Intel Core i5 1235U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£350
  • Avg. price in US: ~$310
  • PassMark benchmark result: 12619
  • N. of physical cores: 10
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Intel Core i5 1235U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.8

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%

5.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.8

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%

4.7

Performance

18.0%

7.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.6

Platform

1.0%

8.1

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

  • 4.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.5

    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%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-1235u
intel-core-i5-1235u

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £350

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 i5-1235U is a 12th Gen Alder Lake-U series mobile processor featuring 10 cores (2 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 12 threads with a max turbo frequency of 4.40 GHz and 12 MB of Smart Cache. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, its main pros include excellent energy efficiency with a 15W base power, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics (80 EUs), and support for modern memory types like DDR5-4800 and LPDDR5-5200. However, its main cons are limited sustained performance in demanding tasks due to its low power envelope compared to H-series chips, and integrated graphics that are insufficient for high-end modern AAA gaming.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 1235U

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

5.8
Intel Core i5 1235U has a technical score of 5.76 points, which is higher than that of 60% 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 i5 1235U 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%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

6.6
Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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

Intel 600 Series
Intel Core i5 1235U supports Intel 600 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% 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 i5 1235U 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+

10
Intel Core i5 1235U has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 77.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% 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+

12
Intel Core i5 1235U offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% 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

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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 i5 1235U 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 1.3 GHz & 8 x 0.9 GHz
Intel Core i5 1235U has a base clock of 2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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

12 MB
Intel Core i5 1235U has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% 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

9.5 MB
Intel Core i5 1235U has an L2 cache of 9.5 MB which is larger than that of 78.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% 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

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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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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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 i5 1235U 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 Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
Intel Core i5 1235U uses the Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 78.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.5% 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

80
Intel Core i5 1235U has 80 GPU execution units, which is more than 91.7% of processors and equal to 3.3% 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 i5 1235U 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

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 1235U supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 3-11100 W
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Intel Core i5 1235U vs the average processor

  • 3.39x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,640 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,640 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.1,640 vs 484
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3.8x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    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

    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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.
    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 i5 1235U 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
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 1235U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU 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+

    Intel Core i5 1235U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.10 vs 6
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i5 1235U supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, ADX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i5 1235U supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3.39x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,640 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 1235U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 24.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,086 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 23.5% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,816 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 1235U has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 19.3% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,321 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 3.8x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 1235U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 1235U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i5 1235U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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.
  • 67.7% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 3.33x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 1235U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (80 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • Better integrated GPU
    Intel Core i5 1235U uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i5 1235U has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 15 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (13 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 30% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 1235U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 1235U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 30% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 1235U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 1235U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 1235U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (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 i5 1235U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
    What it is: The base platform clock used by older processor designs to derive other operating speeds.
    When it matters: When you are comparing older CPU platforms where bus design still affects how clocks and compatibility are set up.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8 GT/s

    Intel Core i5 1235U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 15 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 1235U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (13 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 i5 1235U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (13 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.13 vs 28
  • 40% more expensive
    Intel Core i5 1235U is more expensive than the average processor (£350 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 1235U is more expensive than the average processor (£350 vs £250).£350 vs £250
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 1235U 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 i5 1235U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).FCBGA1744 vs FP2

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 1235U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 1235U?

  • Excellent for daily productivity and office tasks like web browsing and word processing
  • Hybrid architecture (10 cores) offers significant multitasking improvements over 11th Gen i7s
  • Low 15W TDP is energy-efficient, making it ideal for thin and light notebooks
  • Integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics handle light gaming (e.g., Valorant, GTA V) reasonably well at low settings
  • Strong single-core performance leads to a snappy and responsive user experience
  • Supports modern standards including DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 4

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 1235U?

  • Only features 2 Performance cores, which can limit sustained performance in heavy gaming or professional workloads
  • Can run hot and exhibit frequent fan activity during performance spikes
  • Efficiency can be inconsistent compared to 13th Gen successors or similar Ryzen processors
  • Performance is heavily dependent on the specific laptop's cooling solution and power limits
  • Integrated graphics may struggle with modern AAA titles or higher graphics settings
  • Optimal thread scheduling requires Windows 11 due to its hybrid core design

Expert reviews

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cpubenchmark.net
01/05/2023

The PassMark comparison shows the 10-core Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Gen) significantly outperforming the 4-core i5-1145GRE (11th Gen), delivering a 49% higher single-thread speed and a much higher overall CPU Mark. Key advantages for the i5-1235U include its hybrid architecture and DDR5 support, while the i5-1145GRE, intended for embedded systems, offers specialized features like...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
11/08/2022

The Intel Core i5-1240P (28W, 4 E cores) and i5-1235U (15W, 2 E cores) differ mainly in power targets and core configurations, catering to performance-heavy and efficiency-focused users respectively. Benchmarks show the i5-1240P leading by 33% in 3D rendering and 9% in iGPU performance, while both chips perform similarly in bursty tasks like Photoshop. Pros for the 1240P include...Read more

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browser.geekbench.com
01/02/2022

The Intel Core i5-1235U is a 10-core, 12-thread Alder Lake mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops, featuring a 2 E hybrid architecture. Based on data from the Geekbench 6 Browser, it offers solid productivity performance with typical single-core scores around 2216 and multi-core scores of 8392, suitable for daily multitasking. Key advantages include high power...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
11/08/2022

