CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700T vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700T is a low-power desktop processor from the Rocket Lake-S family, released in March 2021. Featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, it is built on a 14nm process and designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs where thermal and power constraints are critical. With a base clock of just 1.4 GHz and a max turbo of 4.6 GHz, it operates at a strict 35W TDP. Despite the low power limit, it includes 16 MB of L3 cache and supports PCIe 4.0 with 20 lanes. It also features integrated UHD Graphics 750, making it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU. The 11700T is ideal for office environments, HTPCs, and compact builds that require reliable multi-threaded performance without the heat output of standard 65W or 125W desktop chips.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and moderate compilation well, but slows down in sustained all-core workloads.
Strong single-threaded performance handles everyday applications smoothly.
Gaming
The low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-heavy games unless the turbo is aggressively sustained.
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
8 cores are nice, but power limits throttle heavy VM deployments.
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency, drawing minimal power at idle and under load.
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Not suitable for heavy AI workloads due to power throttling
- 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
- Low base clock affects minimum FPS
- Fine for casual or older games
- Pair with a low-power GPU for best results
- 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
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Includes 8 cores and 16 threads
- Built-in UHD 750 graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
Cons
- Very low base clock of 1.4 GHz
- End-of-life platform
- Overpriced compared to 65W variants
- Throttles quickly under sustained load
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
Intel Core i7-11700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
Newer architecture with better efficiency and performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better gaming performance and upgrade path.
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
Great for specialized SFF builds needing 8 cores at 35W, but the low base clock heavily limits out-of-the-box performance compared to 65W parts.
Best for: Building a PC inside a severely thermally constrained Mini-ITX case.
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, Intel Core i7-11700T or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL 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 uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11700T (35 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11700T and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700T: LGA 1200, 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: Intel Core i7-11700T (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.