Intel Core 7 150U vs Intel Core i7-1260P Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data paints a clear split between these two mobile processors. The Intel Core i7-1260P dominates in multi-threaded workloads, while the Intel Core 7 150U counters with notable single-thread victories. Out of 17 head-to-head comparisons, the Core i7-1260P takes 13 wins against 4 for the Core 7 150U.

Starting with the multi-core tests, the Core i7-1260P leads consistently. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 9711 versus 8883 for the Core 7 150U, an 8.5% advantage. The gap widens in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the Core i7-1260P posts 5874 against 5248, a 10.7% margin. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a closer race: 1626 versus 1505.5, a 7.4% edge for the Core i7-1260P.

The PassMark suite reinforces this pattern. Floating point math favors the Core i7-1260P by 18.9% (42417 versus 34405). Integer math shows an 18.1% lead (62316 versus 51057). Extended instructions land at 10493 versus 8748, a 16.6% advantage. Data compression scores 182968 against 158622, a 13.3% difference. Even the smaller gaps remain in the Core i7-1260P's favor: multithread at 16775 versus 14700 (12.4%), random string sorting at 20586 versus 18269 (11.3%), data encryption at 11238 versus 10025 (10.8%), find prime numbers at 63 versus 58 (7.9%), and physics at 1092 versus 1012 (7.3%).

The Core 7 150U fights back in single-thread tests. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 1875.5 versus 1737.5, a 7.9% win. Cinebench R15 single-core delivers 254 versus 243, a 4.5% margin. PassMark single-thread scores 3508 against 3250, another 7.9% win. Interestingly, Cinebench R20 single-core goes the other way: the Core i7-1260P scores 829 against 740, a 10.7% advantage, making it the only single-thread test where the older chip leads.

Looking at overall averages, the Core 7 150U holds an average benchmark score of 17395 with a 71st percentile ranking across all CPUs. The Core i7-1260P averages 17007 with a 70th percentile. Both chips land within a close band, but their nearest rivals differ. The Core 7 150U sits within 0.6% of the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G (17507) and 0.4% of both the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (17333) and AMD Ryzen 3 210 (17321). The Core i7-1260P sits within 0.4% of the AMD EPYC 7742 (16998) and 0.3% of the Intel Core i5-1240U (16957).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations. The Core 7 150U uses Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-U, while the Core i7-1260P uses Alder Lake, specifically Alder Lake-P. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node and use the same Intel BGA 1744 socket, but the design priorities differ.

Core configurations tell part of the story. The Core i7-1260P offers 12 cores and 16 threads. The Core 7 150U provides 10 cores and 12 threads. That two-core and four-thread deficit explains much of the multi-threaded gap seen in the benchmarks. The Core i7-1260P also carries a higher base clock of 2.10 GHz versus 1.80 GHz on the Core 7 150U. However, the Core 7 150U counters with a much higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz versus 4.70 GHz, which helps explain its single-thread victories.

Cache allocation differs significantly. The Core i7-1260P has 18 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 7 150U has 12 MB. Both use 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core. The Core i7-1260P also has a larger die size at 217 mm², though the database records no die size for the Core 7 150U.

Power and connectivity profiles separate the two further. The Core 7 150U has a 15 W TDP, while the Core i7-1260P draws 28 W. That higher power envelope likely contributes to the Core i7-1260P's sustained multi-core performance. PCIe lane counts also differ: the Core 7 150U provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Core i7-1260P offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, and neither supports ECC memory.

Integrated graphics are nearly identical: Iris Xe Graphics 96EU on the Core 7 150U versus Iris Xe 96EU on the Core i7-1260P. Both processors are unlocked for overclocking, both target the mobile segment, and both remain in active production. The Core 7 150U released in January 2024, while the Core i7-1260P launched earlier in February 2022.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i7-1260P is the clear choice for heavily threaded workloads. Its 12-core, 16-thread configuration and 28 W TDP deliver consistent wins across every multi-threaded benchmark in the database. Content creation tasks that scale with core count, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and simulation work, will benefit from the 8.5% to 18.9% margins observed in Cinebench and PassMark tests. The larger 18 MB L3 cache and higher base clock also support sustained throughput in long-running tasks.

The Core 7 150U excels in single-thread responsiveness. Its 5.40 GHz boost clock delivers wins in Cinebench R23 single-core (7.9%), Cinebench R15 single-core (4.5%), and PassMark single-thread (7.9%). Applications that rely on one or two fast cores, such as web browsing, office productivity, and light coding, will feel snappier on this chip. The 15 W TDP also suggests better efficiency for battery-conscious mobile designs, though the database does not record direct power consumption measurements.

The mixed result in Cinebench R20 single-core (10.7% for the Core i7-1260P) indicates that single-thread leadership is not universal. The Core 7 150U wins where boost clocks matter most, but the Core i7-1260P retains a competitive edge in at least one single-thread test.

For users who need both qualities, the tradeoff is clear: the Core i7-1260P trades a bit of peak single-core speed for substantially better multi-core throughput. The Core 7 150U prioritizes low power and high clock speeds over core count.

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward conclusion. The Intel Core i7-1260P is the stronger overall performer for multi-threaded work. It wins 13 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, with its largest advantages in floating point math (18.9%), integer math (18.1%), and extended instructions (16.6%). The 12-core, 16-thread layout with 18 MB L3 cache and 28 W TDP provides a solid foundation for demanding applications.

The Intel Core 7 150U is the better pick for single-thread-sensitive tasks and lower-power designs. Its 5.40 GHz boost clock delivers measurable wins in Cinebench R23 single-core, Cinebench R15 single-core, and PassMark single-thread tests. The 15 W TDP and 10-core configuration make it suitable for thinner, fanless, or battery-focused laptops where sustained multi-core performance is less critical.

The average benchmark scores tell a nuanced story. The Core 7 150U edges out the Core i7-1260P on overall average (17395 versus 17007) and percentile ranking (71st versus 70th), despite losing the majority of head-to-head tests. This suggests the Core 7 150U's single-thread strength and efficiency contribute meaningfully to its overall standing, even if the Core i7-1260P dominates in raw multi-threaded throughput.

Users who prioritize rendering, compilation, or data processing should choose the Core i7-1260P. Users who prioritize responsive everyday computing and longer battery life should choose the Core 7 150U. The database does not record any price information for either part, so the decision rests purely on performance characteristics.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-1260P has 12 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 7 150U has 10 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds for each chip?

A: The Intel Core 7 150U boosts up to 5.40 GHz, while the Intel Core i7-1260P boosts up to 4.70 GHz.

Q: How do the two chips compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i7-1260P scores 9711 versus 8883 for the Intel Core 7 150U, an 8.5% advantage for the Core i7-1260P.

Q: Which processor wins in single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core 7 150U wins in Cinebench R23 single-core (1875.5 versus 1737.5, a 7.9% margin), Cinebench R15 single-core (254 versus 243, a 4.5% margin), and PassMark single-thread (3508 versus 3250, a 7.9% margin). However, the Intel Core i7-1260P wins Cinebench R20 single-core (829 versus 740, a 10.7% margin).

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core 7 150U has a 15 W TDP, while the Intel Core i7-1260P has a 28 W TDP.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core i7-1260P has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core 7 150U has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.