The Intel Core i5-1235U is a 10-core (2 E) Alder Lake-U processor designed for thin and light laptops, offering a max frequency of 4.40 GHz. It excels in efficiency for daily tasks and supports modern memory standards (DDR5/LPDDR5) and PCIe 4.0. However, its 15W base power leads to limited sustained performance under heavy, prolonged loads compared to P/H-series alternatives. The...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
26/07/2022

According to LaptopMedia, the Intel Core i5-1235U is a clear favorite over the i7-1165G7, driven by 12th Gen architecture, 10 cores, and superior multi-threaded performance, yielding a 34% higher Cinebench 20 score. While the i5-1235U offers better multitasking and faster memory support, the older i7-1165G7 retains a slight advantage in single-core boost speeds and integrated...Read more

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notebookcheck.net
01/05/2023

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G4 IAP is a balanced, 14-inch prosumer laptop featuring a sturdy, dual-tone mineral grey aluminum chassis. It stands out with exceptional connectivity for its size, offering Thunderbolt 4, USB-C PD, HDMI 2.1, and an RJ45 Ethernet port. Key pros include a comfortable keyboard and a quiet, efficient cooling system, though performance with the Intel Core...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
26/07/2022

LaptopMedia identifies the Intel Core i5-1235U as superior to the Core i7-1165G7, driven by its 12th Gen Alder Lake architecture featuring 10 cores and 12 threads compared to the i7's 4 cores and 8 threads. The i5 boasts significantly higher multi-threaded performance and better efficiency, whereas the older i7-1165G7 struggles with modern, heavy workloads. Performance benchmarks...Read more

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notebookcheck.com
15/09/2022

The MSI Modern 15 B12M is an affordable 15.6-inch office laptop featuring the Intel Core i5-1235U, offering strong, snappy performance for daily tasks and multitasking within a lightweight 1.7kg chassis. While boasting a surprisingly rigid all-plastic design and a comfortable keyboard, the device is limited by soldered RAM, hindering long-term upgradeability. The display represents...Read more

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review.nl
15/11/2022

a little longerThinking a little longer The Philips 5000 Series Vacuum Cleaner (XD5123/10) received an 8.3/10 rating from the Review.nl test panel, praised for its powerful suction and lightweight, agile design. Testers highly rated the TriActive+ LED nozzle for illuminating dust, alongside the integrated handle brush for quick dusting tasks. Review.nlKey drawbacks highlighted...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
16/05/2023

The HP EliteBook 645 G9 is a durable, mid-range office laptop featuring a sturdy, MIL-STD-810H tested aluminum chassis. It excels in maintenance and upgradability with dual SODIMM slots and an additional M.2 slot. Powered by AMD Ryzen 5000U-series processors (Barcelo), the device maintains cool operation but limits CPU power consumption to 22W-25W, preventing maximum performance....Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
21/03/2023

The HP Envy 17-cr0079ng (2023) is a premium, all-metal 17.3-inch multimedia laptop featuring a high-quality 4K IPS display, offering excellent brightness and 100% sRGB color coverage, though the screen is notably glossy. Powered by an Intel Core i7-1255U and 32 GB of RAM, it excels in productivity, with an Nvidia RTX 2050 providing adequate, entry-level 1080p gaming performance,...Read more

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hardware.info
03/05/2023

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a modest 12th Gen Intel (Alder Lake) refresh offering significant performance boosts, Thunderbolt 4 support, and the option for a 13.5-inch or 15-inch display. While maintaining a premium build with metal or Alcantara finishes, the 15-inch model suffers from lackluster battery life due to a small 47.4Wh battery, say reviewers. Pros include excellent...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
03/07/2022

The Gateway Ultra Slim 14.1 (GWTC51427) is a budget laptop featuring the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, which offers strong performance and generous 512GB SSD storage for its price point. Key advantages include functional connectivity, including a versatile USB-C port, a physical webcam privacy shutter, and a price-to-performance ratio suited for general productivity. However, the...Read more

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hardware.info
30/11/2023

The Hardware Info review praises the MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo as a premium 14-inch 2-in-1, featuring a sturdy "Ink Black" aluminum chassis, a 360-degree hinge, and an excellent 16:10 display. The laptop boasts high performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and Iris Xe graphics, outperforming competitors in Cinebench R23 tests, alongside user-friendly features like a magnetic...Read more

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hardware.info
24/04/2023

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (15ARH05) is positioned as a highly competitive entry-level gaming laptop, offering dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics and an AMD Ryzen processor at a very aggressive price point. It delivers solid daily performance with capable 1080p gaming, complemented by a comfortable keyboard and a 120Hz IPS display that provides smooth visuals. While lauded for its...Read more

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tweakers.net
01/06/2023

The June 2023 Tweakers Laptop Best Buy Guide highlights aggressive pricing on older hardware, selecting the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15ALC6 (Ryzen 5 5500U) as the top €500 budget pick for its superior performance, despite limited battery life (38Wh), lack of keyboard backlight, and older connectivity standards. In the mid-range segment, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14ALC05 is recognized for its...Read more

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