CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core 7 150UL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 120UL is a 10-core, 12-thread Raptor Lake-PS processor designed for embedded and edge devices that require LGA1700 socketed compatibility, low sustained power, and capable integrated graphics. It pairs 2 performance cores (P-cores) with 8 efficiency cores (E-cores), runs at up to 4.6 GHz boost, and offers dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory alongside modern I/O including PCIe 4.0 from the CPU and Gen 3 from the PCH.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
With 12 threads and 4.6 GHz boost, everyday office tasks feel snappy; heavy multi-core workloads are constrained by 15 W base power.
Adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, and light multitasking, but heavily threaded tasks will be slow due to the 15W limit.
Gaming
The 15 W PL1 and 80 EU iGPU limit high-refresh gaming; the chip is acceptable for casual or legacy titles at low-to-mid settings, but not a gaming solution.
The integrated 96EU Iris Xe can handle older or esports titles at low settings, but it is not built for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
Can run a few lightweight VMs, but limited PCIe lanes and 15 W PL1 make it unsuitable for dense virtualization.
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency per watt at 15 W base and 12 W minimum assured; well-suited to always-on edge devices.
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DL Boost (VNNI) is present for CPU-based inference, and GNA 3.0 is integrated for low-power audio/sensor AI tasks.
- No dedicated NPU; heavy local AI workloads (LLM inference, large vision models) are better handled on GPUs or higher-end platforms.
- Suitable for lightweight classification and edge inference scenarios common in retail and industrial IoT.
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with 1.25 GHz max dynamic frequency is sufficient for eSports at low settings or older titles.
- No PCIe 5.0 or wide x16 Gen4 lanes for high-end dGPUs; only 20 total lanes and 15 W PL1 limit gaming.
- Expect playable frame rates in lightweight titles; for serious gaming, a higher-TDP CPU and dedicated GPU are needed.
- Relies entirely on integrated Iris Xe graphics
- Playable frame rates only in lightweight esports titles
- Modern AAA games will struggle significantly even at 720p low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 10 cores (2P+8E) with 12 threads in a low-power 15 W envelope.
- LGA1700 socket enables modular, serviceable embedded designs.
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with AV1 decode and multiple modern display outputs.
- Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support up to 96 GB.
- Low 12 W minimum assured power supports fanless or small-cooler designs.
- Thunderbolt 4 support for flexible I/O in edge devices.
Cons
- Only 20 total PCIe lanes limit expansion and high-bandwidth configurations.
- 15 W PL1 constrains sustained multi-core performance vs desktop 65 W parts.
- Locked multiplier; not suitable for overclocking.
- No NPU, so AI offload is limited to CPU/GNA.
- Targeted at embedded/edge; poor value for gaming or enthusiast desktop builds.
Pros
- Extremely low 15W power consumption
- Capable 96EU Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well for its tier
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Operates with minimal cooling requirements
Cons
- Severely limited 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Low base clock of 1.7 GHz
- Not suitable for modern gaming or heavy workloads
- Locked multiplier prevents any performance tuning
- Highly niche product with limited motherboard options
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 5 120UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- Intel Core Ultra 3 105ULRival
Next-gen Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core 5 130ULRival
Embedded (Higher clocks)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100Rival
Entry Desktop (non-embedded)
- Intel Core i3-12100 (LGA1700)Alt
Higher base power and more headroom for desktop/gaming use cases; lacks E-cores but offers better sustained throughput.
- Intel Core i5-12400 (LGA1700)Alt
Six P-cores with higher TDP provide better multi-core performance for general desktop workloads at a modest price premium.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (AM4)Alt
Strong integrated graphics and higher multi-core performance for small-form-factor desktops, though not embedded-focused.
Intel Core 7 150UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 3 8300GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Efficient Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
A much faster standard 65W desktop CPU if your case allows a slightly larger cooler.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Excellent budget alternative with strong multi-threaded performance and capable iGPU.
Delivers superior single-core gaming performance at a very low price point.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced embedded SKU for LGA1700 deployments that need more threads and better graphics than traditional embedded chips, with low 15 W base power and 55 W turbo. Not intended for gaming or heavy creator workloads; best in edge appliances, thin clients, and signage where efficiency and integrated graphics matter.
Best for: Building or refreshing embedded appliances, POS terminals, digital signage players, or thin clients that benefit from LGA1700 socketed convenience, 10 cores, and integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewThe Core 7 150UL excels in power efficiency rather than raw performance, making it a niche but solid choice for ultra-small form factor desktops where thermal and power limits are strictly enforced.
Best for: Building a completely silent, ultra-compact mini-PC or small form factor desktop where absolute minimal power draw and heat output are the primary design constraints.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 120UL or Intel Core 7 150UL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 5 120UL comes out ahead with a score of 7.6/10. 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, Intel Core 5 120UL or Intel Core 7 150UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core 7 150UL leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core 7 150UL.
Do Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core 7 150UL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 5 120UL: FCLGA1700 (LGA1700), Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.