Intel Core i5-1250P vs Intel Core i9-11900T Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits these two processors along predictable lines, but the margins are remarkably thin. The Intel Core i5-1250P takes every single head-to-head benchmark in the database, yet the largest advantage it manages is a mere 0.5% in the Cinebench R15 single-core test. The Intel Core i9-11900T, by contrast, does not record a single win across the six comparative tests.

This near-total sweep by the mobile chip is notable because the two CPUs approach performance from opposite architectural directions. The i9-11900T is a desktop part built on Rocket Lake, with 8 cores and 16 threads running on a 14 nm process. The i5-1250P is a mobile processor using Alder Lake, with 12 cores and 16 threads (a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores) on a 10 nm node. Despite the i9's desktop pedigree and higher boost clock, the i5 edges it out everywhere, though the differences are often within measurement noise.

In multi-threaded workloads, the i5-1250P's extra cores carry it to marginal victories. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows 1573 for the i5 against 1572 for the i9, a 0.1% gap. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the pattern: 6556 versus 6550, again 0.1%. Cinebench R23 multi-core is the only test where the gap widens slightly, with the i5 scoring 15610 against the i9's 15596, still only 0.1% apart. The i9-11900T's higher boost clock of 4.90 GHz compared to the i5's 4.40 GHz helps close what would otherwise be a larger gap given the core count difference.

Single-threaded performance tells a similar story. The i5-1250P wins Cinebench R15 single-core with 222 points versus 221, Cinebench R20 single-core with 925 versus 924, and Cinebench R23 single-core with 2203 versus 2201. Each margin sits at 0.1% except for R15, which shows 0.5%. These are essentially dead heats, suggesting that the architectural generational leap from Rocket Lake to Alder Lake offsets the i9's clock speed advantage.

The i9-11900T does hold one meaningful edge in the broader database record: its average benchmark score across all tests is 4685, while the i5-1250P averages 4515. That 170-point gap reflects the i9's inclusion of Geekbench results, where it scores 8257 multi-core and 2157 single-core. The i5-1250P has no Geekbench entries in the database, so its average derives solely from the Cinebench suite. The i9 also sits at the 58th percentile of all CPUs, matching the i5's 58th percentile, which reinforces that these chips land in the same performance tier despite their different markets.

The Verdict

For users constrained to a desktop motherboard, the i9-11900T is the only choice of the two, but the data does not paint it as a decisive winner. It offers a launch MSRP of $439, an end-of-life production status, and performance that essentially matches the newer mobile chip in every measured test. Its 8 cores and 16 threads, 16 MB of shared L3 cache, and 4.90 GHz boost clock are competitive, and its 35 W TDP is notably low for a desktop processor. The integrated UHD Graphics 750 is present as well.

For a laptop or compact mobile system, the i5-1250P is the stronger pick. It wins every head-to-head test, does so while consuming a 28 W TDP, and remains in active production. Its 12 cores and 16 threads, 12 MB of shared L3 cache, and Iris Xe 80EU integrated graphics make it a well-rounded mobile part. The 10 nm process node gives it a manufacturing advantage over the i9's 14 nm node, which likely explains its ability to match a higher-clocked desktop chip.

Users who prioritize raw multi-threaded throughput should note that the i5's victory is symbolic rather than substantial. A 0.1% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is not a meaningful real-world difference. The same applies to single-core workloads, where the i5 leads by 0.1% to 0.5% depending on the test. The i9-11900T is not outclassed; it is simply matched by a chip with a different design philosophy.

The i9-11900T makes sense for someone building a Socket 1200 desktop system who wants low power draw and solid all-around performance. The i5-1250P makes sense for a mobile workstation or high-end laptop where the 28 W TDP and active production status matter more than the negligible benchmark deltas. Neither chip is a clear performance winner, which makes the decision hinge on platform and form factor rather than speed.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The six recorded comparisons cover three versions of Cinebench, each with multi-core and single-core runs. The i5-1250P wins all six, but the margins tell the real story.

Cinebench R15 multi-core: the i5 scores 1573, the i9 scores 1572. The i5 wins by 0.1%, a single point. This is the closest test in the entire set, and it shows that the i9's 16 threads hold up well against the i5's 16 threads despite the i5 having 12 physical cores.

Cinebench R15 single-core: the i5 scores 222, the i9 scores 221. The i5 wins by 0.5%, the largest margin of any test. This is the only result where the i5's advantage exceeds a tenth of a percent, and it suggests that Alder Lake's per-core efficiency gives it a slight edge over Rocket Lake at equivalent clock behavior.

Cinebench R20 multi-core: the i5 scores 6556, the i9 scores 6550. The i5 wins by 0.1%. The pattern holds: the i5's extra cores generate a tiny lead, but the i9's higher boost clock prevents any blowout.

