CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL is a 14-core desktop processor built on the Meteor Lake-PS architecture, featuring a hybrid design, integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics, and an NPU for AI workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong single-threaded performance handles everyday applications smoothly.
Higher base clock speeds improve snappiness in everyday applications.
Gaming
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
The 128EU Arc graphics provide a noticeable bump in light gaming frame rates compared to the 125HL.
Virtualization
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Suitable for light virtualization, though still limited by 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Maintains excellent power efficiency despite the higher clock speeds.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Arc Xe-LPG handles larger AI bursts
- Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Improved graphics rendering for AI-assisted tools
- Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- 128EU Arc Xe-LPG handles light gaming better than 112EU
- Still not a replacement for a discrete GPU in AAA titles
- CPU PCIe lanes limit high-end dGPU configurations
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Higher clock speeds than 125HL
- 128EU Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent power efficiency
- Supports modern DDR5-5600 memory
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Only 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Not ideal for heavy gaming without a dGPU
- Slightly higher cost than 125HL
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop CPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13500Rival
Desktop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop CPU
A slightly cheaper alternative with marginally lower clocks and fewer graphics EUs.
Compare head-to-headBetter raw CPU performance if a discrete GPU is present.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HLAlt
More cores and higher performance for demanding workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA solid step up from the 125HL, offering better clock speeds and integrated graphics for users needing a bit more graphical headroom without a discrete GPU.
Best for: Building an efficient desktop with strong integrated graphics for office and media use.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL or Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL 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 Ultra 5 125HL or Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (8,400), Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL (8,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.