CPU Comparison
Intel Core 7 150UL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL
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.
Snappy office performance due to higher turbo clocks.
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 3D gaming.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Capable of light server duties but limited by power.
Efficiency
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Exceptional power-to-performance ratio for edge computing.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
- NPU ideal for smart retail
- 11 TOPS for vision models
- Low power AI processing
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
- 64EU graphics is enough for display out
- Not for gaming
- Good hardware media decode
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
- Excellent low-power operation
- Higher turbo clocks than 125UL
- Integrated NPU for AI
- Socketed LGA 1851 design
- Good for silent PC builds
Cons
- Not for gaming
- Limited PCIe lanes
- Locked multiplier
- Low base clock speeds
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 135UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GERival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125ULRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400TRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Proven AM4 mini-PC option.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 165ULAlt
More cores for heavier edge workloads.
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 strong low-power desktop CPU offering slightly better burst performance than the 125UL, ideal for SFF and edge AI.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135UL is an excellent processor for niche desktop applications requiring low power consumption and integrated AI capabilities. If you are constructing a small form factor PC for a home theater, a network appliance, or a lightweight office machine that runs 24/7, the 135UL provides a perfect balance of adequate performance and minimal heat output. The slight clock speed increase over the 125UL makes it better suited for occasional heavier tasks like photo organization or local AI testing. However, for mainstream gaming or heavy content creation, this processor will bottleneck performance. Choose the 135UL only if your primary goals are silence, continuous operation, and edge AI functionality rather than raw desktop performance or gaming frame rates.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 7 150UL or Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 135UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core 7 150UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL.
Do Intel Core 7 150UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 7 150UL (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (12 cores).