CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is a highly versatile mobile processor introduced in December 2023 as part of the inaugural Meteor Lake lineup. Designed to bridge the gap between performance and efficiency, it features a unique 14-core hybrid architecture. This includes 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 Low-Power E-cores (LP E-cores), totaling 18 processing threads. Operating at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.5 GHz, it provides robust computational power for thin-and-light laptops. The processor is built on Intel's 7nm process for the compute tile, supplemented by TSMC N6 and N5 nodes for the SOC and graphics tiles. It introduces an integrated NPU delivering 11 TOPS, marking Intel’s first major step into AI acceleration on mobile platforms. With a 28W base TDP and a maximum power draw of 115W, the 125H balances aggressive burst performance with the thermal constraints of premium ultraportables, making it a well-rounded chip for creators and professionals.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy office workloads and compilation effortlessly.
Snappy application launching and smooth multitasking for office workloads.
Gaming
Performs well in esports and older AAA titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96 EU graphics.
Capable of running esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings.
Virtualization
18 threads provide ample resources for running development VMs and containers.
Can handle light virtualization tasks, though limited by core count.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for a 28W part, though not as battery-friendly as Lunar Lake.
Exceptional power efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and disaggregated tiles.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 11 TOPS NPU is suitable for background AI tasks
- Does not meet Copilot+ PC 40 TOPS requirement
- AI workloads are shared between CPU, GPU, and NPU
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Supports OpenVINO
- Reduces CPU/GPU load during video calls
Content Creation
Gaming
- 96 EU Arc graphics are a massive step up from older Iris Xe
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Can play most modern games at 1080p low/medium settings
- Arc Xe-LPG 64EU handles older titles well
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not suitable for AAA gaming at high settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent 14-core hybrid performance
- Strong integrated Arc graphics
- Good balance of power and efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR5x memory
- Includes dedicated NPU for AI
Cons
- NPU is relatively weak compared to Lunar Lake
- Can run warm under sustained loads
- Not a Copilot+ PC compliant chip
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Improved Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores extend standby time
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
Cons
- Limited PCIe lanes (12)
- No PCIe Gen 5 support on this model
- Multiplier is locked
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840HSRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640HSRival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 125UAlt
A more power-efficient alternative for users prioritizing battery life over raw performance.
- Snapdragon X EliteAlt
An ARM-based alternative offering exceptional battery life and AI performance.
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
Slightly lower clocks for better battery life.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Strong competitor with RDNA 3 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-1340PAlt
Older architecture but higher base wattage.
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840UAlt
Better dedicated AI engine performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced mobile processor that successfully combines strong CPU performance with capable integrated graphics and an entry-level NPU for AI workloads.
Best for: Performance thin-and-light laptop for mixed productivity and gaming
Read the full reviewA well-balanced thin-and-light processor offering excellent battery life, capable integrated graphics, and forward-looking NPU technology.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135U is an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and battery life without sacrificing everyday responsiveness. If you are in the market for a thin-and-light laptop for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, this processor offers a compelling balance. The inclusion of an NPU ensures future-proofing for upcoming Windows AI features. However, if your workflow involves heavy sustained multi-threaded rendering or high-end gaming, you should look for laptops equipped with higher-wattage H-series processors or dedicated GPUs. For the everyday professional and student, the 135U provides more than enough performance while ensuring all-day battery life.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (15 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2049 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.