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Intel Core 5 120U vs Intel Core i5-1235U: Comparison
Core 5 120U vs Core i5-1235U: the p-core boost clock difference
They are built to different briefs, and p-core boost clock shows it, Core 5 120U 4.7 GHz against Core i5-1235U 4.4 GHz.
Core 5 120U vs Core i5-1235U: which one fits your build
The Core 5 120U is the one to take for affordable everyday and business thin-and-light laptops and office work, browsing, video calls and streaming, though it is the wrong buy for gaming beyond older or light titles at low settings and AI features that need an NPU, since it has none. It is equally the pick for buyers who want a quick, simple laptop without paying for AI features. It is the wrong buy for heavy video rendering or code compiling, where H-series chips finish sooner. The Core i5-1235U suits budget, business and refurbished thin-and-light laptops and office work, browsing, video calls and streaming, though it is not built for gaming beyond older or light titles at low settings. Avoid it for heavy video rendering or code compiling, where H-series chips finish sooner. Our rating of the Core 5 120U (7.7/10): the Intel Core 5 120U prioritizes battery life and portability, fitting thin business and everyday laptops. Our rating of the Core i5-1235U (7.7/10): the Intel Core i5-1235U prioritizes battery life and portability, fitting thin business and everyday laptops.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and tdp read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 9 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core 5 120U and Core i5-1235U differ on p-core base clock?
Yes. P-Core Base Clock reads 1.4 GHz on the Core 5 120U versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i5-1235U.
Is the L3 Cache the same on the Core 5 120U and Core i5-1235U?
It is. Both are listed at 12 MB, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Laptop
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Laptop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 2024
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 2022
TDP
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 15 W
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 15 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Laptop
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Laptop
Socket
- Intel Core 5 120U
- BGA 1744
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- BGA 1744
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 10
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 10
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 2
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 2
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 8
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 8
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 12
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 12
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Yes
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 1.4 GHz
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 1.3 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 4.7 GHz
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 4.4 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 12 MB
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 12 MB
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 15 W
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 15 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core 5 120U
- 55 W
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- 55 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 120U
- DDR5, DDR4, LPDDR5, LPDDR5x, LPDDR4x
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- DDR5, DDR4, LPDDR5, LPDDR4x
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 120U
- Yes
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 120U if you want the higher L3 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose 1235U if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U
7.7 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 5 120U prioritizes battery life and portability, fitting thin business and everyday laptops.
Intel Core i5-1235U
7.7 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i5-1235U prioritizes battery life and portability, fitting thin business and everyday laptops.