Intel Core i7-1260U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U scores 10855 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 37.2% ahead of the Intel Core i7-1260U's 7912.5. This is the largest single benchmark gap between the two parts.

Q: How does the Core i7-1260U perform in single-threaded workloads?

A: The Core i7-1260U wins every single-thread benchmark in the head-to-head set, including Cinebench R23 single-core (1601 vs 1532, a 4.3% lead) and PassMark single-thread (3153 vs 3057, a 3% lead).

Q: Do both processors share the same process node?

A: No. The Core Ultra 5 115U is built on Intel's 7 nm process, while the Core i7-1260U uses Intel's 10 nm process. The Ultra 5 also uses the Meteor Lake architecture, whereas the i7-1260U is based on Alder Lake.

Q: Which chip has more cores and threads?

A: The Core i7-1260U has 10 cores and 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 115U has 8 cores and 10 threads. The i7-1260U also carries a larger shared L3 cache at 12 MB versus 10 MB.

Q: What is the thermal design power difference?

A: The Core Ultra 5 115U has a 15 W TDP, while the Core i7-1260U is rated at 9 W. Despite the higher TDP, the Ultra 5 loses the majority of benchmark comparisons.

Q: How close are the overall average benchmark scores?

A: The Core Ultra 5 115U has an average benchmark score of 16753, while the Core i7-1260U averages 16320. Both sit at the 70th percentile among all CPUs, and the Ultra 5's nearest rival, the Core i5-1235U, is only 0.1% behind at 16770.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different generations of Intel mobile silicon. The Core Ultra 5 115U comes from the Core Ultra Series 1, built on the Meteor Lake architecture with a 7 nm process node. The Core i7-1260U belongs to the Alder Lake generation, specifically Alder Lake-U, fabricated on Intel's 10 nm node. Both are mobile parts with active production status, but the architectural split is significant: Meteor Lake introduces a newer process and a distinct core layout, while Alder Lake-U is the earlier hybrid design.

Core configuration differs clearly. The Ultra 5 115U packs 8 cores and 10 threads, while the i7-1260U offers 10 cores and 12 threads. That two-core, two-thread advantage for the Alder Lake part shows up in several multi-threaded tests, though not all. The cache layout also diverges. The Ultra 5 uses 112 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, with 10 MB of shared L3. The i7-1260U has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a larger 12 MB shared L3. The larger L3 on the older chip does not always translate to better results, as the R23 multi-core score demonstrates.

Clock speeds move in opposite directions. The Ultra 5 115U has a base clock of 1500 MHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. The i7-1260U starts lower at 1100 MHz base but boosts higher to 4.70 GHz. The higher boost clock on the i7-1260U helps explain its consistent single-thread wins, while the higher base clock on the Ultra 5 does not overcome the core count deficit in most multi-thread workloads.

Memory support also differs. The Ultra 5 115U supports DDR5 with bandwidth dependent on the motherboard, offering dual-channel memory and a rated bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The i7-1260U supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, though its memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database. The Ultra 5 lists PCIe Gen 4 with 12 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-1260U lists PCIe Gen 4 with no lane count specified.

Integrated graphics separate the two as well. The Ultra 5 115U carries Arc Xe-LPG with 48 execution units, while the i7-1260U features Iris Xe with 96 execution units. The i7-1260U doubles the EU count, which suggests a stronger integrated graphics solution on paper, though no graphics benchmarks appear in the recorded data. Sockets differ too: the Ultra 5 uses Intel BGA 2049, while the i7-1260U uses Intel BGA 1781. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and neither supports ECC memory.

The Verdict

The data points to a split decision based on workload type. The Intel Core i7-1260U wins 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, including every single-thread test and most multi-thread tests. Its wins are broad, covering Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core, PassMark integer math, data compression, encryption, physics, and random string sorting. For users prioritizing general responsiveness, single-thread performance, or battery-conscious operation given its 9 W TDP, the i7-1260U is the stronger choice according to the recorded measurements.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U takes only two wins, but one is decisive. Its 37.2% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core is the largest margin in the entire comparison, and it also edges the i7-1260U in PassMark extended instructions by 4.1%. The Ultra 5 also carries the higher average benchmark score (16753 vs 16320), although both parts sit at the 70th percentile. The Ultra 5's nearest rival, the Core i5-1235U, is virtually tied at 0.1% behind, while the i7-1260U's closest competitor, the AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, is 0.1% behind it.

