Intel Core 7 240H

The Intel Core 7 240H is a 10-core, 16-thread mobile processor built on Intel’s Raptor Lake refresh architecture, with a 5.20 GHz boost clock, a 45 W TDP, and a 65th percentile standing among all CPUs in the benchmark database. Its average benchmark score of 6115 places it within a hair of several much larger desktop and server parts, making it a curious study in how a relatively compact mobile chip can compete with heavyweight silicon. The following sections dissect its behavior, positioning, and practical implications using only the supplied benchmark data.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Core 7 240H delivers a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2984 and a multi-core score of 21142. The single-core result is strong for a mobile part, reflecting the 5.20 GHz boost clock and the efficiency of the Raptor Lake core design. The multi-core figure, meanwhile, shows how 10 physical cores and 16 threads scale under sustained load — the ratio of multi- to single-core performance is roughly 7.1, which is typical for a high-frequency chip with a moderate core count. In Cinebench R20, the split is 1253 single / 8879 multi, and in R15 it is 300 single / 2130 multi. These consistent ratios indicate that the processor maintains its single-thread advantage even when all cores are active, which is not always the case for parts with higher core counts but lower per-core clocks.

The data implies that workloads with short, latency-sensitive bursts — such as web browsing, office documents, or legacy single-threaded applications — will benefit disproportionately from the 5.20 GHz boost. Conversely, longer multi-threaded renders or compiles will see scaling, but the 45 W TDP likely limits sustained all-core frequencies. The 10-core / 16-thread configuration is a compromise: more cores than typical mobile quad-chips, but fewer than desktop HEDT parts. This makes the 240H a "jack of both trades" rather than a specialist, and the benchmark scores reflect that balance.

Power and Thermals

With a 45 W TDP, the Core 7 240H falls into the standard performance-class mobile envelope. This is a soldered BGA 1744 part, meaning it is designed for laptops and other compact systems where cooling is constrained. The 10 nm process node from Intel (Raptor Lake refresh) helps keep power density manageable, but the combination of a 5.20 GHz boost and 10 cores will still require a robust thermal solution — likely a dual-fan laptop cooler with heat pipes, though the fact pack does not specify any particular cooler. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics with 64 execution units adds a small but non-trivial thermal load when active, which can affect sustained CPU performance under mixed workloads.

Benchmark results indicate that the chip is capable of delivering near-desktop-level scores in short bursts, but the 45 W TDP suggests that long-running all-core loads will see frequency throttling unless the laptop’s cooling is exceptionally well engineered. The fact that the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false) further implies that users cannot overclock to compensate for thermal headroom; they must rely on the manufacturer’s power and frequency management.

Who Should Consider It

The Core 7 240H is best suited for users who need strong single-thread performance for everyday responsiveness and occasional multi-threaded tasks, all within a mobile form factor. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2984 is excellent for a laptop CPU, making it ideal for office productivity, web development, and light content creation where single-threaded latency dominates. The multi-core score of 21142 is also respectable — it can handle video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation, though not at the level of dedicated high-core-count desktop chips.

For gamers, the high boost clock and 10 cores are a good match for modern titles that benefit from both strong single-thread and multi-thread performance, though the integrated Iris Xe Graphics will likely be insufficient for demanding 3D games without a discrete GPU. The processor’s 65th percentile ranking among all CPUs suggests it is above average but not top-tier; it will outperform many older desktop parts but will trail recent flagship HEDT and server chips. The 45 W TDP also makes it suitable for thin-and-light performance laptops that balance portability with computational ability.

How It Compares

The Core 7 240H’s average benchmark score of 6115 is remarkably close to four rivals, all of which are larger desktop or server processors. Against the AMD EPYC 7501, the 240H trails by just 0.2% — a negligible margin that places the two within statistical noise. The EPYC 7501 is a server chip with far more cores, yet the 240H’s higher per-core performance and efficient architecture nearly close the gap.

The AMD EPYC 7272 is 1.1% ahead, again a small difference. The Intel Core i9-7940X, a high-end desktop part, leads by 1.6%. Finally, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, a 16-core HEDT monster, is 1.9% ahead. These deltas are all under 2%, which is striking given the core-count and power-class differences. The data suggests that the Core 7 240H’s combination of high boost clock and efficient 10-core design allows it to punch far above its weight, making it a compelling choice for mobile users who want near-desktop aggregate performance without the bulk and power draw of a full tower.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core 7 240H uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable package. This is typical for mobile processors — the chip is permanently attached to the motherboard, so users cannot swap CPUs later. The processor supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving laptop manufacturers flexibility in cost and performance. ECC memory is not supported (eccMemory: false), which is standard for consumer mobile parts.

PCIe connectivity is limited to 8 lanes of Gen 5 from the CPU, which is sufficient for a discrete GPU and one or two NVMe drives, but not for multi-GPU configurations. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics (64EU) provides basic display output and hardware acceleration for video encoding, but it is not intended for heavy gaming or compute. The platform is designed for modern laptops, with support for the latest I/O standards but no upgrade path beyond the original configuration.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core 7 240H?

A: The TDP is 45 W.

Q: Does it support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel BGA 1744, which is a soldered mobile socket.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked: false).

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP is $502.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Iris Xe Graphics with 64 execution units.

Benchmark Performance

The Core 7 240H’s average benchmark score of 6115 places it at the 65th percentile of all CPUs in the database. In Cinebench R23, it scores 2984 single-core and 21142 multi-core; in R20, 1253 and 8879; and in R15, 300 and 2130. These numbers reveal a strong single-thread performance that is roughly 7 times lower than its multi-thread score, a typical ratio for a 10-core / 16-thread part with a high boost clock.

When compared to its nearest rivals, the 240H is only 0.2% behind the AMD EPYC 7501 (avg score 6128), 1.1% behind the AMD EPYC 7272 (6186), 1.6% behind the Intel Core i9-7940X (6217), and 1.9% behind the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (6231). These deltas are all within 2%, meaning the 240H effectively trades blows with much larger, higher-power processors. The data implies that the 240H’s architecture is exceptionally efficient per watt and per core, and that its high boost clock compensates for a lower core count. In real-world terms, a laptop equipped with this chip would deliver responsiveness and multi-threaded performance that rivals desktop systems from a few generations ago, while consuming a fraction of the power and space. The benchmark results paint a picture of a well-rounded mobile processor that excels in single-threaded tasks and holds its own in multi-threaded workloads, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users.