PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i7-1250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1781. Thermal design power (TDP): 9.5 MB + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 11,305 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-1250U

#243

Core 2 Duo P8700

MSRP: $241|Avg: $85

124%

#244

Core 3 N350

MSRP: $225|Avg: $220

124%

#245

Pentium B980

MSRP: $125|Avg: $35

119%

#246

Core i3-N305

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

117%

#247

Core i7-4700EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $180

113%

#248

Core i7-10850H

MSRP: $395|Avg: N/A

111%

#249

Pentium B950

MSRP: $134|Avg: $35

110%

#250

Pentium B970

MSRP: $125|Avg: $39

106%

#251

Pentium N3710

MSRP: $161|Avg: $50

104%

#252

Pentium 6805

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

104%

#253

Phenom II X2 N640

MSRP: $100|Avg: $55

103%

#254

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

102%

#255

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

102%

#256

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

101%

#257

Core i5-4402E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $100

101%

#258

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

100%

#259

Core i7-9750HF

MSRP: $395|Avg: $395

99%

#260

Celeron 6305

MSRP: $107|Avg: $80

98%

#261

Core i5-7Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $100

97%

#262

Core i3-4100M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $99

96%

#263

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $50

94%

#264

Core 2 Solo SU3300

MSRP: $262|Avg: $50

94%

#265

N200

MSRP: $193|Avg: N/A

92%

#266

Celeron B810

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

92%

#267

Core i7-1365UE

MSRP: $429|Avg: $429

91%

#268

Celeron 7305

MSRP: $128|Avg: $107

89%

#269

Pentium P6000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

86%

#270

Pentium Dual Core T3400

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $89

86%

#271

Core i5-1145GRE

MSRP: $362|Avg: N/A

85%

#272

Core i7-10710U

MSRP: $415|Avg: N/A

84%

#273

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

82%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-1250U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-1250U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-1250U is a 10-core / 12-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.7 GHz from a base frequency of 1.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 11,305, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,600, while multi-core reaches 6,500. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 6,788.

Specification	Core i7-1250U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	10C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Alder Lake-U (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	Intel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80K (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	11,305
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	6,788
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,600
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	6,500

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1250U fits into the FCBGA1781 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-5200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96EU) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-1250U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Alder Lake-M
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1781
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4, DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-5200
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96EU)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	SoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-1250U is primarily designed for Thin and Light Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-1250U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Thin and Light Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-1250U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 9.5 MB + 12 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

Specification	Core i7-1250U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	9.5 MB + 12 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $426, the Core i7-1250U delivers 27 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1222 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-1250U
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$426
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1222
Release DateLaunch date	23 February 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel