CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 228V
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.
The 32GB of RAM ensures extremely smooth multitasking and productivity application performance.
Gaming
Performs well in esports and older AAA titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96 EU graphics.
Handles casual and older games well at 1080p, but lacks the power for modern AAA titles at high settings.
Virtualization
18 threads provide ample resources for running development VMs and containers.
The large memory pool allows for comfortable running of multiple virtual machines or containers.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for a 28W part, though not as battery-friendly as Lunar Lake.
Industry-leading power efficiency ensures long battery life even under moderate workloads.
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 enables efficient local AI processing
- Fully supports Microsoft Copilot+ features
- Handles AI-enhanced creative tools smoothly
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 graphics provide smooth 1080p performance in esports titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not recommended for heavy 3D gaming
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
- Massive 32GB of fast on-package memory
- Exceptional power efficiency
- 40 TOPS NPU for AI workloads
- Strong integrated graphics
- Silent operation capability
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradable
- Lower boost clock than the 236V variant
- No Hyper-Threading limits peak multi-threading
- Limited PCIe lane expansion
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 228V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 236VAlt
A cheaper alternative if 16GB of RAM is sufficient and slightly higher clocks are desired.
Offers higher core counts and faster clocks for premium performance.
Compare head-to-head- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
An alternative for users invested in the macOS ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X PlusAlt
A power-efficient ARM alternative for Windows laptops.
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 professionals needing a power-efficient laptop with a large pool of fast integrated memory, though its slightly lower clock speeds compared to the 236V are a fair trade-off.
Best for: Premium ultraportable for professionals needing large memory capacity
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 5 228V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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 228V?
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 228V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 228V (17 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Core Ultra 5 228V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H: Intel BGA 2049, Intel Core Ultra 5 228V: Intel 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 228V (8 cores).