CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL
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.
Snappy office performance due to higher turbo clocks.
Gaming
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
Not intended for 3D gaming.
Virtualization
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Capable of light server duties but limited by power.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Exceptional power-to-performance ratio for edge computing.
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
- NPU ideal for smart retail
- 11 TOPS for vision models
- Low power AI processing
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
- 64EU graphics is enough for display out
- Not for gaming
- Good hardware media decode
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
- Excellent low-power operation
- Higher turbo clocks than 125UL
- Integrated NPU for AI
- Socketed LGA 1851 design
- Good for silent PC builds
Cons
- Not for gaming
- Limited PCIe lanes
- Locked multiplier
- Low base clock speeds
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 135UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GERival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125ULRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400TRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7640URival
Mobile/Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Proven AM4 mini-PC option.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 165ULAlt
More cores for heavier edge 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 strong low-power desktop CPU offering slightly better burst performance than the 125UL, ideal for SFF and edge AI.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135UL is an excellent processor for niche desktop applications requiring low power consumption and integrated AI capabilities. If you are constructing a small form factor PC for a home theater, a network appliance, or a lightweight office machine that runs 24/7, the 135UL provides a perfect balance of adequate performance and minimal heat output. The slight clock speed increase over the 125UL makes it better suited for occasional heavier tasks like photo organization or local AI testing. However, for mainstream gaming or heavy content creation, this processor will bottleneck performance. Choose the 135UL only if your primary goals are silence, continuous operation, and edge AI functionality rather than raw desktop performance or gaming frame rates.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL or Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 135UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (45 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (15 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL and Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.