Intel Core i3 1215U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£380
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • PassMark benchmark result: 10215
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Intel Core i3 1215U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

7.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.5

Platform

1.0%

7.8

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 4.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    5.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.4

    L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £380

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-1215U is a 12th Gen 'Alder Lake' mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 6 cores (2 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores) and 8 threads, reaching a max turbo frequency of 4.40 GHz. It includes 10 MB of Intel Smart Cache, integrated Intel UHD Graphics with 64 execution units, and supports modern memory types like DDR5-4800 and LPDDR5-5200. Main pros include a significant performance leap over previous generations, excellent single-core speed for daily productivity, and low power consumption with a 15W base TDP suitable for thin laptops. Cons include limited multi-core performance for heavy workloads like video editing or compiling, and potential thermal throttling in poorly cooled devices that restricts sustained high-frequency operation.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 1215U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

5.7
Intel Core i3 1215U has a technical score of 5.74 points, which is higher than that of 59.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i3 1215U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

8.5

Price

6.6
Intel Core i3 1215U has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is higher than 57.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i3 1215U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1744
Intel Core i3 1215U uses the FCBGA1744 CPU socket, which is older than that of 71% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680, R680E
Intel Core i3 1215U supports Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680, R680E chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 88.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 1215U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
Intel Core i3 1215U has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i3 1215U offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

?
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.4 GHz
Intel Core i3 1215U reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 51.2% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 1.2 GHz & 4 x 0.9 GHz
Intel Core i3 1215U has a base clock of 2x1.2 GHz & 4x0.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i3 1215U uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 7
Intel Core i3 1215U is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

10 MB
Intel Core i3 1215U has an L3 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 53.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

5 MB
Intel Core i3 1215U has an L2 cache of 5 MB which is larger than that of 64.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

544 KB
Intel Core i3 1215U has an L1 cache of 544 KB which is larger than that of 73.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5
Intel Core i3 1215U supports DDR DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 95.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

5,200 MHz
Intel Core i3 1215U supports memory speeds up to 5200 MHz, which is higher than that of 72.1% of processors and equal to 7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5-5200 MHz
Intel Core i3 1215U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-5200 MHz, which is higher than that of 72.2% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i3 1215U supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 1215U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 64EU
Intel Core i3 1215U uses the Intel UHD Graphics 64EU integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 60.5% of processors and equal to that in 0.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

64
Intel Core i3 1215U has 64 GPU execution units, which is more than 87.4% of processors and equal to 3.5% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i3 1215U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 1215U supports VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 50.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 1215U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 1215U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

55 W
Intel Core i3 1215U has a boost power of 55 W which is lower than that of 57.3% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i3 1215U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i3 1215U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 12 W
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Intel Core i3 1215U vs the average processor

  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    E-core cluster: 2 MB shared by 4 cores
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 1215U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Combines high-performance cores with lower-power efficiency cores instead of relying on just one core type.
    When it matters: When you want strong burst performance in demanding tasks without wasting as much power during lighter background work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 26.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,138 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,138 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,138 vs 2,483
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core i3 1215U has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.20 vs 16
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 1215U includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 26.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,138 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 20.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (582 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 22.8% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,807 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 28.5% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,158 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 2x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 41.7% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (544 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 77.3% higher memory speed
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,200 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.67x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (64 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i3 1215U has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).
  • 16 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 1215U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 1215U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 52% more expensive
    Intel Core i3 1215U is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).
    Intel Core i3 1215U is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).£380 vs £250
  • 16 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core i3 1215U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.12 vs 28
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 1215U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i3 1215U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).FCBGA1744 vs FP2

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 1215U and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 1215U?

  • Excellent single-core performance for its price bracket
  • Smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and school assignments
  • Significant performance leap over previous 11th Gen i3 and older i7 processors
  • Highly energy-efficient, making it ideal for thin and light laptops
  • Capable of handling light gaming (e.g., Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and older eSports titles)
  • Supports modern standards like DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 1215U?

  • Limited to 2 Performance cores (P-cores), which can lead to bottlenecks in heavy multi-threaded tasks
  • Integrated UHD graphics are weak compared to AMD Ryzen counterparts or Apple M1/M2 chips
  • Performance drops significantly when paired with single-channel RAM
  • Not suitable for demanding professional workloads like heavy video editing or 3D rendering
  • Some users report the fan can become loud or frequent due to limited cooling in budget chassis

Expert reviews

C
chromeunboxed.com
06/09/2022

The 12th-gen Intel Core i3-1215U in Chromebooks delivers exceptional performance that often matches or exceeds previous-generation Core i5 and i7 chips, feeling "crazy-fast" in real-world testing. It excels at managing heavy web browsing, multitasking, and high-resolution external monitors. Key benefits include significant cost savings (often $100+) without sacrificing...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
24/06/2022

According to a LaptopMedia comparison, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 outperforms the newer Core i3-1215U in raw performance despite the i3's hybrid architecture. The i7 demonstrated a 56% higher score in Cinebench R20 and superior graphics performance, making it better for creative tasks, though it is the older, higher-tier chip. While the i3 offers modern architecture, it is limited by...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
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The Intel Core i3-1215U is an Alder Lake-U entry-level processor featuring a hybrid 6-core/8-thread design, representing a significant performance leap over its predecessor with support for modern DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 4. Ideal for daily office tasks and media consumption, the chip offers responsive performance with its 4.40 GHz boost clock and capable Intel UHD Graphics....Read more

