Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-1235U review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£350PassMark multi-core score:12619N. of physical cores:10CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA1744TDP (Thermal design power):15 W

Intel Core i5-1235U Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-1235U
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

6.7

Technical score

25%

6.7

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 57% of processors
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–²Better than 54%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

7.0

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.0

Power & Thermal

4%

8.6

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 64%
6.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

6.7

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

8.2

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
1 review, with a printed score. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 65%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i5-1235u
intel-core-i5-1235u
Where to buy
    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.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-1235U

Based on 1 · 5

Reviewers agree most games run fine, but frame rates divide opinion and demanding or competitive titles clearly struggle.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-1235U

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

7.0

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.0

Power & Thermal

4%

8.6

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

6.7
Reviews score
6.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.4
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
CPU socket
FCBGA1744
This processor uses the FCBGA1744 CPU socket, which is older than that of 73.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% of processors.
Chipset
Intel 600 Series
This processor 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
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, ADX
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, ADX instruction sets, which is broader support than 92.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
10
This processor has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 75.2% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
CPU threads
12
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.4 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
2x 1.3 GHz & 8x 0.9 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz which is lower than that of 68.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
12,619
This processor scores 12,619 in PassMark, which is higher than 51.9% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
10 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
L3 cache
12 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
9.5 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 9.5 MB which is larger than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
L1 cache
?
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
5,200 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 70.6% of processors and equal to 6.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5-5200 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-5200 MHz, which is higher than that of 69.1% of processors and equal to 1.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 27.2% of processors and equal to 26.1% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
This processor 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 2.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
80
This processor has 80 GPU execution units, which is more than 91.4% of processors and equal to 3.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 61.3% of processors and equal to 10.3% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
15 W
This processor has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 79.2% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
15 W
This processor has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 78.3% of processors and equal to that of 15.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
55 W
This processor has a boost power of 55 W which is lower than that of 59.7% of processors and equal to that of 6.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
cTDP: 3-11,100 W
Show more

Intel Core i5-1235U vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 3.35x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,640 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    1,640 vs 490
  • 4 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.17x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    9.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4 vs 3
  • 66.7% lower base power
    This processor 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
    This processor 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, AMD-V).
    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, AMD-V
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3.35x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,640 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    1,640 vs 490
  • 4 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 20.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,086 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,086 vs 2,558
  • 18.3% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,816 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,816 vs 1,535
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.17x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    9.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4 vs 3
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • 62.5% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5-5200 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5-5,200 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 3.33x more GPU execution units
    This processor has more GPU execution units than the average processor (80 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    80 vs 24
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • 66.7% lower base power
    This processor 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
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    15 W vs 45 W
  • 35.1% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor 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), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 15 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (13 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    13 vs 28
  • Older CPU socket
    This processor uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1744 vs FP5).
    FCBGA1744 vs FP5
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 40% more expensive
    Intel Core i5-1235U is more expensive than the average processor (£350 vs £250).
    £350 vs £250
  • 40% more expensive
    Intel Core i5-1235U is more expensive than the average processor (£350 vs £250).
    £350 vs £250
  • Older CPU socket
    This processor uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1744 vs FP5).
    FCBGA1744 vs FP5
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    2x1.3 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 15 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (13 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    13 vs 28
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 35.1% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor 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), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Just Gaming
≈ estimated
14/05/2026
Gaming test · Counter-Strike 2 at 720p and 1080p low
Verdict
Intel Core i5-1235U is playable and smooth for casual play, but not recommended for competitive gaming.
9.0
The Mini Cake TV
≈ estimated
06/11/2025
Full review · benchmarks, teardown and retro gaming tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-1235U is compact, quiet and versatile for office, multimedia and retro gaming, with excellent value for money.
7.0
RS Gaming Zone
≈ estimated
02/10/2026
Gaming test · five games on integrated graphics
Verdict
Intel Core i5-1235U runs five games comfortably, though some need lower settings for smooth frame rates.
5.0
Brue Computing
≈ estimated
06/05/2022
Benchmark comparison · GTA V integrated graphics test
Verdict
Intel Core i5-1235U's Iris Xe graphics fell well behind the Ryzen rival in GTA V, which is disappointing.
7.0
Brue Computing
≈ estimated
05/05/2022
Gaming test · GTA V benchmark and gameplay
Verdict
Intel Core i5-1235U is playable in GTA V single-player at low settings, but not ideal for GTA Online.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.8
notebookcheck.nl
✓ explicit
03/07/2022
Laptop review · Benchmark results
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-1235U is a capable 12th Gen laptop chip that edges out its predecessor but trails rival laptops in encryption and floating-point tests.

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 don't like 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

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.

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