Intel Core i5-1250P
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i5-1250P Specifications
Core i5-1250P Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i5-1250P features 12 physical cores and 16 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i5-1250P Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i5-1250P benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i5-1250P by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i5-1250P Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i5-1250P processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i5-1250P's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Alder Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i5-1250P is built on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i5-1250P incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Alder Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i5-1250P by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i5-1250P Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i5-1250P has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1744 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i5-1250P uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1744 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i5-1250P define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i5-1250P determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i5-1250P Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i5-1250P includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i5-1250P provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i5-1250P Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i5-1250P is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i5-1250P by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i5-1250P Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i5-1250P performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i5-1250P handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i5-1250P.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i5-1250P.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i5-1250P after thermal limits kick in.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i5-1250P maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i5-1250P
The Intel Core i5-1250P is a 12-core, 16-thread mobile processor built on Intel’s Alder Lake architecture and 10 nm process. Benchmark results place it in the 63rd percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 4802, positioning it as a mainstream mobile part that trades blows with desktop and high-end laptop chips from the previous generation. Its performance profile in Cinebench tests shows a strong multi-threaded showing for its 28 W TDP class, while single-thread scores indicate solid responsiveness for everyday tasks.
Benchmark Performance
The Cinebench suite reveals a processor that scales well with multi-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23, the i5-1250P scores 16603 points in the multi-core test and 2343 points in the single-core test. This multi-core result is roughly seven times the single-core score, a ratio that suggests the 12-core, 16-thread configuration is being effectively utilized in heavily parallel tasks. For comparison, the Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 6973 and single-core score of 984 follow a similar pattern, while the older R15 test shows 1673 multi-core and 236 single-core points.
Against its nearest rivals, the i5-1250P’s average benchmark score of 4802 is nearly identical to the Intel Core i9-10900E, which scores 4807 — a delta of -0.1%. This places the mobile chip within a rounding error of a desktop-class 10-core processor from an older generation. The gap to the AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT is similarly narrow, with that chip scoring 4811, a delta of -0.2%. The largest discrepancy in the rival set is against the AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS, which scores 4827, putting the i5-1250P 0.5% behind. These deltas are statistically negligible, meaning the i5-1250P delivers performance equivalent to these established desktop and high-end mobile parts in aggregate benchmarks.
The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16603 is the headline figure, as it demonstrates that the processor can sustain heavy compute loads. The single-core R23 score of 2343 is competitive but not class-leading, indicating that the architecture prioritizes multi-threaded throughput over raw single-thread speed.
How It Compares
Intel Core i9-10900E: The i5-1250P matches this desktop 10-core processor almost exactly, with a 0.1% lower average score (4802 vs 4807). This is remarkable given the i5-1250P’s mobile form factor and 28 W TDP, implying that the newer Alder Lake architecture compensates for fewer cores and lower power limits.
Intel Xeon E-2386G: The Xeon edges ahead by 0.1%, scoring 4795 versus the i5-1250P’s 4802. This workstation-oriented chip holds a marginal lead, but the difference is within measurement noise. The i5-1250P offers comparable compute in a far more power-efficient package.
AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT: A 0.2% deficit (4802 vs 4811) puts the i5-1250P on par with this desktop Zen 3 part. The 3800XT is a higher-wattage chip, yet the i5-1250P keeps pace in aggregate benchmarks, highlighting the efficiency of the 10 nm process and hybrid core design.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS: The closest mobile competitor, the 5800HS, scores 4827, which is 0.5% higher than the i5-1250P. This is the largest gap in the rival set, but still a sub-1% difference. Both are 28 W-class mobile processors, so the comparison is direct, and the i5-1250P trails by a hair.
Who Should Consider It
The benchmark data indicates the i5-1250P is suited for users who need strong multi-threaded performance in a laptop. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16603 suggests it can handle video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation tasks that scale across 16 threads. The 12-core, 16-thread layout is a clear signal that parallel workloads are the primary target.
For gaming, the single-core R23 score of 2343 is adequate for most modern titles, though it does not lead the field. The integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics provide a baseline for light gaming, but users seeking high frame rates will need a discrete GPU. The processor’s ability to drive a discrete graphics card is supported by its PCIe Gen 4 support with 20 lanes from the CPU.
