GuidesComparisonsCore i7 12700H vs Core i7 1255U - Here's What We Discovered

Core i7 12700H vs Core i7 1255U – Here’s What We Discovered

We discuss the differences between the two processors and test them in software to learn about their performance difference.

Expert Verified By

Intel Core i7 12700H

Rated: 7.5/10

Intel Core i7-1255U

Rated: 7/10


Pros And Cons

CPUProsCons
Core i7 12700H✅ Better for gaming
✅ Faster multi-core performance
✅ Better single-core scores
❌ More expensive
❌ More power-hungry
Core i7-1255U✅ Good for light workloads
✅ Laptops are cheap
✅ Similar Single-core performance
❌ Not good for  heavy gaming
❌ Mediocre multi-core performance

Key Takeaways
  • Both CPUs share the Hybrid Core architecture and Intel’s 10nm processing node. 
  • Performance-wise, we saw that the Core i7-12700H is 86.5% faster than the Core i7-1255U in multi-core applications. It’s also 7.4% faster in single-core workloads. 
  • The Core i7-12700H laptops vary in price from $699 to $5934 while Core i7-1255U laptops cost between $419 to $2069
  • Lastly, both CPUs serve their purpose well, and their value for money can’t be compared.
  • We recommend that the Core i7-12700H is excellent for gaming, and the Core i7-1255U is better for lighter workloads.

Core i7 12700H vs Core i7 1255U – Comparison Table

Mobile CPU
Core i7-12700HCore i7-1255U
ArchitectureHybrid CoreHybrid Core
CodenameAlder LakeAlder Lake
SocketBGA-1744BGA-1744
Memory Support> DDR5-4800 MT/s
> DDR4-3200 MT/s
> LPDDR5-5200 MT/s
> LPDDR4x-4267 MT/s
> DDR5-4800 MT/s
> DDR4-3200 MT/s
> LPDDR5-5200 MT/s
> LPDDR4x-4267 MT/s
Memory SizeUp to 64GBUp to 64GB
PCIe Revision4.04.0
GPU Base Clock300MHz300MHz
GPU Boost Clock1400MHz1250MHz
Shaders768768
CPU Max Operating Temperature100°C100°C
Price Range$699 to $5934$419 to $2068
Launch DateJan 4, 2022Feb 23, 2022

Architectural Differences

Let’s take a look at the architectural differences. 

  1. Processing Node: Speaking of the fabrication nodes, the Intel i7-12700H and the Intel i7-1255U both enjoy the same fabrication node size of 10nm on Intel 7 processing technology.
  2. Core/Thread Counts: The Core i7-12700H houses 14 cores in total, with 6 being P-cores and 8 being E-cores. In contrast, the power-efficient Core i7-1255U has 2 P-cores and 8-E cores for a total of 10. As for thread counts, the Core i7-12700H has 20 threads, and the Core i7-1255U has 12
  3. Clock SpeedsThe Core i7-12700H has greater base clock speeds for both P-cores (2.3GHz) and E-cores (1.7GHz). In comparison, the Core i7-1255U has a base frequency of 1.7GHz for the P-cores and 1.2GHz for the E-cores.
  4. Cache: The Core i7-12700H has 24MB of L3 cache while the Core i7-1255U halves that at 12MB. Also, the Core i7-12700H has more total L1 and L2 cache counts due to its higher number of cores.
  5. TDPLastly, the high-performance Core i7-12700H is much more power-consuming than the efficient Core i7-1255U. The Core i7-12700H has a base TDP configurable between 35 and 45 watts compared to only 12-15 watts of the Core i7-1255U. As for boost TDP, the Core i7-12700H can draw up to a massive 115 watts compared to 55 watts.

Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs brought a new revolution for them with their Hybrid Core architecture. Today, we’re comparing two mobile CPUs using this architecture in the form of Core-i7-12700H vs Core i7-1255U to find the better one. The two CPUs have numerous similarities, including L1 and L2 cache per core counts, boost frequencies, memory support, and the TjMax. Additionally, both use the same iGPU, but the Core i7-12700H’s iGPU boasts a higher boost clock speed.


