CPU Comparison
Intel Core 7 150UL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 7 150UL is a highly efficient 10-core processor from the Raptor Lake-PS family, featuring a 15 W base TDP, 2 Performance-cores, 8 Efficient-cores, and integrated Iris Xe Graphics, designed specifically for ultra-compact and low-power desktop form factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, and light multitasking, but heavily threaded tasks will be slow due to the 15W limit.
Good for standard office applications and web tasks.
Gaming
The integrated 96EU Iris Xe can handle older or esports titles at low settings, but it is not built for modern AAA gaming.
Not intended for modern gaming.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Can run light VMs, but limited by core clock speeds.
Efficiency
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Outstanding efficiency for 24/7 low-power operation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
- NPU is highly beneficial for edge AI
- 11 TOPS is sufficient for vision models
- Low power AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Not built for gaming
- Graphics clocked lower than mobile H-series
- Fine for 2D indie titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Extremely low power consumption
- Socketed design allows for upgrades
- Integrated NPU for edge AI
- 64EU Arc graphics for multi-display
- Excellent for silent PC builds
Cons
- Low base clock speeds
- Not suitable for gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Overkill for basic office tasks if budget is tight
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GERival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 135ULRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400TRival
Desktop
- Intel N100Alt
Much cheaper for basic tasks, though no NPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Older but proven budget mini-PC option.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA highly efficient socketed desktop CPU perfect for SFF builds and edge devices, though not for gaming or heavy workloads.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 125UL is not intended for standard consumer desktop builds, and its value proposition is highly specific. If you are building a home server, a plex media server, a fanless mini-PC, or an edge computing node, the 125UL is an outstanding choice. Its 12W minimum TDP allows for completely silent operation, while the 64EU iGPU excels at hardware transcoding. The NPU is a significant bonus for localized AI inference in IoT applications. However, for a standard gaming or productivity desktop, this processor is a poor choice due to its low base clock and constrained power limits compared to standard desktop CPUs. Ensure your use case demands low power and edge AI before investing in the 125UL on the LGA 1851 platform.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 7 150UL or Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL 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, Intel Core 7 150UL or Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core 7 150UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL.
Do Intel Core 7 150UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 7 150UL (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL (12 cores).