Core i5-1230U
Intel
PassMark
10,995
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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 i5-1230U 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 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: 10,995 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-1230U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Delta Force
Fortnite
League of Legends
Minecraft
Monster Hunter Wilds
Once Human
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-1230U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-1230U 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 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 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 10,995, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,625.
| Specification | Core i5-1230U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 10C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 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 | 10,995 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,625 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-1230U fits into the FCBGA1781 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 14 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to LPDDR5-5200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Iris Xe Graphics 80EU — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i5-1230U |
|---|---|
| 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 | 14 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | LPDDR5-5200 |
| 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 | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core i5-1230U is primarily designed for Thin & Light Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 5600U.
| Specification | Core i5-1230U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Thin & 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 |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Ryzen 5 5600U |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-1230U 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: None.
| Specification | Core i5-1230U |
|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | None |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1240 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-1230U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1240 |
| 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 |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Alder Lake-M |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 23 February 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Alder Lake-U (2022) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1240 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 10 |
| Threads | 12 |
| L1 Cache | 80K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 4.4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 1 GHz |
| Efficiency Cores | 8 |
| Performance Cores | 2 |
| Process Technology | Intel 7 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FCBGA1781 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 9.5 MB + 12 MB |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
3 specs
Memory
3 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Core i5-1230U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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