Core i7-1260P Vs Intel Core i7-1255U: We Tested Both

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Shehryar Khan

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Intel’s Hybrid Core architecture did wonders for them as their 12th Gen lineup provided comprehensive performance improvements over the 11th Gen CPUs. In this article, I’ll compare the Core i7-1260P vs Core i7-1255U. The former is rated “P” for power efficiency, while the latter is rated “U” for ultra-power efficiency, and I’ll focus on finding the better one for you.

Key Takeaways

• To start, the Core i7-1260P performed 26.3% better in multi-core applications and was 5.2% faster in single-core applications.
• The Core i7-1260P proved 8.8% more power-consuming under load than the Core i7-1255U.
• Price-wise, the Core i7-1260P laptops range from $681-$4909, while the Core i7-1255U laptops cost between $489 and $4629. Overall, the Core i7-1255U has more value than the Core i7-1260P.

Comparison Table

Let’s compare the specifications of the two CPUs to trace the similarities and differences.

Also Learn: PC Chipsets Explained

Architectural Differences

1. Core/Thread Counts: Starting off, the Core i7-1260P has 12 cores with 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores. The Core i7-1255U halves the number of P-cores, totaling 10 cores. As for the thread counts, the Core i7-1260P has 16 while the Core i7-1255U has 12.
2. Clock Speeds: The Core i7-1260P boasts higher base frequencies, with 2.1GHz for the P-cores and 1.5GHz for the E-cores. In contrast, the Core i7-1255U clocks 1.7GHz on the P-cores and 1.2GHz on the E-cores. As for boost frequencies, the Core i7-1255U adds an extra 100MHz to the E-core frequency, equaling 3.5GHz.
3. Cache: Although both CPUs have the same L1 and L2 cache per core capacities, the Core i7-1260P has more overall cache (1.1MB L1, 10MB L2). This is because it has two extra cores. As for the L3 cache, the Core i7-1260P has an 18MB pool compared to the 12MB of the Core i7-1255U.
4. TDP: The Core i7-1255U is more power-efficient, as evident by the U suffix. It has a configurable base TDP of 12-15 watts compared to 20-28 watts of the Core i7-1260P. Additionally, it can draw up to 55 watts on boost frequencies, while the Core i7-1260P can draw as much as 64 watts.

Similar Article: Core i7-12700H Vs Core i7-1255U

Performance: Core i7-1260P Vs Core i7-1255U

Next, here are the performance benchmarks for the two CPUs.

Cinebench R23

• The Core i7-1260P started proceedings with a win in the Cinebench R23 test. It scored 9746 points compared to 8342 scored by the Core i7-1255U.
• In the single-core test, the Core i7-1260P scored 1745 points, 4.8% ahead of the Intel Core i7-1255U.

Geekbench 5

• The next test is Geekbench 5, in which the Core i7-1260P accumulated 9214 multi-core points. In response, the Core i7-1255U scored 7402 points.
• Moving on to the single-core scores, the Core i7-1255U has another narrow win with 1779 points over 1655 points of its rival.

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Geekbench 6

• In Geekbench 6, the Core i7-1260P continues its dominance with 9648 points in the multi-core test. The Intel Core i7-1255U only managed 6662 points, trailing by 44.8%.
• As for the single-core benchmark, the Core i7-1260P recorded 2271 points compared to 1993 of the Core i5-1255U. 

Passmark

• The next test is Passmark, in which the Core i7-1260P notched up 17282 multi-core points. In comparison, the Core i7-1255U scored 13905 points, 24.2% behind.
• Here, the Core i7-1255U took the lead with 3382 single-core points, leading by nearly 1%.

Another Comparison: Core i7-1255U Vs Core i7-1165G7

Summing Up The Multi-Core And Single-Core Performance

Let’s look at the average multi-core and single-core scores across the four tests.

• Multi-core Performance: The Intel Core i7-1260P averaged 11472 points compared to 9077 points across the four tests. Thus, on average, the Core i7-1260P is 26.3% faster in multi-core applications. 
• Single-core Performance: In the single-core tests, the Core i7-1260P averaged 2286 points whereas the Core i7-1255U averaged 2173 points. This makes the Core i7-1260P roughly 5.2% faster than the Core i7-1255U in single-core applications.

Learn: How To Benchmark Your Gaming PC/Laptop

Average Power Consumption

Here’s a look at the average power consumption figures at idle and under load. 

Reminder: Regarding base TDP, the Core i7-1260P is rated at 20-28 watts, while the Core i7-1255U is rated at 12-15W. As for boost power draw, the Core i7-1260P is rated 64 watts over 55 watts of the Core i7-1255U.

• Idle power consumption: On average, the Core i7-1260P consumed 7 watts while the Intel Core i5-1255U used 6.2 watts.
• Load power consumption: During the Cinebench R15 multi-core stress test, the Core i7-1260P averaged 60.5 watts while the averaged 55.6 watts. So, the Core i7-1255U is approximately 8.8% more power-efficient under loads.
• The Intel Core i7-1255U used 0.6 watts more than it was rated for, while the Core i7-1260P remained under its boost TDP rating.

Read: How To Lower CPU Temperature

Laptop Prices 

Next, we’ll go over the laptop prices for the two CPUs.

• Core i7-1260P: Firstly, you can land a Core i7-1260P laptop for as little as $681. If you’re looking for top-selling laptops, your range should be between $824 and $1899. Lastly, if you’re looking for the most premium options, expect to pay up to $4909.
• Core i7-1255U: As for the Core i7-1255U, entry-level laptops start at $489, while the best-sellers are in the $619-$1100 bracket. The most expensive Intel Core i7-1255U laptops can cost a maximum of $4909.

Better Value: Core i7-1255U Vs Core i7-1260P

We can now determine the better value CPU. The Core i7-1260P performed 26.3% faster in multi-core tests and 5.2% in single-core tests. Regarding the price difference, entry-level Core i7-1260P laptops cost 39.2% more than Core i7-1255U laptops. On top of this price difference, the Intel Core i7-1260P consumed 8.8% more power under stress. 

As the price difference is bigger than the performance difference, and the Core i7-1260P also consumes more power, we conclude that the Core i7-1255U is the better CPU regarding value.

Also Check: How Much Is My PC Worth?

Final Thoughts 

You have reached the end of this Core i7-1260P vs Core i7-1255U comparison. After thoroughly comparing the two CPUs, I’ve found that the Core i7-1260P is better performance-wise. However, the Core i7-1255U unarguably provides better value than the Core i7-1255U. 

The Core i7-1260P has two extra P-cores and better clock speeds, giving it better multi-core performance. However, there is little difference between the two CPUs in terms of single-core performance. In the end, the Intel Core i7-1260P costs too much in comparison, making it the unideal choice in this comparison.

I hope this guide has been helpful. Similarly, if you’re looking to build a PC, check out this guide.

Pros And Cons 

Pros And Cons: Core i7-1260P vs Core i7-1255U

Shehryar Khan

[Comparisons Expert]

Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.

Get In Touch: shehryar@old.tech4gamers.com