Core i5-10200H in 2025 is a choice for those who need an inexpensive laptop ($500-700) for basic tasks. It falls short against modern counterparts in energy efficiency and AI capabilities but remains a workhorse for office and study tasks. If your budget is tight and hardware demands are minimal, this processor is still relevant. However, for future-proofing, it’s better to consider Ryzen 5 or Core Ultra 5.