Intel Core i7-1355U

The Intel Core i7-1355U is a 10-core, 12-thread mobile processor from Intel’s Raptor Lake-U family, built on the company’s 10 nm process. With a base clock of 1700 MHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, it posts an average benchmark score of 18947, placing it in the 77th percentile of all CPUs tested. The data indicates a part designed for thin-and-light laptops that need a strong balance of single-thread responsiveness and multi-thread capability, without demanding desktop-class power.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark results position the i7-1355U as a versatile mobile processor suited for users who split their time between productivity applications and moderate creative workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12152 shows competent sustained performance for tasks like video encoding, batch photo processing, or software compilation on the go. Meanwhile, the single-core score of 1715 in the same test indicates excellent responsiveness for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and spreadsheet manipulation, where rapid reaction to user input is critical.

Gamers on integrated graphics will find the Iris Xe Graphics 96EU a capable partner for esports and older titles at lower settings. The PassMark single-thread score of 3444 is particularly strong, suggesting that the processor will not bottleneck a fast SSD or memory subsystem in gaming scenarios where the iGPU is the limiting factor. However, the modest multi-thread scores relative to desktop parts—like the Cinebench R20 multi-core result of 5103—mean that heavy 3D rendering or complex simulation workloads will be slower than on larger mobile H-series chips.

Office users and knowledge workers will appreciate the data compression score of 155727 in PassMark, which indicates snappy performance for file archiving, database operations, and other I/O-heavy tasks. The floating-point math score of 34965 and integer math score of 52002 further support smooth operation in financial modeling, statistical analysis, and engineering calculations. The processor is less ideal for users whose primary workload is sustained all-core number crunching, as the 15 W TDP class inherently limits long-duration performance compared to higher-power mobile parts.

How It Compares

Against the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, the i7-1355U is effectively tied, with a delta of -0.1% (18947 versus 18970 average score). This is notable because the 2600X is a desktop processor with a significantly higher power envelope, yet the U-series chip matches its overall throughput. The data suggests that for multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench R20 multi-core, the i7-1355U can hold its own against older desktop silicon, though the desktop part may sustain that level for longer periods.

The AMD EPYC 7773X comparison shows a delta of -0.2%, with the server-grade chip scoring 18979. This is a curious near-parity, as the EPYC is a high-core-count server processor. The benchmark data indicates that for the specific workloads captured in the average score, the i7-1355U’s combination of high clocks and modern architecture closes the gap with a chip designed for vastly different purposes, though the EPYC would dominate in heavily threaded enterprise workloads.

Versus the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 8300GE, the i7-1355U leads by 1.0%, scoring 18947 against 18751. This margin is small but consistent across the synthetic suite. The U-series part shows a stronger single-thread result in Cinebench R23 (1715 versus what the lower-tier rival would likely produce), making it the better choice for applications that rely on per-core speed.

The closest rival is the Intel Core i5-1335U, which scores 19167, putting the i7-1355U 1.1% behind. Both are Raptor Lake-U parts, but the i5 achieves a slightly higher average score. The data shows that the i7’s extra cache and potentially better binning do not translate into a decisive lead; in fact, the i5 appears to edge out the i7 in aggregate performance, making the i7-1355U a questionable upgrade for those considering the i5 variant.

Power and Thermals

The processor carries a 15 W TDP, which classifies it as an ultra-low-power mobile part. This specification implies that it is designed for fanless or low-noise cooling solutions in thin-and-light laptops. The data shows that despite its 10 cores and 5.00 GHz boost clock, the thermal design allows for a compact cooling solution—likely a small heat pipe and a single low-speed fan—rather than the robust coolers required by 45 W H-series chips.

Sustained multi-thread workloads will cause the processor to reduce clocks below the 5.00 GHz boost, as the thermal headroom is constrained. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12152, while respectable, reflects this power-limited behavior. Users running long encodes or renders should expect the processor to settle into a lower power state, which is typical for the U-series segment. The 10 nm process from Intel helps keep heat density manageable, but the data does not suggest any headroom for overclocking, as the multiplier is locked.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-1355U uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard and not user-replaceable. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, giving laptop manufacturers flexibility in memory choice without changing the processor design. The integrated memory controller does not support ECC memory, which is expected for a consumer mobile part.

PCIe connectivity is limited to Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a discrete GPU or a fast NVMe SSD, but not both at full bandwidth simultaneously. The architecture is Raptor Lake, with the codename Raptor Lake-U, and the release date is January 3, 2023. The processor is currently marked as Active in production status. The upgrade path is constrained by the BGA socket, meaning users cannot swap the processor later; any future upgrade would require a new laptop motherboard or system.

The integrated Iris Xe Graphics 96EU provides display output and basic compute capabilities. For memory, dual-channel support is critical for iGPU performance, as single-channel configurations would halve memory bandwidth and severely impact graphics scores, though the FACT PACK does not include bandwidth figures.

FAQ

Q: How does the i7-1355U perform in multi-threaded workloads like video rendering?

A: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12152 and R20 multi-core score of 5103 indicate capable, but not exceptional, performance. It will handle 1080p video exports and moderate 3D rendering, but will trail higher-power H-series processors in sustained all-core tasks.

Q: Is this processor good for gaming?

A: For casual and esports gaming with the integrated Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, yes. The PassMark single-thread score of 3444 ensures the CPU can feed the iGPU effectively. For modern AAA titles, the iGPU will be the bottleneck, not the processor.

Q: What is the memory configuration?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory, but ECC memory is not supported. The dual-channel bus is essential for maximizing integrated graphics performance.

Q: Can I overclock this processor?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. The boost clock of 5.00 GHz is the maximum achievable under thermal and power limits, which are constrained by the 15 W TDP.

Q: How does it compare to the Core i5-1335U?

A: The data shows the i5-1335U has an average score of 19167, which is 1.1% higher than the i7-1355U’s 18947. In practical terms, the i7 offers no performance advantage and may cost more, though the FACT PACK does not include pricing for the i5.

Q: What cooling does this chip require?

A: Given the 15 W TDP, a standard thin-and-light cooling solution is adequate. The data indicates that performance is thermally limited, so a well-designed laptop chassis with a decent heat pipe will maintain boost clocks for short bursts, but sustained loads will reduce clocks.