Office and productivity workloads benefit from the single-core performance, which is strong enough for responsive spreadsheet, browser, and document tasks. The multi-core headroom ensures that background processes, antivirus scans, and virtualization do not cause noticeable slowdowns. The i5-1250P is a balanced choice for a mobile workstation where compile times and render times matter more than peak single-thread speed.
FAQ
Q: How does the i5-1250P perform in multi-core workloads?
A: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 16603, which is about seven times its single-core score of 2343. This indicates strong scaling across its 16 threads, making it suitable for rendering and compilation tasks.
Q: What is the average benchmark score of this processor?
A: The average benchmark score is 4802, placing it in the 63rd percentile of all CPUs. This is within 0.5% of all four nearest rivals.
Q: Does the i5-1250P support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What integrated graphics does the i5-1250P include?
A: It includes Iris Xe graphics with 80 execution units, which provides basic visual output and light gaming capability.
Q: Is the i5-1250P unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported. The boost clock is fixed at 4.40 GHz.
Q: What socket does the i5-1250P use?
A: It uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, which is a soldered mobile socket, meaning it is not upgradeable in a typical laptop.
Power and Thermals
The i5-1250P has a TDP of 28 W, which classifies it as a low-power mobile processor. This TDP level is typical for ultraportable and thin-and-light laptops that rely on passive or low-noise cooling solutions. The 10 nm process node helps keep power consumption in check while still delivering 12 cores and 16 threads.
Given the 28 W TDP, a capable air cooler with a modest heatpipe design is sufficient for sustained loads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16603 suggests that the processor can maintain high clocks under load without exceeding its thermal envelope, but users should expect that sustained all-core workloads may cause the boost clock to settle below the 4.40 GHz maximum. The 217 mm² die size indicates a relatively large chip for a mobile part, which aids in heat dissipation across the surface.
In practical terms, the 28 W TDP means laptops using the i5-1250P can be designed with thinner chassis and smaller fans. The processor does not require exotic liquid cooling or oversized vapor chambers. However, for users who plan to run prolonged multi-threaded tasks, a laptop with a robust cooling solution that can sustain the full 28 W draw will yield better performance than one that throttles due to thermal limits.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The i5-1250P shows a clear multi-thread bias in its benchmark results. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16603 versus single-core of 2343 represents a 7.09x scaling factor across 16 threads. Perfect scaling would be 16x, so the 7x figure reflects the hybrid architecture, where not all cores are identical, and the memory subsystem and cache hierarchy introduce bottlenecks.
In real workloads, this means applications that use all 16 threads — such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or data analysis — will see dramatic speedups compared to quad-core or hexa-core processors from earlier generations. The single-core score of 2343 in R23 is sufficient for responsive user interfaces and single-threaded legacy applications, but it does not match the peak single-thread performance of higher-clocked desktop chips.
The split also affects gaming, where most titles rely on a few strong cores. The i5-1250P’s single-thread performance is adequate for 60 fps gaming in many titles, but the multi-thread advantage becomes more relevant for streaming, game recording, and background tasks running concurrently. The data suggests a dual-personality processor: it excels at throughput-oriented tasks while remaining competent but not exceptional at latency-sensitive single-thread workloads.
Platform and Compatibility
The i5-1250P is built for the Intel BGA 1744 socket, which is a surface-mounted design used in laptops. This socket is not upgradeable, so the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard. The architecture is Alder Lake-P, part of the Alder Lake family, and it integrates a 12 MB shared L3 cache. Each core has 80 KB of L1 cache and 1.25 MB of L2 cache.
Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, giving laptop manufacturers flexibility in choosing between cost-effective DDR4 or higher-bandwidth DDR5. The lack of ECC support means this is not targeted at error-correcting workstation use cases. PCIe support is Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a discrete GPU and one or two NVMe SSDs at full speed.
The integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics provide a baseline display output and hardware acceleration for video playback. For users who need more graphics power, the PCIe Gen 4 lanes allow for a discrete GPU. The upgrade path is limited by the soldered nature of the BGA 1744 socket — users cannot swap the CPU. Instead, the entire laptop must be replaced to upgrade the processor. This makes the i5-1250P a fixed component, so buyers should assess their long-term needs based on the 12-core, 16-thread configuration and the 4.40 GHz boost clock. The release date of 2022-02-22 places it in the early Alder Lake mobile wave, and the production status remains active, meaning it is still available in current systems.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i5-1250P
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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