Quick Verdict
A solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.
Overview
Launch
Dec 14th, 2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U is a highly efficient mobile processor engineered for everyday computing in ultra-thin form factors. Built on the Meteor Lake architecture, it features 8 cores and 10 threads, arranged as 2 Performance cores, 4 Efficient cores, and 2 Low-Power Efficient cores. This specific core layout is tailored for users whose workloads consist primarily of web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. The processor operates at a base clock of 1.5 GHz and can boost up to 4.2 GHz, providing adequate burst performance for demanding tasks. Its integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics, featuring 48 Execution Units, offer smooth multimedia playback and support for multiple high-resolution displays. The inclusion of a dedicated NPU with 11 TOPS ensures that AI workloads are handled efficiently, preserving battery life for everyday productivity.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U offers 2 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores, and 2 LP E-Cores for a total of 8 cores and 10 threads. It features 48EU Arc graphics and an 11 TOPS NPU. This processor is built for everyday users who need long battery life and smooth office performance without the need for heavy multi-threaded power.
Specifications
Performance
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
- •48EU graphics is entry-level
- •Fine for browser games
- •Not suitable for modern 3D titles
- •11 TOPS NPU included
- •Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- •Not for heavy AI generation
Architecture
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
Process Node
Meteor Lake
Codename
8C / 10T
Core Config
10 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core Ultra 5 115U leverages Intel's innovative multi-tile Meteor Lake architecture. The compute tile, fabricated on the Intel 4 process, houses the Redwood Cove P-Cores and Crestmont E-Cores. A key feature of this architecture is the SOC tile, which contains the LP E-Cores that handle low-intensity background tasks independently of the main compute tile, significantly reducing idle power consumption. The graphics tile, built on TSMC's N5 node, integrates 48 Arc Xe-LPG Execution Units. While fewer than the H-series, it still provides a notable upgrade over traditional integrated solutions. The disaggregated design means that each tile is manufactured using the optimal process node for its function, and they are interconnected using Intel's Foveros 3D packaging technology, ensuring low latency and high bandwidth between the components.
CPU Design
2 Redwood Cove P-Cores, 4 Crestmont E-Cores, 2 Crestmont LP E-Cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5X-7467.
PCIe & I/O
12 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked.
- Disaggregated tile architecture
- Integrated NPU
- Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores
Key Highlights
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Good burst performance for daily tasks
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
- Affordable entry to Core Ultra
- Low core count limits multitasking
- Only 48EU graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5 support
- Locked multiplier
History
Released on December 14th, 2023, the Core Ultra 5 115U was positioned as the entry-level option within Intel's inaugural Core Ultra mobile lineup. This launch was monumental as it introduced the Meteor Lake architecture and the 'Core Ultra' branding. The 115U specifically targeted budget-conscious thin-and-light laptops, bringing advanced architectural features like disaggregated tiles and an integrated NPU to a wider audience.
By offering a reduced core count and fewer Execution Units compared to the 135U, Intel provided a tiered approach for OEMs to design devices across various price points. The introduction of this chip underscored Intel's strategy to make AI processing ubiquitous across all laptop segments, ensuring that even entry-level devices could participate in the emerging AI PC ecosystem without relying solely on cloud processing.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Disaggregated tile architecture
- Integrated NPU
- Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.
Avoid if…
- You need to do video editing
- You want to play 3D games
- You run heavy local AI models
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It has half the E-Cores of the 135U.
The graphics tile only has 48 Execution Units.
Still features the dedicated NPU found in higher tiers.
Uses the same Foveros 3D packaging as the rest of Meteor Lake.
Designed for budget-friendly thin-and-light laptops.
LP E-Cores handle background audio and Wi-Fi efficiently.
Built on Intel's 4nm EUV process for compute.
Supports AV1 hardware decode.
Marketed under the new 'Core Ultra' naming scheme.
Maximum turbo power matches the 135U at 57W.
People Also Ask
Is the Core Ultra 5 115U good for gaming?
No, the 48EU graphics are only suitable for very light or 2D games.
Does the 115U have an NPU?
Yes, it includes a dedicated NPU with 11 TOPS.
How many cores does the 115U have?
It has 8 cores: 2 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores, and 2 LP E-Cores.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 4.2 GHz.
Is the 115U good for video editing?
It is only suitable for very basic 1080p editing.
What graphics does it use?
It uses Intel Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 48 Execution Units.
Does it support PCIe Gen 5?
No, it is limited to PCIe Gen 4.
What is the base TDP?
The base TDP is 15W.
What memory is supported?
It supports DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5X-7467.
When was the 115U released?
It was released on December 14th, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the L3 cache size of the 115U?
It has a 10 MB shared L3 cache.
Can you overclock the 115U?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does it use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2049 socket.
Does the 115U support vPro?
No, this specific SKU does not support vPro.
What is the base clock speed?
The base clock speed is 1.5 GHz.
How many threads does it have?
It has 10 processing threads.
What process node is used?
The compute tile uses Intel 4 (7nm).
Is it good for students?
Yes, it is excellent for students due to its battery life and efficiency.
Does it support AV1?
Yes, it supports AV1 hardware decode.
What is the GPU dynamic frequency?
The Arc graphics have a dynamic frequency of 1.8 GHz.