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laptopmedia.com
03/06/2022

LaptopMedia compares the Intel Core i3-1215U (Alder Lake) and AMD Ryzen 3 5300U (Zen 2), finding that Intel’s hybrid architecture battles AMD's budget champion, with the i3 featuring 6 cores and the Ryzen 4 cores. The Ryzen 3 5300U proves superior in raw multi-threaded, CPU-intensive tasks, scoring 38% higher in Cinebench 20, but the Intel i3-1215U offers faster single-core speeds...Read more

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cpu-monkey.com
03. März 2026

The Intel Core i3-1315U serves as a refined Raptor Lake U successor to the Alder Lake i3-1215U, offering higher boost clock speeds (up to 4.50 GHz) while sharing the same 10 nm process and 2 E core configuration. While single-core performance is similar, the i3-1315U delivers superior multi-core results, with some benchmarks showing it over 60% faster, making it better for demanding...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
14/06/2026

The LaptopMedia comparison reveals that the older Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Tiger Lake) often outperforms the newer Core i3-1215U (Alder Lake) in CPU-intensive tasks, largely due to a higher base clock and greater long-term power limits. Despite the i3-1215U's modern hybrid architecture, the i5-1135G7 offers more consistent performance and superior integrated graphics, making it better...Read more

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cpu-monkey.com
03. März 2026

The Intel Core i3-1215U is a 12th Gen "Alder Lake" mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 2 performance cores and 4 efficient cores (6 cores/8 threads), offering significant speed improvements over previous generations for thin-and-light laptops. It excels at daily tasks and media consumption with a 15W TDP, supporting modern standards like DDR5 memory and Wi-Fi 6E....Read more

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notebookcheck.com
01/07/2023

The Intel Core i3-1215U (2022) utilizes a modern 10nm Alder Lake architecture with 2 performance and 4 efficient cores, offering superior single-core performance, DDR5-4800, and PCIe 4.0 support, though it requires active cooling due to a 55W max turbo. In contrast, the 2020 AMD Ryzen 5 3450U uses older 12nm Zen+ tech, limiting it to slower DDR4-2400 and PCIe 3.0, though it remains...Read more

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notebookcheck.com
01/07/2023

The Intel Core i3-1215U (15W) and i3-N300 (7W) offer different entry-level mobile computing approaches, with the 1215U providing superior hybrid performance (2 E cores) for active-cooled laptops, while the N300 focuses on efficiency (8E cores) for fanless, silent devices. The i3-1215U excels in single-core speeds and graphics (64 EUs), making it better for general, faster...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
17/07/2024

The Intel Core i3-1215U, based on the Alder Lake architecture, features a hybrid 6-core/8-thread design (2 E) that significantly boosts entry-level performance and supports modern DDR5 memory. According to LaptopMedia analysis, it delivers excellent single-core speed suitable for daily tasks, often surpassing previous i7 models, but struggles in heavy multi-threaded workloads...Read more

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laptopspirit.fr
05/01/2023

According to the LaptopSpirit guide, Intel Core i3 laptops are presented as the optimal choice for budget-conscious users, capably handling up to 80% of daily tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. While newer generations offer better efficiency, even older Core i3 models remain suitable for basic office work, with modern iterations increasingly managing...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
01/06/2022

The Intel Core i3-1215U (Alder Lake) represents a major upgrade over the i3-1115G4 (Tiger Lake), featuring a hybrid 6-core/8-thread architecture that delivers significantly better 3D rendering and multitasking performance. This new architecture provides faster performance, with up to 70% better integrated graphics (64EU) and support for faster DDR5/LPDDR5 memory, making it superior...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
01/06/2022

The LaptopMedia review highlights a significant generational leap from the 11th Gen to the 12th Gen Alder Lake architecture, where the Core i3-1215U (6 cores/8 threads) outperforms the 11th Gen i3-1115G4 (2 cores/4 threads). This architectural shift delivers a 18% improvement in 3D rendering and faster Photoshop performance. The new processor also boasts massive 70%+ gains in...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
14/06/2022

The Intel Core i3-1215U (Alder Lake) and Core i5-1135G7 (Tiger Lake) comparison shows the newer i3-1215U, with its 6-core (2 E) hybrid architecture, offering up to 20% better single-thread performance and support for faster LPDDR5-5200 memory. However, the i3-1215U faces the constraint of higher dependency on laptop cooling and power limits to reach its full potential, making it...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
13/09/2022

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 series offers a versatile 2-in-1 experience, highlighted by strong computing performance from AMD Ryzen 5000U or Intel Core 12th Gen processors. Key advantages include a flexible 360-degree hinge, a comfortable backlit keyboard, long battery life, and a practical selection of ports. Conversely, the series is hampered by a dim, color-inaccurate 250-300...Read more

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tweakers.net
09/08/2023

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Chrome 16IAU7 (82V8000PMH) is described by reviewers as a versatile, professional-looking Chromebook featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor and 8GB of RAM, optimized for smooth ChromeOS performance. Its standout feature is the 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz display with full sRGB coverage, which, combined with 4-zone RGB lighting, caters well to cloud gaming...Read more

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tweakers.net
10/08/2023

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Chrome 16IAU7 (82V8000PMH) features a high-quality 16-inch, 2560x1600, 120Hz display, making it excellent for cloud gaming and media consumption with 100% sRGB coverage and 350 nits brightness. Powered by an Intel Core i3-1215U and 8GB RAM, the device provides snappy performance, complemented by an understated, sturdy design and solid input hardware including an...Read more

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