Intel Core i5-1335U

The Intel Core i5-1335U is a 10-core, 12-thread mobile processor built on the Raptor Lake-U architecture, produced on Intel's 10 nm process node. It operates at a base clock of 1300 MHz and a boost clock of 4600 MHz, with a 15 W TDP. Benchmark data places it in the 77th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 19167, positioning it as a solid mid-range mobile option.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is stark and defines the chip's dual personality. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 1712 points in single-core and 12128 points in multi-core, a ratio of roughly 7:1 in favor of multi-threaded scaling. This indicates a heavily multi-threaded design that leverages its 10 cores (likely a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores, given the 12 threads) to handle parallel workloads far more effectively than sequential ones.

The single-thread score of 3336 in PassMark's single-thread test, while respectable, is not class-leading. It suggests that the 4.6 GHz boost clock is achievable but not sustained indefinitely, likely due to thermal and power constraints within the 15 W envelope. For everyday tasks like web browsing or document editing, which rely heavily on single-core responsiveness, the i5-1335U will feel capable but not exceptionally snappy. The PassMark integer math score of 51244 and floating-point math score of 35176 further emphasize that the chip's strength lies in sustained multi-core throughput rather than bursty single-core speed.

For real workloads, this means the i5-1335U will excel in scenarios like video encoding, 3D rendering, or software compilation where all cores can be utilized. Conversely, tasks that are poorly parallelized, such as legacy single-threaded applications or certain game engines, will not see the full benefit of the core count. The Cinebench R20 scores reinforce this: 719 single-core versus 5093 multi-core, showing a consistent pattern across different benchmark versions. This behavior suggests a processor optimized for productivity over responsiveness.

Power and Thermals

The 15 W TDP classifies the i5-1335U as a low-power, ultrabook-grade processor. This is not a chip designed for desktop replacement laptops or high-performance mobile workstations; rather, it targets thin-and-light designs where thermal headroom is minimal. The 10 nm process node helps keep power draw in check, but the 10-core configuration running at up to 4.6 GHz will still generate meaningful heat under sustained load.

The data indicates that cooling requirements are modest. A capable air cooler with a small fan or even a passive heatsink in a well-ventilated chassis should suffice for typical office workloads. However, during prolonged multi-threaded tasks like a Cinebench R23 run, the processor will likely experience thermal throttling to stay within its power budget. The benchmark scores reflect this: the multi-core R23 score of 12128 is strong for the class, but it is achieved within the constraints of a 15 W envelope, meaning sustained performance will be lower than peak.

The memory support for both DDR4 and DDR5, along with a dual-channel bus, implies that system memory configuration can influence overall performance. Higher-bandwidth DDR5 memory could help alleviate bottlenecks in memory-intensive workloads, but the processor's power limit remains the primary constraint. For cooling, the implication is clear: a standard ultrabook cooling solution—typically a single heat pipe and a low-profile fan—is adequate. Users should not expect desktop-level sustained performance, but rather a balanced profile that prioritizes efficiency.

Who Should Consider It

The i5-1335U is best suited for users whose primary workloads are multi-threaded productivity tasks. The PassMark multithread score of 14281 and the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12128 indicate strong performance for video editing, photo batch processing, or data analysis using tools that scale across cores. The PassMark data compression score of 159593 and encryption score of 10009 further suggest proficiency in file archiving and security-related tasks, which are often parallelized.

For gaming, the processor is a mixed proposition. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics 80EU provides basic GPU capability, but the processor's single-thread score of 3336 in PassMark is modest for modern game engines that often rely on a few fast cores. Users planning to game would need a discrete GPU, and the 15 W TDP means the CPU may bottleneck in CPU-intensive titles. The PassMark physics score of 837, which simulates game physics, is notably low, indicating that complex simulations could struggle.

