CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1305U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1305U is a 5-core (1P+4E), 6-thread mobile processor with UHD Graphics 64EU, designed for thin-and-light laptops requiring basic computing capability with extended battery life.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office work, web browsing, and document editing without issues. Multi-tab browsing with many heavy sites may show some sluggishness.
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual games at low resolutions but anything beyond that will struggle significantly.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
With only 6 threads, virtualization is impractical for anything beyond the simplest test VMs.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Efficiency
15W base power with 12W minimum makes this highly efficient for battery-powered laptops, enabling all-day battery life in well-designed chassis.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Single P-core severely limits CPU inference
- Not suitable for any meaningful AI workload
- 11 TOPS NPU included
- Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- Not for heavy AI generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU is insufficient for modern 3D games
- Single P-core limits CPU-side game performance
- Suitable only for 2D and casual browser games
- 48EU graphics is entry-level
- Fine for browser games
- Not suitable for modern 3D titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very low 15W power consumption for long battery life
- Supports four memory types for OEM flexibility
- Hardware video decoding for efficient media playback
- Compact BGA 1744 package enables thin laptop designs
- Low cost enables affordable laptop pricing
Cons
- Only 1 P-core severely limits single-threaded burst duration
- Only 6 total threads are below modern expectations
- No Hyper-Threading on E-cores
- 10MB L3 cache is smaller than other Raptor Lake-U parts
- PCIe limited to Gen 4 with only 8 CPU lanes
- Not suitable for anything beyond basic computing tasks
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Good burst performance for daily tasks
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
- Affordable entry to Core Ultra
Cons
- Low core count limits multitasking
- Only 48EU graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5 support
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1305U
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520URival
Budget Mobile
- Apple M2 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1315URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon Gold 7220URival
Entry Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1335UAlt
2P+8E configuration offers dramatically better multi-threaded performance if budget allows.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530UAlt
6 cores and 12 threads provide much better long-term usability.
Previous generation with similar 2P+4E configuration may offer better value if priced lower.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
More E-Cores and better graphics for a small price bump.
Compare head-to-headOlder Raptor Lake architecture but similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1334UAlt
Cheaper, older generation alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7440UAlt
Competitive budget alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
An entry-level mobile chip that prioritizes power efficiency over performance. The unusual 1P+4E configuration makes it adequate for basic tasks but limits its capability for anything beyond everyday computing.
Best for: Only if found in a very inexpensive laptop for strictly basic use cases like web browsing and document editing.
Read the full reviewA solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1305U or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i3-1305U or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i3-1305U and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U.
Do Intel Core i3-1305U and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1305U: BGA 1744, Intel Core Ultra 5 115U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1305U (5 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (8 cores).