Core i5-1245U
CPU·Entry

Core i5-1245U

Intel

PassMark

12,964

23 February 2022 (3 years ago)
15 Watt
Alder Lake-U (2022)

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 i5-1245U 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 1.6 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: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 12,964 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-1245U is positioned at rank #535 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i5-1245U

#169
Core i7-1280P
MSRP: $482|Avg: $482
99%
#522
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
699%
#523
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
689%
#524
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
633%
#525
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
630%
#526
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
624%
#528
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
603%
#529
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
578%
#530
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
577%
#531
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
561%
#535
Core i5-1245U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#548
Celeron Dual-Core T1500
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $49
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-1245U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-1245U 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 1.6 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 12,964, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,150.

SpecificationCore i5-1245U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units10C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAlder Lake-U (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficientIntel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache80K (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score12,964
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,150
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1245U fits into the FCBGA1744 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 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.

SpecificationCore i5-1245U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Alder Lake-M
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1744
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion20
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4, DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyLPDDR5-5200
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIris Xe Graphics 80EU
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core i5-1245U is primarily designed for Business 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 PRO 6650U.

SpecificationCore i5-1245U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBusiness Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 5 PRO 6650U
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-1245U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — 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.

SpecificationCore i5-1245U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #535 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1145 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-1245U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#535
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1145
Release DateLaunch date23 February 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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