Intel

Intel Core 5 220U

Brand:: Intel
Form Factor:: Laptop
CPU Socket:: FCBGA1744
Core/Thread Count:: 10C/12T
TDP:: 15W
iGPU:: Intel Graphics
CPU Series:: Intel Core Series 2

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated:

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Intel Core 5 220U Review

Intel Core 5 220U laptop processor: 10 cores (2P + 8E), 12 threads, up to 5.0 GHz, 12 MB cache, Intel Graphics with 80 EUs, no NPU, 15 W base power, 55 W max turbo, Intel 7, Raptor Lake, Core Series 2.

The Intel Core 5 220U is a 10-core, 12-thread laptop processor from Intel's Core Series 2 lineup, launched in early 2025. It boosts up to 5.0 GHz, has 12 MB of cache and Intel Graphics with 80 execution units, all in a 15 W base power envelope, and it has no NPU. You will find it in budget business and student laptops, soldered to the board rather than sold as a boxed chip.

What the Core 5 220U is

The Core 5 220U is a low-power laptop chip built on Intel's Raptor Lake design and the Intel 7 process. It uses the same core layout as the Core 5 120U: 2 performance cores and 8 efficient cores, 12 threads in total, with the performance cores boosting up to 5.0 GHz. It is soldered to the motherboard, so you choose it by choosing the laptop. It supports DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR5/x-6400 or LPDDR4x-4267 memory in two channels, up to 96 GB, plus Thunderbolt 4.

Performance in everyday use

With 2 performance cores and 8 efficient cores, the 220U handles browsing, office apps, video calls and streaming comfortably. The efficient cores take care of background work so the fast cores stay free for what you are doing. Long video exports, big code builds and heavy multitasking take longer than on H-series chips with more performance cores. Intel rates it at 15 W base power with bursts up to 55 W, so a laptop with better cooling will hold its speed longer.

Graphics

The integrated Intel Graphics has 80 execution units running at up to 1.3 GHz and drives up to 4 displays, including 8K over DisplayPort. That covers 4K video, office work across several screens and light photo editing. Games are limited to older or lighter titles at low settings. There is no NPU on this chip, so AI features such as Windows Studio Effects run on the CPU or GPU instead, and it cannot meet the 40 TOPS NPU requirement for Copilot+ PC features.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Core 5 220U is a close relative of the Core 5 120U, with the same 10-core Raptor Lake layout and no NPU, so treat them as near equals. The older Core i5-1334U is also a 10-core U-series chip from the same family. The Core Ultra 5 225U costs a little more but adds a 12 TOPS NPU and a newer process. AMD's Ryzen 5 230 and Ryzen 5 7530U are the rivals you will see at similar prices, with 6 full-size cores and 12 threads. The comparison pages below show each spec side by side.

Should you buy a laptop with it?

Yes, if the price is right and you need a dependable laptop for school, office work and browsing. The chip itself is proven but not new, so the laptop's memory, screen and battery matter more than the processor badge. Look for at least 16 GB of dual-channel memory. If you want AI features, Copilot+ support or better integrated graphics, step up to a Core Ultra or Ryzen AI laptop instead.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

Budget student and office laptops
Browsing, documents, video calls and streaming
Buyers who want a proven chip at a lower price

Not for

Heavy video editing, rendering or large code builds
Gaming beyond older or light titles at low settings
Copilot+ PC and on-device AI features, since it has no NPU

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Intel
Product Line	Core 5
Model Number	220U
Codename	Raptor Lake
Release Year	2025

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Laptop
Microarchitecture	Raptor Lake
Socket	FCBGA1744
Process Node	7 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores	10
Performance Cores	2
Efficiency Cores	8
Total Threads	12
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	1.4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	5.0 GHz
E-Core Base Clock	0.9 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock	3.8 GHz
Unlocked Multiplier	No

Cache

L3 Cache	12 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	15 W
Max Turbo Power	55 W
Max Operating Temp	100 C

Memory

Memory Type	DDR5, DDR4, LPDDR5/X, LPDDR4X
Max Memory Speed	6400 MT/s
Memory Channels	2
Max Memory Capacity	96 GB
ECC Support	No

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	Yes
iGPU Model	Intel Graphics
NPU Peak TOPS	None
Copilot Plus Certified	No

Expansion

PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes	20

Commercial

Retail Availability	Soldered Only

Form Factor	Laptop
TDP	15 W
iGPU	Intel Graphics

FAQs

Is the Intel Core 5 220U good for a laptop?

Yes, for everyday use. Its 10 cores handle browsing, office apps, video calls and streaming well at low power. It is not meant for heavy rendering or modern games.

Is the Core 5 220U a desktop or laptop processor?

It is a laptop processor. It is soldered to the laptop motherboard and is not sold as a boxed CPU, so you cannot buy it on its own or swap it later.

What is the difference between the Core 5 220U and the Core 5 120U?

Very little. Both are Raptor Lake chips with 2 performance cores, 8 efficient cores and 12 threads, built on Intel 7 with no NPU. The 220U is part of Intel's Core Series 2 naming, so treat the two as near equals.

Does the Core 5 220U have an NPU or support Copilot+ PC features?

No. It has no NPU, and Copilot+ features need an NPU rated at 40 TOPS or more. For those, look at Core Ultra 200V, Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI laptops.

Can the Core 5 220U play games?

Only light and older games. Its Intel Graphics with 80 execution units runs esports and older titles at low settings, best with dual-channel memory. For modern games, choose a laptop with a dedicated GPU.