CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
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.
Adequate for office work, web browsing, and light productivity. The 16GB memory cap is the main limitation for heavier multitasking or content creation.
Gaming
Performs well in esports and older AAA titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96 EU graphics.
The Arc 130V iGPU handles casual and older games at 720p/1080p low, but this is not a gaming chip. The 4.5 GHz boost and 16GB memory limit further constrain gaming potential.
Virtualization
18 threads provide ample resources for running development VMs and containers.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for a 28W part, though not as battery-friendly as Lunar Lake.
Exceptional performance-per-watt. The 17W TDP with on-package memory eliminates a major power consumer, enabling 15+ hours of real-world battery life in well-designed laptops.
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
- 40 TOPS NPU 4 meets Microsoft's Copilot+ PC threshold
- Can run small language models locally
- Windows Studio Effects run entirely on NPU
- DLBoost 4.0 adds CPU-based AI acceleration
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 130V can handle eSports titles at playable frame rates
- 16GB memory limit restricts modern AAA game performance
- 4.5 GHz boost is lower than the 236V/238V's 4.7 GHz
- Not designed or marketed as a gaming processor
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
- Exceptional battery life from 17W TDP
- 40 TOPS NPU 4 for AI features
- On-package memory reduces latency and power
- Arc 130V iGPU is a significant leap over Iris Xe
- Thin-and-light form factor enablement
Cons
- 16GB memory is soldered and not upgradeable
- 4.5 GHz boost is the lowest in the V-series
- Limited PCIe lanes restrict expandability
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
- BGA package means the entire laptop must be replaced to upgrade
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 226V
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Ultra-Portable Laptop
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 360Rival
Copilot+ PC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
ARM Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Budget Ultra-Portable
Same 16GB memory but with a higher 4.7 GHz boost for better performance in the same laptop category.
Compare head-to-headSame 4.5 GHz boost but with 32GB memory if you need more RAM for multitasking.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M3 MacBook AirAlt
Superior battery life and integrated software ecosystem, though at a higher price point.
More cores (14 vs 8) and upgradeable memory if you can accept a thicker, heavier laptop.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewAn excellent choice for ultra-thin laptops where battery life is the top priority. The 16GB memory limit and 4.5 GHz boost cap its potential for heavier workloads, but for everyday mobility, it delivers exceptional efficiency.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin, lightweight laptop where battery life and portability are the primary concerns, and your workload is limited to web, office, and light creative tasks.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 5 226V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 5 226V?
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 226V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (17 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Core Ultra 5 226V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H: Intel BGA 2049, Intel Core Ultra 5 226V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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 226V (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (0), Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (3,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.