CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL is a 14-core desktop processor offering slightly higher clock speeds and more integrated graphics execution units than the 125HL, built on the Meteor Lake-PS architecture.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Higher base clock speeds improve snappiness in everyday applications.
Snappy office performance due to higher turbo clocks.
Gaming
The 128EU Arc graphics provide a noticeable bump in light gaming frame rates compared to the 125HL.
Not intended for 3D gaming.
Virtualization
Suitable for light virtualization, though still limited by 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Capable of light server duties but limited by power.
Efficiency
Maintains excellent power efficiency despite the higher clock speeds.
Exceptional power-to-performance ratio for edge computing.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Improved graphics rendering for AI-assisted tools
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 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.
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 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 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 135HL 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 135HL or Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL 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 135HL (45 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (15 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL 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 135HL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (12 cores).
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 135HL (8,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.