CPU Comparison
Apple M3 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M3 is an 8-core, 10-core GPU SoC built on TSMC’s 3 nm process, delivering improved performance and efficiency for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 decode.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy everyday performance with fast app launches and responsive multitasking.
Strong single-threaded performance handles everyday applications smoothly.
Gaming
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Strong battery life in MacBook Air and Pro implementations; 3 nm helps reduce active power relative to workload.
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML workloads
- Media engine includes AV1 decode for efficient video streaming
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Arc Xe-LPG handles larger AI bursts
- Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ray tracing support enables better visuals in supported titles
- Dynamic Caching improves GPU utilization for more consistent frame times
- Single external display limit constrains multi-monitor gaming setups
- Integrated Arc Xe-LPG 112EU handles light gaming
- Not recommended for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming without a discrete GPU
- Limited CPU PCIe lanes may bottleneck high-end discrete GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 3 nm process for improved efficiency
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading
- Dynamic Caching optimizes GPU memory usage
- Strong single-core performance
- Excellent battery life in supported systems
Cons
- Single external display limit in most configurations
- Memory not user-upgradable
- Does not support Thunderbolt 4 on some models
- No Wi-Fi 7 support on current implementations
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Capable Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- Supports modern DDR5-5600 memory
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Only 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Relatively low base clock speed
- Not ideal for heavy gaming without a dGPU
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M3
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Thin-and-Light
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Previous-gen SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Windows on ARM SoC
- Alt
More CPU/GPU cores and increased memory bandwidth for heavier workloads.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Maximum core counts and memory support for professional creator workflows.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop CPU
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop CPU
Offers higher clock speeds and more integrated graphics execution units.
Compare head-to-headBetter raw CPU performance if a discrete GPU is used.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HLAlt
More cores and higher performance for demanding workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A balanced step forward that brings 3 nm efficiency, meaningful GPU features, and strong single-threaded performance to thin-and-light Macs.
Best for: Portable Mac for everyday productivity, light content creation, and student use
Read the full reviewA balanced entry-level Meteor Lake desktop CPU offering solid efficiency and AI capabilities, though not ideal for heavy gaming or extreme multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Building a compact, efficient desktop for office work and AI-assisted applications.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M3 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M3 or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Apple M3 and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (45 W).
Do Apple M3 and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3: Apple Silicon, Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M3 (8 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.