Intel Core i5-1345U

Intel Core i5-1345U: A Versatile Processor for Mobile Tasks in 2025
March 2025
Introduction
Laptops in 2025 require a balance between performance, battery life, and price. In this context, the Intel Core i5-1345U (Raptor Lake) remains a relevant solution for ultrabooks and business devices. Let’s explore who this chip is suitable for and how it stands against competitors.
Architecture and Process Technology
Raptor Lake Hybrid Approach
The processor is built on a hybrid architecture with a separation of cores into P-Cores (performance) and E-Cores (energy-efficient):
- 6 P-cores (Hyper-Threading, 12 threads) for heavy tasks: rendering, video encoding, gaming.
- 4 E-cores for background tasks: updates, music streaming, web browsing.
Clock Speeds:
- Base: 1.2 GHz (power-saving).
- Turbo Boost: Up to 4.7 GHz (P-cores), 3.5 GHz (E-cores).
Intel 7 Process Technology (equivalent to 10 nm Enhanced) provides lower heat generation and better power management compared to its predecessors (Alder Lake).
Integrated Graphics Iris Xe
- 96 EU (Execution Units), supporting DirectX 12.1, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0.
- Technologies like XeSS (AI upscaling for games) and Quick Sync (rendering acceleration in Premiere Pro).
- Supports connection to up to 4 monitors with 4K@120 Hz resolution.
Power Consumption and TDP
TDP 15W — a classic indicator for ultrabooks. However, the processor adapts to load:
- In idle mode, consumption drops to 3-5W thanks to the E-cores.
- Under peak load (e.g., rendering), it may temporarily consume up to 28W (Turbo Boost mode).
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Dynamic Tuning 3.0: automatically redistributes power between CPU and GPU.
- Adaptix Thermal Framework: optimizes cooling, reducing fan noise.
Performance in Real Tasks
Office Work and Multimedia
- Microsoft Office + 30 Chrome tabs: the processor maintains temperatures below 60°C without stuttering.
- 4K editing in DaVinci Resolve: rendering a 10-minute video takes ~18 minutes (compared to 25 minutes with the i5-1245U).
Gaming
- CS2 (1080p, low settings): stable 60-70 FPS.
- The Sims 5 (1440p, medium): 45-50 FPS with XeSS enabled.
- Cyberpunk 2077: only in cloud mode (GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud).
Turbo Boost mode works for up to 15-20 minutes under load, after which frequencies drop to base 3.1 GHz (P-cores).
Use Cases
- Students: text work, Zoom conferences, light gaming.
- Office Workers: multitasking, video calls, Excel with large spreadsheets.
- Freelancers: editing short videos, designing in Figma, content streaming.
Not suitable for:
- 3D modeling in Blender.
- Streaming AAA games on Twitch.
Battery Life
- Video playback (YouTube, 1080p): up to 12 hours (at 150 nits brightness).
- Office work: 9-10 hours.
- Gaming: 2-3 hours (due to high load on the iGPU).
Tip: For maximum battery life, choose laptops with at least a 60 Wh battery (e.g., Dell XPS 14 2025).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 7640U (Zen 4)
- Pros: Better multi-threaded performance (8 cores/16 threads), sustains Turbo longer.
- Cons: Weaker iGPU (Radeon 760M vs Iris Xe).
Apple M3 (8-core)
- Pros: Battery life up to 18 hours, instant wake.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows software, more expensive ($1300+).
Laptop Prices:
- i5-1345U: $800-$1200.
- Ryzen 5 7640U: $850-$1300.
- MacBook Air M3: $1299.
Pros and Cons of Core i5-1345U
Strengths:
- Support for Thunderbolt 4 (connect eGPU or 40 Gbps SSD).
- Good upgrade potential (up to 64 GB DDR5).
- Optimization for Windows 12 (2025).
Weaknesses:
- Fan noise under prolonged load.
- Lack of hardware AI accelerator (unlike Core Ultra series).
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type:
- Ultrabook (LG Gram 16, 2025): weight up to 1.3 kg, 16:10 screen.
- Business Laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad T15): backlit keyboard, moisture protection.
2. What to Look For:
- Cooling: dual-fan system (e.g., HP EliteBook 840 G10).
- Screen: minimum 300 nits, IPS panel.
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 + HDMI 2.1.
3. Budget:
- $800-1000: Acer Swift 5 (2025), 14-inch OLED.
- $1000-1200: Asus ZenBook 14X, with touch screen.
Final Verdict
The Intel Core i5-1345U is an optimal choice for those looking for a versatile laptop focused on battery life and everyday performance. It will handle office tasks, light creativity, and modest gaming, but it won't replace specialized workstations.
Who is it suitable for:
- Users who value mobility.
- Those who don’t want to overpay for top-tier CPUs (Core i7, Ryzen 7).
- Fans of the Windows ecosystem that support legacy software.
Key Benefits: balance of price and capabilities, readiness for future OS updates, quiet operation during browsing.