For office work, the i5-1335U is more than adequate. Spreadsheets, word processing, and web applications will run smoothly, and the low power draw translates to longer battery life in laptops. The 77th percentile ranking among all CPUs means it outperforms the majority of processors on the market, so it will handle typical office multitasking without issue. The PassMark single-thread score of 3336 ensures responsive UI interactions, even if it is not top-tier. This chip is not for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, but rather for users who need a balance of efficiency and multi-core capability in a portable form factor.

How It Compares

Intel Core i7-8700K: The i5-1335U is effectively tied with this desktop processor from an older generation, showing a delta of -0.2% in average benchmark score (19167 vs 19210). This is remarkable given the 1335U's 15 W TDP versus the 8700K's much higher power draw, demonstrating the efficiency gains of newer architecture. The 1335U achieves parity in overall performance but with a fraction of the power consumption.

Intel Core i5-12400F: The delta here is -0.3%, with the 12400F scoring 19221 on average. This comparison is particularly telling: the 1335U, a mobile chip, nearly matches a desktop processor from the same generation. The 12400F has fewer cores (6 vs 10) but higher clock speeds, so the 1335U's advantage lies in core count and multithreading, while the 12400F likely wins in single-thread tasks.

AMD EPYC 7773X: The 1335U leads this server-class processor by 1% in average benchmark score (19167 vs 18979). This is a surprising result on paper, but it reflects the benchmark suite's weighting toward consumer-oriented workloads. The EPYC is designed for server tasks, and its 1% deficit here does not indicate real-world superiority of the 1335U in server applications.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X: The 1335U also leads this older desktop chip by 1% (19167 vs 18970). Similar to the 8700K comparison, this shows that the 1335U's modern architecture and higher core count offset the 2600X's older design. The 2600X has 6 cores and 12 threads, so the 1335U's 10 cores and 12 threads provide a slight edge in multi-threaded workloads.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data reveals a processor that punches above its weight class. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 12128 is 14% higher than the single-core score of 1712 when normalized per-thread, indicating strong scaling across cores. The R20 results show a similar pattern: 5093 multi-core versus 719 single-core. These scores place the 1335U in the 77th percentile, meaning it outperforms 77% of all CPUs tested.

Against its nearest rivals, the deltas are narrow but consistent. The 1335U's average benchmark score of 19167 is 0.2% lower than the Core i7-8700K's 19210, 0.3% lower than the Core i5-12400F's 19221, but 1% higher than both the AMD EPYC 7773X (18979) and AMD Ryzen 5 2600X (18970). These differences are within the margin of error for most benchmark runs, suggesting the 1335U is functionally equivalent to these rivals in overall performance.

The PassMark sub-scores provide granular insight. The integer math score of 51244 is notably strong, indicating efficient ALU operations. Floating-point math at 35176 is respectable but lower, suggesting the FPU is not the chip's primary strength. The extended instructions score of 8974 shows decent SIMD capability, while the find prime numbers score of 48 is low, reflecting the modest single-thread speed. The random string sorting score of 17953 indicates good memory subsystem performance for its class. The multi-thread score of 14281 and single-thread score of 3336 together paint a picture of a chip that is 4.3x faster in multi-threaded than single-threaded tasks, a ratio that is typical for a 10-core design.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i5-1335U?

A: The TDP is 15 W, classifying it as a low-power mobile processor suitable for thin-and-light laptops.

Q: How does the i5-1335U compare to the Intel Core i7-8700K?

A: The i5-1335U has an average benchmark score of 19167, which is 0.2% lower than the i7-8700K's 19210, making them effectively equivalent in overall performance.

Q: What is the boost clock speed of this processor?

A: The boost clock is 4600 MHz (4.6 GHz), while the base clock is 1300 MHz (1.3 GHz).

Q: Does the i5-1335U support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: What is the single-thread performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 1712 points, while the multi-core score is 12128 points.

Q: What integrated graphics does this chip include?

A: It includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units (80EU), which is suitable for basic graphics tasks but not demanding gaming.