Cinebench R20 single-core: the i5 scores 925, the i9 scores 924. The i5 wins by 0.1%. Again, the difference is one point.

Cinebench R23 multi-core: the i5 scores 15610, the i9 scores 15596. The i5 wins by 0.1%. This is the largest absolute gap in the multi-core tests at 14 points, but it remains negligible in percentage terms.

Cinebench R23 single-core: the i5 scores 2203, the i9 scores 2201. The i5 wins by 0.1%. The two-point margin mirrors the other single-core results.

The i9-11900T's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i9-10900F, which scores 4664 on average, placing the i9 just 0.5% ahead. The Intel Core i9-10900E scores 4708, putting the i9 0.5% behind. The Intel Core i9-9900KF scores 4652, with the i9 0.7% ahead. The Intel Core i7-6950X scores 4734, leaving the i9 1% behind. These comparisons show that the i9-11900T sits in a crowded field of previous-generation high-end parts.

The i5-1250P's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-12700TE at 4513, a perfect 0% match. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V2748 scores 4532, putting the i5 0.4% behind. The Intel Core i5-1340P scores 4545, leaving the i5 0.7% behind. The Intel Core i7-10700KF scores 4547, with the i5 0.7% behind. The i5-1250P thus anchors a cluster of mid-range and embedded processors, all within a single percentage point of each other.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The i5-1250P wins every multi-core Cinebench test, but by only 0.1% in each case. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5 scores 15610 against the i9-11900T's 15596.

Q: Does the i9-11900T have a higher boost clock than the i5-1250P?

A: Yes. The i9-11900T boosts to 4.90 GHz, while the i5-1250P boosts to 4.40 GHz. Despite this, the i5 wins all six head-to-head benchmarks.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The i9-11900T has 8 cores and 16 threads. The i5-1250P has 12 cores and 16 threads. Both support 16 threads total.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The i9-11900T has 16 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-1250P has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The L2 cache differs as well: 512 KB per core for the i9, 1.25 MB per core for the i5.

Q: What are the power requirements of each chip?

A: The i9-11900T has a 35 W TDP, and the i5-1250P has a 28 W TDP. The i9 is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1200, while the i5 is a mobile part on Intel BGA 1744.

Q: Are these processors still in production?

A: The i9-11900T is end-of-life, while the i5-1250P is active. The i9 was released on March 15, 2021 with a launch MSRP of $439, and the i5 was released on February 22, 2022.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The i5-1250P features Iris Xe 80EU graphics, while the i9-11900T features UHD Graphics 750. The database does not include graphics benchmarks for either chip.

Architecture Differences

The i9-11900T and i5-1250P represent two distinct Intel architectures separated by a generation. The i9 uses Rocket Lake, a 14 nm desktop design with the codename Rocket Lake and the generation label Core i9 (Rocket Lake-S). The i5 uses Alder Lake, a 10 nm mobile design with the codename Alder Lake-P and the generation label Core i5 (Alder Lake-P). Both are manufactured by Intel, but the process node difference is significant: 14 nm versus 10 nm.

The die sizes reflect this gap. The i9-11900T has a die size of 276 mm², while the i5-1250P is smaller at 217 mm². Neither processor uses 3D V-Cache, and transistor counts are not recorded in the database.

Core configurations differ substantially. The i9-11900T uses 8 traditional cores with 16 threads. The i5-1250P uses 12 cores with 16 threads, which indicates a hybrid layout typical of Alder Lake, combining performance and efficiency cores. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core for both. The L2 cache differs: 512 KB per core for the i9, 1.25 MB per core for the i5. The L3 cache also differs, with the i9 offering 16 MB shared versus 12 MB shared for the i5.

Memory support separates the two as well. The i9-11900T supports DDR4 only, with dual-channel memory and a recorded bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The i5-1250P supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, but its memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

PCIe capabilities are identical on paper: both support Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. The i9-11900T uses the Intel Socket 1200 platform, while the i5-1250P uses Intel BGA 1744, which is a soldered mobile socket. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

The integrated graphics differ. The i9-11900T carries UHD Graphics 750, while the i5-1250P carries Iris Xe 80EU. Both are Intel solutions, but the database does not provide graphics performance measurements for either.

The release timeline shows the i9-11900T launching on March 15, 2021, with the i5-1250P following on February 22, 2022. The i9 is now end-of-life, whereas the i5 remains active. The i9 carries a launch MSRP of $439, while the i5 has no recorded launch MSRP. Part numbers are SRKNQ for the i9 and SRLD8 for the i5.

The average benchmark score in the database favors the i9-11900T at 4685, against 4515 for the i5-1250P, but this is influenced by the i9's additional Geekbench results. Both processors sit at the 58th percentile of all CPUs, confirming that their overall performance classification is effectively identical.