Intel Core i3-1210U vs Intel Core i3-1215U Comparison

The Intel Core i3-1210U and Intel Core i3-1215U are both Alder Lake-U mobile processors, but they are not interchangeable. Benchmark data shows the 1210U wins 10 of 17 head-to-head tests, while the 1215U takes 7. The 1210U dominates in rendering and single-threaded workloads, while the 1215U leads in data compression, encryption, and several PassMark math tests. The choice depends on whether you prioritize raw compute consistency or specific data-heavy tasks.

The Verdict

The Intel Core i3-1210U is the better all-around processor for most users, based strictly on benchmark outcomes. It holds a commanding lead in every Cinebench test, with a 26.6% advantage in R15 multi-core (847 vs 669) and R15 single-core (119 vs 94). The 1210U also wins in R20 multi-core (3533 vs 2790), R20 single-core (498 vs 393), R23 multi-core (8413 vs 6644), and R23 single-core (1187 vs 938), all with deltas near 26.6%. Its PassMark single-thread score is 4.2% higher (3354 vs 3218), and it crushes the 1215U in prime number finding by 59.4% (51 vs 32) and physics by 34% (781 vs 583). The 1210U also ranks at the 68th percentile among all CPUs, slightly above the 1215U’s 67th percentile. Its average benchmark score of 12795 edges out the 1215U’s 12604 by about 1.5%.

However, the 1215U is not without merit. It wins decisively in data compression (116705 vs 102965, an 11.8% margin), data encryption (7041 vs 6348, 9.8%), and extended instructions (6868 vs 5852, 14.8%). It also leads in floating-point math (25379 vs 23815), integer math (35534 vs 34445), multithread (10472 vs 10228), and random string sorting (13046 vs 11727). For workloads that rely on these specific operations, the 1215U is the stronger pick. For general productivity, rendering, and single-core responsiveness, the 1210U is the clear winner.

Architecture Differences

Both chips share the same Alder Lake architecture, codename Alder Lake-U, and are built on Intel’s 10 nm process by Intel’s own foundry. They each have 6 cores and 8 threads, with identical cache hierarchies: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 10 MB of shared L3. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, and both feature UHD Graphics 64EU integrated graphics. Neither supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The key architectural split is in the socket and power envelope. The 1210U uses Intel BGA 1781 and has a 9 W TDP, while the 1215U uses Intel BGA 1744 and has a 15 W TDP. Base clocks differ: the 1210U runs at 1000 MHz base, while the 1215U runs at 1200 MHz base. Boost clocks are identical at 4.40 GHz. The PCIe implementation also differs: the 1210U lists PCIe Gen 4 generically, while the 1215U specifies PCIe Gen 4 with 20 Lanes (CPU only). The 1215U has a part number (SRLFU), while the 1210U does not. Both were released on the same date, February 22, 2022, and both remain in active production.

Despite the 1215U’s higher base clock and TDP, the 1210U outperforms it in most benchmarks. This suggests the 1210U’s lower power target may allow different boost behavior or that the 1215U’s higher base clock is offset by other factors. The data does not explain the mechanism, but the scores are unambiguous.

Where Each One Wins

The 1210U is the clear winner in rendering and compute-heavy tasks. Every Cinebench test—R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core—goes to the 1210U by roughly 26.6%. This makes it the better choice for video encoding, 3D rendering, and any workload that stresses sustained multi-threaded performance. It also wins in PassMark physics (781 vs 583) and prime number finding (51 vs 32), indicating superior integer and physical simulation throughput. Its single-thread PassMark score (3354 vs 3218) suggests better per-core responsiveness for everyday tasks like web browsing or office applications.

The 1215U is the winner in data manipulation and encryption workloads. It leads in data compression by 11.8% (116705 vs 102965), which is valuable for file archiving or database operations. It also leads in data encryption by 9.8% (7041 vs 6348), making it stronger for security-related tasks. The 1215U’s edge in extended instructions (14.8% at 6868 vs 5852) and random string sorting (10.1% at 13046 vs 11727) points to superiority in workloads with heavy string processing or SIMD-style operations. It also wins in floating-point math (25379 vs 23815) and integer math (35534 vs 34445), though by smaller margins of 6.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Its multithread score (10472 vs 10228) is 2.3% higher, suggesting slightly better overall thread scheduling in mixed workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i3-1210U is faster, scoring 8413 versus the 1215U’s 6644, a 26.6% advantage.

Q: Does the 1215U win any benchmark by a large margin?

A: Yes, the 1215U wins PassMark extended instructions by 14.8% (6868 vs 5852), data compression by 11.8% (116705 vs 102965), and random string sorting by 10.1% (13046 vs 11727).

Q: Are the two CPUs architecturally identical?

A: They share the same Alder Lake-U architecture, 10 nm process, 6 cores, 8 threads, and 10 MB L3 cache. The main differences are socket (BGA 1781 vs BGA 1744), base clock (1000 MHz vs 1200 MHz), and TDP (9 W vs 15 W).

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-thread score?

A: The 1210U leads in PassMark single-thread with 3354 versus 3218, a 4.2% edge, and also wins Cinebench R23 single-core (1187 vs 938).

Q: Is the 1215U better for encryption tasks?

A: Yes, the 1215U scores 7041 in PassMark data encryption versus the 1210U’s 6348, a 9.8% win.

Q: Which chip ranks higher among all CPUs?

A: The 1210U is at the 68th percentile, while the 1215U is at the 67th. The 1210U’s average benchmark score is 12795, compared to 12604 for the 1215U.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest win for the 1210U is in PassMark find prime numbers, where it scores 51 against the 1215U’s 32—a 59.4% blowout. The next largest is PassMark physics, with the 1210U ahead by 34% (781 vs 583). All six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23, each in multi-core and single-core) show the 1210U winning by a consistent 26.5% to 26.7%. For example, R15 multi-core is 847 vs 669, R20 multi-core is 3533 vs 2790, and R23 single-core is 1187 vs 938. The 1210U also wins PassMark single-thread by 4.2% (3354 vs 3218).

The 1215U’s largest margin is in PassMark extended instructions, winning 6868 vs 5852, a 14.8% gap. It also wins data compression by 11.8% (116705 vs 102965) and random string sorting by 10.1% (13046 vs 11727). Data encryption goes to the 1215U by 9.8% (7041 vs 6348). Smaller wins for the 1215U include floating-point math (25379 vs 23815, 6.2%), integer math (35534 vs 34445, 3.1%), and multithread (10472 vs 10228, 2.3%).

Overall, the 1210U’s wins are more decisive in magnitude and cover more critical workloads, while the 1215U’s wins are concentrated in specialized data-processing tasks. The head-to-head tally—10 wins for the 1210U versus 7 for the 1215U—reflects this split, but the margin of victory matters more. The 1210U’s 26.6% Cinebench lead is far larger than the 1215U’s best 14.8% win. For most users, the 1210U delivers more consistent, broadly applicable performance.