The choice depends on whether the user values the i7-1260U's broad consistency or the Ultra 5's standout R23 result and newer 7 nm Meteor Lake architecture. The i7-1260U is the safer pick across most measured workloads, particularly for single-thread tasks. The Ultra 5 115U appeals when the specific Cinebench R23 multi-core workload matters most, or when the newer process node and Arc Xe-LPG graphics (48 EU) are relevant. Neither chip unlocks overclocking, and both target the mobile segment.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show clear divergence across nearly every major field.

• Cores: Ultra 5 115U has 8 cores; i7-1260U has 10 cores.
• Threads: Ultra 5 115U has 10 threads; i7-1260U has 12 threads.
• Base clock: Ultra 5 115U runs at 1500 MHz; i7-1260U runs at 1100 MHz.
• Boost clock: Ultra 5 115U boosts to 4.20 GHz; i7-1260U boosts to 4.70 GHz.
• TDP: Ultra 5 115U is rated at 15 W; i7-1260U is rated at 9 W.
• Socket: Ultra 5 115U uses Intel BGA 2049; i7-1260U uses Intel BGA 1781.
• Architecture: Ultra 5 115U uses Meteor Lake; i7-1260U uses Alder Lake.
• Process node: Ultra 5 115U is 7 nm; i7-1260U is 10 nm.
• L1 cache: Ultra 5 115U has 112 KB per core; i7-1260U has 80 KB per core.
• L2 cache: Ultra 5 115U has 2 MB per core; i7-1260U has 1.25 MB per core.
• L3 cache: Ultra 5 115U has 10 MB shared; i7-1260U has 12 MB shared.
• Memory support: Ultra 5 115U supports DDR5 (motherboard dependent); i7-1260U supports DDR4 and DDR5.
• Memory bandwidth: Ultra 5 115U is rated at 89.6 GB/s; i7-1260U has no recorded bandwidth.
• PCIe: Ultra 5 115U lists Gen 4, 12 lanes (CPU only); i7-1260U lists Gen 4 with no lane count.
• Integrated graphics: Ultra 5 115U has Arc Xe-LPG 48EU; i7-1260U has Iris Xe 96EU.
• Release date: Ultra 5 115U launched 2023-12-13; i7-1260U launched 2022-02-22.
• Part number: Ultra 5 115U is SRN6F; i7-1260U has no recorded part number.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i7-1260U dominates the head-to-head results, winning 15 of 17 tests. Its largest single win comes in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it scores 219.5 against the Ultra 5's 154, a 29.8% margin. That result aligns with the i7-1260U's higher 4.70 GHz boost clock and its consistent single-thread advantage across every such test. Cinebench R15 multi-core also favors the i7-1260U, which scores 1203 versus 1094, a 9.1% lead.

The i7-1260U continues its run in PassMark workloads. It leads integer math by 10.6% (45887 vs 41043), random string sorting by 9.6% (16726 vs 15124), and data encryption by 9.2% (9480 vs 8606). Data compression shows a 6.7% edge (152217 vs 141945), while physics lands at 14.1% ahead (1046 vs 898). Find prime numbers gives the i7-1260U a 20.9% advantage (67 vs 53), and floating point math is close at 2.9% (31456 vs 30538). PassMark multithread favors the i7-1260U by 7% (14011 vs 13024). Cinebench R20 results are tighter: multi-core at 3.7% (4736 vs 4559) and single-core at 3.7% (668 vs 643) both go to the i7-1260U. Cinebench R23 single-core also goes to the i7-1260U by 4.3% (1601 vs 1532).

The Ultra 5 115U claims the headline result in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 10855 against the i7-1260U's 7912.5, a 37.2% lead. This is the only benchmark with a double-digit margin in its favor, and it flips the multi-core narrative from the older Cinebench versions where the i7-1260U held the edge. The Ultra 5 also wins PassMark extended instructions, scoring 8620 versus 8280, a 4.1% margin.

The two PassMark single-thread entries are duplicates in the database, both recording 3057 for the Ultra 5 and 3153 for the i7-1260U, a 3% lead for the latter. Average benchmark scores show the Ultra 5 at 16753 and the i7-1260U at 16320, placing the Ultra 5 slightly ahead overall despite losing most individual tests. Both processors rank at the 70th percentile among all CPUs, and each sits within 1% of its nearest rivals in the database. The Ultra 5's closest competitor, the Core i5-1235U, is 0.1% behind, while the i7-1260U's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, is also 0.1% behind. The overall picture: the i7-1260U is the more consistent performer across the recorded benchmark suite, with the Ultra 5 offering one exceptional multi-core result and a newer process node.