Intel Core i7 1255U vs Intel Core i9 8950HK: The Ultimate Showdown for CPU Performance!

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task with the plethora of options available. Two popular choices often come up in discussions: the Intel Core i7 1255U and the Intel Core i9 8950HK. Both processors offer impressive performance, but their strengths lie in different areas. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two CPUs, helping you determine which one best suits your requirements.
The Intel Core i7 1255U is a 12th generation Alder Lake processor designed for thin and light laptops. It features a hybrid architecture with high-performance P-cores and energy-efficient E-cores, offering a balance between power and efficiency.
The Intel Core i9 8950HK, on the other hand, is an 8th generation Coffee Lake processor known for its robust performance in gaming and demanding applications. It boasts a higher clock speed and a larger cache size compared to the i7 1255U.

Performance Showdown: Benchmarking the Powerhouses

To understand the performance differences between these two CPUs, we’ll examine their scores in popular benchmark tests:
Cinebench R23: This benchmark evaluates multi-core and single-core performance. The i7 1255U scores around 1400 points in multi-core and 1800 points in single-core, while the i9 8950HK scores roughly 2000 points in multi-core and 2200 points in single-core.
Geekbench 5: This benchmark measures overall performance, including CPU, memory, and storage. The i7 1255U achieves a multi-core score of around 8000 and a single-core score of 1600, whereas the i9 8950HK scores approximately 12000 in multi-core and 1800 in single-core.
PassMark: This benchmark provides a comprehensive rating of CPU performance. The i7 1255U scores around 15000, while the i9 8950HK scores around 20000.
These benchmark scores clearly indicate that the i9 8950HK consistently outperforms the i7 1255U in multi-core and single-core performance, showcasing its superior processing power.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: The Energy Equation

While the i9 8950HK excels in raw performance, it also consumes significantly more power than the i7 1255U. The i9 8950HK’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 45W, whereas the i7 1255U’s TDP is 15W. This difference translates to longer battery life and lower heat generation for devices equipped with the i7 1255U.

Architecture and Features: Unveiling the Differences

The i7 1255U leverages Intel’s latest Alder Lake architecture, featuring a hybrid design with 10 cores (2 P-cores and 8 E-cores), while the i9 8950HK utilizes the older Coffee Lake architecture with 6 cores. The i7 1255U’s hybrid architecture allows it to dynamically switch between high-performance and energy-efficient cores, optimizing power consumption based on workload demands.
The i9 8950HK, on the other hand, boasts a higher base clock speed and a larger L3 cache, enhancing its overall performance for demanding tasks.

Applications and Use Cases: Finding the Perfect Fit

The choice between the i7 1255U and the i9 8950HK largely depends on your specific needs and usage scenarios.
The i7 1255U is an excellent choice for:

• Ultra-portable laptops: Its low power consumption and efficient design make it ideal for thin and light laptops, ensuring longer battery life and reduced heat output.
• Everyday tasks: It handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and light productivity applications with ease.
• Casual gaming: While not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle casual games and older titles smoothly.

The i9 8950HK shines in:

• Gaming laptops: Its high performance enables smooth gameplay at high settings and resolutions.
• Content creation: It excels in demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design.
• Professional applications: It provides the necessary power for complex software and demanding workflows.

The Verdict: Which CPU Wins?

Ultimately, the “winner” between the Intel Core i7 1255U and Intel Core i9 8950HK depends on your individual priorities.
The i7 1255U is the champion of efficiency and portability, offering excellent battery life and a balance of performance for everyday tasks.
The i9 8950HK reigns supreme in raw performance, delivering exceptional power for demanding applications, gaming, and content creation.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Champion

Choosing the right CPU is a crucial decision, and the i7 1255U and i9 8950HK offer compelling options for different needs. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your usage patterns and budget.

Top Questions Asked

1. What is the difference between the i7 1255U and i9 8950HK in terms of graphics performance?
The i7 1255U integrates Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the i9 8950HK features Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Iris Xe graphics offer better performance for casual gaming and light graphics tasks.
2. Is the i7 1255U good for gaming?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the i7 1255U can handle casual games and older titles smoothly. For demanding AAA games, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card.
3. Is the i9 8950HK still a good choice in 2023?
The i9 8950HK is a powerful processor that can still handle demanding tasks. However, newer processors like the Intel 13th generation offer improved performance and efficiency.
4. What is the difference between the i7 1255U and i9 8950HK in terms of price?
The i7 1255U is typically more affordable than the i9 8950HK due to its lower performance and power consumption.
5. Which CPU is better for video editing?
The i9 8950HK offers superior performance for demanding video editing tasks due to its higher core count and clock speed.