Productivity Benchmarks

Now, how do the two CPUs perform, exactly? To find out, we’ll compare their multi-core and single-core scores across three different applications. 

Cinebench R23

Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core
Cinebench R23 (Image by Tech4Gamers)
  • Starting with Cinebench R23, we observed that the Core i7-12700H racked up 16317 multi-core points. In contrast, the Core i7-1255U managed 8348 points
  • Moving on to the single-core results, the Core i7-12700H scored 1802 points, and the Core i7-1255U is not far behind with 1665 points.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5 multi-core and single-core
Geekbench 5 (Image by Tech4Gamers)
  • The Core i7-12700H continues to dominate in Geekbench 5 with 12289 points in the multi-core test. In reply, the Core i7-1255U managed 7417 points.
  • Concerning single-core performance, the Core i7-12700H, again, is just slightly ahead with 1744 points over 1647.

Passmark

Passmark multi-core and single-core
Passmark (Image by Tech4Gamers)
  • Wrapping things up with our Passmark’s benchmark, the Core i7-12700H accumulated 26848 multi-core points. The Core i7-1255U scored 13955 points in response. 
  • As for the single-core test, the Core i7-12700H scored 3667 points, whereas the Core i7-1255U trailed slightly behind with 3401 points

Overall Performance

Here’s what the overall performance looks like across the three applications.

Average multi-core and single-core scores
Overall performance (Image by Tech4Gamers)
  • Multi-core performance: The Core i7-12700H accumulated 18484 points over the three applications. In response, the Core i7-1255U scored 9906 points. Resultantly, the Core i7-12700H is a whopping 86.5% faster than the Core i7-1255U in our multi-core performance, on average. 
  • Single-core Performance: The gap between the two CPUs is reduced for single-core scores. The Core i7-12700H averaged 2404 points, while the Core i7-1255U averaged 2237 points. Overall, the Core i7-12700H proved to be about 7.4% better in our single-core applications than the Core i7-1255U. The results are ideal for both CPUs. 

Core i7 12700H vs Core i7 1255U – Which CPU Is Better For You?

Intel Core i7 12700H: According to our examinations, the Core i7-12700H is a premium gaming CPU, excelling in multi-core performance. It’s pricier but ideal for gaming enthusiasts due to its gaming-focused design. It has also been observed that laptops with this CPU can vary significantly in price depending on configuration.

Intel Core i7-1255U: As for the Core i7-1255U, we ascertain it to be great for web browsing and light gaming with integrated graphics, part of Intel’s ultra-low-power mobile CPU lineup, offering affordability and decent single-core performance. We deem it ideal for users prioritizing battery life and affordability in laptops.

If you’re looking for high-performance and high-end gaming, we suggest the Core i7-12700H. On the contrary, we advise that you should go for the Core i7-1255U if your workloads involve web browsing and light gaming. Furthermore, the Core i7-1255U laptops are good for tasks like graphic designing and running the Microsoft Office suite.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in cache between the Core i7-12700H and Core i7-1255U?

The Core i7-12700H has more overall L1 and L2 cache than the Core i7-1255U due to its higher core count. It also has double the L3 cache at 24MB.

Which CPU has faster clock speeds among Core i7-12700H and Core i7-1255U?

The Core i7-12700H has faster base clock speeds, with 2.3GHz for the P-cores and 1.7GHz for the E-cores. As for boost clock speeds, both CPUs have the same speed at 4.7GHz (P-cores) and 3.5GHz (E-cores).

Which CPU is better among Core i7-12700H and Core i7-1255U?

The answer depends on your needs. If your needs are gaming and high performance, the Core i7-12700H is the CPU for you. Conversely, if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop for light workloads, the Core i7-1255U should be your choice.


 More From Core i7 12700H:

More From Core i7-1255U:

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