Core i3-12300T vs Core i7-1255U

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.

Core i3-12300T vs Core i7-1255U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-12300T vs Core i7-1255U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-12300T

2022

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1255U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Launch MSRP is still $209 MSRP, while Core i7-1255U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1255U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-1255U

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i3-12300T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,128 vs 13,162).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12300T better than Core i7-1255U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-1255U is ahead with a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-12300T pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-12300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-12300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-12300T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $209 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-1255U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (63.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-1255U is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-12300T vs Core i7-1255U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-12300T

The Core i3-12300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,162 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-1255U

The Core i7-1255U 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 1.7 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: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 13,128 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-12300T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-1255U offers 10 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-1255U has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-12300T versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1255U — a 11.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-1255U (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-12300T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-1255U uses Alder Lake-U (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12300T scores 13,162 against the Core i7-1255U's 13,128 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-12300T. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-12300T	Core i7-1255U
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	10 / 12+150%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+35%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Alder Lake-U (2022)
PassMark	13,162	13,128
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,809

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-12300T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-1255U uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-12300T	Core i7-1255U
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-12300T) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1255U). The Core i7-1255U includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i3-12300T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1255U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1255U rivals Ryzen 7 6800U.