CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V
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.
32GB memory makes a real difference for productivity, allowing more browser tabs, larger documents, and light creative work without the constraints of the 16GB variants.
Gaming
Performs well in esports and older AAA titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96 EU graphics.
The higher 4.7 GHz boost and 32GB memory give it a small edge over lower V-series SKUs in gaming, but this remains a casual-gaming-at-best chip.
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.
Slightly less efficient than 16GB variants due to the additional memory power draw, but still exceptional by any standard.
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 handles AI workloads efficiently
- 32GB memory allows running slightly larger AI models than 16GB variants
- Good for AI-enhanced photo editing and code assistance
- DLBoost 4.0 provides additional 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
- 4.7 GHz boost helps in CPU-bound scenarios more than the 4.5 GHz variants
- 32GB memory prevents the bottlenecks that can occur with 16GB in some games
- Arc 130V handles eSports and older titles reasonably well
- Not a substitute for a gaming laptop with discrete graphics
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
- Best single-thread performance in the Ultra 5 V-series
- 32GB memory provides meaningful multitasking headroom
- 40 TOPS NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent battery life despite higher clocks
- Premium thin-and-light performance
Cons
- 32GB memory is still soldered and not upgradeable
- Significant price premium over 16GB variants in some laptops
- Only 8 cores limit heavy workloads
- Limited PCIe lanes for storage expansion
- Cannot match Arrow Lake desktop performance
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 238V
- Apple M3 (16GB/24GB)Rival
Premium Ultra-Portable
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 360Rival
Copilot+ PC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Same Platform, Higher Tier
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Traditional Thin & Light
Same 4.7 GHz boost but with 16GB memory, saving money if you don't need 32GB.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M3 MacBook AirAlt
Better battery life and ecosystem integration, though with a higher total cost of ownership.
Same 32GB memory but 4.5 GHz boost, if the price difference is substantial.
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 reviewThe 238V is the optimal Lunar Lake Ultra 5 configuration, pairing the higher 4.7 GHz boost with 32GB of memory. It delivers the best balance of performance, battery life, and AI capability in the Ultra 5 V-series lineup.
Best for: Choosing a Lunar Lake laptop and wanting the best Ultra 5 experience with sufficient memory for productivity and light creative work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 5 238V?
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 238V?
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 238V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 238V (17 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H: Intel BGA 2049, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V: 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 238V (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (0), Intel Core Ultra 5 238V (3,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.