CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL is a low-power desktop processor optimized for compact and embedded systems, based on the Meteor Lake-PS architecture. Sharing the same 12-core, 14-thread layout as the 125UL, it features 2 Performance cores, 8 Efficient cores, and 2 Low-Power Efficient cores. However, it offers slightly higher clock speeds, with a base frequency of 1.6 GHz and a boost of up to 4.4 GHz, providing a modest performance uplift for bursty workloads. The processor maintains a 15W base TDP with a configurable range between 12W and 57W, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency for always-on applications. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 64 Execution Units deliver strong multimedia and display support. With an NPU providing 11 TOPS, the 135UL is well-equipped for edge AI tasks, making it ideal for smart retail and digital signage.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy office performance due to higher turbo clocks.
Handles office and development workloads well, but sustained multi-core tasks run slower due to power constraints.
Gaming
Not intended for 3D gaming.
Adequate for gaming when paired with a discrete GPU, but the 35W PL1 may cause lower 1% lows in CPU-bound scenarios compared to the standard 225.
Virtualization
Capable of light server duties but limited by power.
10 threads are usable for light VM workloads, but power limits make it less ideal for running multiple VMs simultaneously.
Efficiency
Exceptional power-to-performance ratio for edge computing.
Excellent efficiency at base power, though the PL2 turbo window means actual power draw varies significantly under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU ideal for smart retail
- 11 TOPS for vision models
- Low power AI processing
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for AI inference tasks
- 16EU Xe-LPG contributes only 4 TOPS from the GPU
- Total combined AI performance is 23 TOPS
- Suitable for basic AI assistance features but not intensive workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64EU graphics is enough for display out
- Not for gaming
- Good hardware media decode
- Requires a discrete GPU for meaningful gaming
- 35W PL1 may limit CPU-bound framerates in some titles
- Strong single-thread IPC of Lion Cove helps in CPU-limited scenarios
- 16EU iGPU is insufficient for modern gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 35W PL1 enables very compact and quiet builds
- Modern Lion Cove and Skymont architectures provide strong IPC
- NPU 3 inclusion future-proofs for AI workloads
- Full LGA 1851 platform features including PCIe 5.0
- Lower idle power consumption suitable for always-on systems
Cons
- 35W PL1 significantly reduces sustained performance versus the 225
- Only 16EU Xe-LPG graphics, the weakest iGPU in Arrow Lake-S
- No Hyper-Threading limits thread-level parallelism
- DDR5-only with no backward compatibility
- Hard to justify over the standard 225 for most users
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core Ultra 5 225T
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 225Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
If available, offers 4 additional E-cores for better multi-threading at similar power.
Compare head-to-headIf upgrading an existing LGA 1700 system, offers a cost-effective path with similar power characteristics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA power-efficient 10-core desktop CPU suited for SFF builds and always-on systems, but the severely constrained PL1 limits sustained performance compared to the standard 225.
Best for: Building a compact SFF PC or home server where 35W base power is a hard requirement
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL or Intel Core Ultra 5 225T?
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 135UL or Intel Core Ultra 5 225T?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225T leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 225T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (15 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 225T (65 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL and Intel Core Ultra 5 225T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL: Intel Socket 1851, Intel Core Ultra 5 225T: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL (12 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 225T (10 cores).