CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-13700T vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-13700T is a specialized low-power desktop processor engineered for users who prioritize energy efficiency without heavily compromising multi-threaded capabilities. Released on January 4th, 2023, this 13th Generation Raptor Lake chip features a hybrid architecture combining 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, totaling 16 cores and 24 threads. With a remarkably low base power consumption of just 35 watts, it is uniquely positioned for small form factor builds, home servers, and office environments where thermal constraints are a primary concern. Despite its low TDP, the processor can boost up to 4.9 GHz, delivering snappy single-threaded performance for everyday tasks and moderate content creation. It includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, supporting basic display outputs and media decode. Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory across Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards, the i7-13700T provides a versatile and power-efficient solution for compact computing setups.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded performance for its power class.
Strong single-threaded performance handles everyday applications smoothly.
Gaming
Capable of 60fps gaming, but lower clocks limit high-refresh-rate performance.
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Capable of CPU inference but constrained by power limits.
- 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
- Suitable for 1440p gaming with a mid-range GPU.
- Thermal throttling can occur in tiny cases.
- 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 base power
- 16 cores and 24 threads
- Excellent for SFF builds
- Unlocked multiplier
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
Cons
- Lower base and boost clocks
- Price premium for low-power binning
- PL2 of 106W still requires decent cooling
- Harder to find in retail
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 i7-13700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13500TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-12700TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
Better value and higher performance if power limits are not strict.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Higher multi-core performance with good efficiency.
Slightly higher base clocks for embedded applications.
Compare head-to-head- Intel NUC 13 ExtremeAlt
Pre-built compact system using similar architecture.
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
An impressively efficient 16-core processor that brings desktop-class multitasking to thermally constrained environments, though its premium price limits mainstream appeal.
Best for: Building a Small Form Factor PC or home server
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 i7-13700T or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13700T 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 i7-13700T or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13700T leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-13700T and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-13700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-13700T (35 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-13700T and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-13700T: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13700T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-13700T (16 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-13700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13700T (22,000), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.