CPU Comparison

Intel Core Ultra 5 135H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H is a performance-oriented mobile processor designed for thicker laptops that require sustained power. As part of the Meteor Lake family, it features 14 cores and 18 threads, configured as 4 Performance cores, 8 Efficient cores, and 2 Low-Power Efficient cores. This robust arrangement ensures excellent multi-threaded throughput for creative applications and heavy multitasking. With a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and a maximum turbo of 4.6 GHz, the 135H offers snappy response times for demanding workloads. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics boast 96 Execution Units, providing substantially better graphical performance for light gaming and content acceleration. Operating at a 28W base TDP that can scale up to 115W, it balances performance and thermal output, while the dedicated NPU delivers 11 TOPS for efficient AI task offloading.

Top pick
Intel · Core Ultra 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 135H
14C / 18T4.6 GHz28 W
8.7
Full review
Intel · Core Ultra 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
12C / 14T4.4 GHz15 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Launched
2023
2023
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Series
Core Ultra 5
Core Ultra 5
Family
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i5-13420H
Intel Core i5-1335U
Successor
Pending
Pending

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
14
12
Threads
18
14
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
1.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
18 MB
12 MB
TDP
28 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Process Node
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
Memory
Memory Type
DDR5 / LPDDR5X
DDR5 / LPDDR5X
Memory Speed
DDR5-5600 / LPDDR5X-7467
DDR5-5600 / LPDDR5X-7467
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
96 GB
96 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 2049
Intel BGA 2049
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
8
12
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HBest88

Strong multi-core performance for compiling and rendering.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U85

Snappy application launching and smooth multitasking for office workloads.

Gaming

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HBest82

Can play modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96EU iGPU.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U75

Capable of running esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings.

Virtualization

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HBest80

Handles multiple VMs effectively with 18 threads.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U70

Can handle light virtualization tasks, though limited by core count.

Efficiency

Intel Core Ultra 5 135H80

Good efficiency at idle, but consumes significant power under load.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135UBest95

Exceptional power efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and disaggregated tiles.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HGood
  • 11 TOPS NPU offloads background AI
  • Strong CPU/GPU AI performance for bursty tasks
  • Good for local LLM inference
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UGood
  • 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
  • Supports OpenVINO
  • Reduces CPU/GPU load during video calls

Content Creation

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HVery Good
Adobe Premiere ProBlenderDaVinci ResolvePhotoshopCinema 4D
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UGood
Adobe PhotoshopLightroomPremiere Pro (1080p)OBS Streaming

Gaming

Intel Core Ultra 5 135HGood
  • 96EU Arc graphics is a major step up
  • Supports hardware ray tracing
  • Best paired with fast LPDDR5X memory
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UModerate
  • Arc Xe-LPG 64EU handles older titles well
  • Supports hardware ray tracing
  • Not suitable for AAA gaming at high settings

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
Low
Workstations
Moderate
Low
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

1080p Gaming
Very Good
Video Editing
Good
Code Compilation
Excellent
Photo Editing
Very Good
Good
Heavy Multitasking
Excellent
Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Casual Gaming
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core Ultra 5 135H

Pros

  • Strong multi-core performance
  • Excellent 96EU Arc integrated graphics
  • PCIe Gen 5 support
  • Integrated NPU for AI
  • High maximum turbo power (115W)

Cons

  • Can run hot under sustained load
  • Battery life is shorter than U-series
  • Only 8 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
  • Locked multiplier
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency
  • Integrated NPU for AI tasks
  • Improved Arc Xe-LPG graphics
  • LP E-Cores extend standby time
  • Supports fast LPDDR5X memory

Cons

  • Limited PCIe lanes (12)
  • No PCIe Gen 5 support on this model
  • Multiplier is locked
  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core Ultra 5 135H

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Slightly lower clocks for a cheaper price.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS
    Alt

    Strong budget-performance alternative.

  • Intel Core i5-13500HX
    Alt

    Older but offers more raw cores if portability isn't key.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7840U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core Ultra 7 155U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Apple M3

    Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Slightly lower clocks for better battery life.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7640U
    Alt

    Strong competitor with RDNA 3 graphics.

  • Intel Core i5-1340P
    Alt

    Older architecture but higher base wattage.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840U
    Alt

    Better dedicated AI engine performance.

Our Verdict on Each

A strong performer in the thin-performance category, offering excellent multi-core capabilities and strong integrated graphics.

Best for: If you are a content creator, programmer, or moderate gamer seeking a laptop that balances power and portability, the Core Ultra 5 135H is a smart investment. Its 14-core design and 96EU integrated graphics handle video editing and 1080p gaming admirably. Ensure the laptop has adequate cooling, as the processor can draw up to 115W during sustained loads. Avoid this chip if you strictly need all-day battery life in a thin chassis; the U-series would be more appropriate. For users wanting to future-proof their purchase for AI-enhanced applications without paying for a higher-tier Core Ultra 7, the 135H strikes an excellent price-to-performance ratio in the premium mobile space.

Read the full review

A well-balanced thin-and-light processor offering excellent battery life, capable integrated graphics, and forward-looking NPU technology.

Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135U is an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and battery life without sacrificing everyday responsiveness. If you are in the market for a thin-and-light laptop for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, this processor offers a compelling balance. The inclusion of an NPU ensures future-proofing for upcoming Windows AI features. However, if your workflow involves heavy sustained multi-threaded rendering or high-end gaming, you should look for laptops equipped with higher-wattage H-series processors or dedicated GPUs. For the everyday professional and student, the 135U provides more than enough performance while ensuring all-day battery life.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 135H or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?

For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H leads with a gaming performance score of 82/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 135H and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 135H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (15 W).

Do Intel Core Ultra 5 135H and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2049 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 135H (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (12 cores).