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Intel Core I7 1265U processor
Intel

Intel Core i7-1265U

Expert rating7.7 / 10

Processors (CPUs)View on intel.com
Brand:
Intel
Form Factor:
Laptop
CPU Socket:
BGA 1744 (BGA
Core/Thread Count:
10C/12T
TDP:
15W
iGPU:
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (reduced EU)
CPU Series:
Core i7

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12

Intel Core i7-1265U Review

Intel Core i7-1265U 10-core 12-thread laptop (ultra-low power) processor, 1.8GHz base / 4.8GHz boost, 15W TDP, Alder Lake, BGA 1744 (BGA, soldered) socket

The Intel Core i7-1265U is an ultra-low-power mobile chip for thin-and-light and business laptops prioritizing battery life. Built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, it pairs 10 cores and 12 threads with a 1.8GHz base clock that boosts up to 4.8GHz and Intel Iris Xe Graphics (reduced EU) graphics, all within a 15W envelope.

Performance and Architecture

With 10 cores and 12 threads, the Intel Core i7-1265U is built on Intel's Alder Lake generation, combining Performance-cores and Efficient-cores for a mix of single-thread speed and multi-threaded throughput. Its 1.8GHz base clock boosts up to 4.8GHz, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics (reduced EU) graphics handle everyday display and light content-creation tasks.

Platform and Efficiency

The Intel Core i7-1265U uses the BGA 1744 (BGA, soldered) platform in a 15W envelope, positioned as an ultra-low-power mobile chip for thin-and-light and business laptops prioritizing battery life.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Core i7 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core i7-1265U sits among other Alder Lake parts at the 10-core tier, differentiated mainly by suffix, clock speed, and TDP. Against AMD's Ryzen 7 processors in this catalog, Intel's Core i7 competes on single-thread performance and platform pricing, while against Intel's own Core Ultra 7 parts in this catalog it lacks the on-die NPU but often costs less.

Specifications

Identity

BrandIntel
Product LineCore
Model Numberi7-1265U
CodenameAlder Lake
Release Year2022

Segment and platform

Market SegmentLaptop
MicroarchitectureAlder Lake
SocketBGA 1744 (BGA, soldered)
Socket StatusMature
Process Node10 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores10
Performance Cores2
Efficiency Cores8
Total Threads12
SMT EnabledYes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock1.8 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock4.8 GHz
E-Core Base Clock1.3 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock3.6 GHz

Cache

L3 Cache12 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power15 W
Max Turbo Power55 W
Configurable TDP Floor9 W

Memory

Memory TypeDDR5 or DDR4
Max Memory Speed4800 MT/s
Memory Channels2
Max Memory Capacity64 GB
ECC SupportNo

Graphics and AI

Integrated GraphicsYes
iGPU ModelIntel Iris Xe Graphics
iGPU Compute Units96

Expansion

PCIe GenerationPCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes10

Commercial

Retail AvailabilitySoldered Only
Form FactorLaptop
TDP15 W
iGPUIntel Iris Xe Graphics (reduced EU)

Expert Review

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

Expert rating7.7 / 10

The Intel Core i7-1265U prioritizes battery life and portability, fitting thin business and everyday laptops rather than performance-first designs.

Best for

  • Ultra-thin laptops
  • Business laptops
  • All-day battery life

Not for

  • Gaming laptops
  • Heavy sustained workloads
  • Content creation

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Intel Core i7-1265U?

The Intel Core i7-1265U is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 10, Threads 12, Base Clock 1.8 GHz, Boost Clock 4.8 GHz, L3 Cache 12.

Will the Intel Core i7-1265U work with my current setup?

The Intel Core i7-1265U lists Socket is BGA 1744 (BGA, soldered). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Intel Core i7-1265U best suited to?

It suits ultra-thin laptops, business laptops, all-day battery life.

What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core i7-1265U?

It is a poor fit for gaming laptops, heavy sustained workloads, content creation.

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