Quick Verdict
A well-balanced mobile processor that successfully combines strong CPU performance with capable integrated graphics and an entry-level NPU for AI workloads.
Overview
Launch
Dec 14th, 2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is a highly versatile mobile processor introduced in December 2023 as part of the inaugural Meteor Lake lineup. Designed to bridge the gap between performance and efficiency, it features a unique 14-core hybrid architecture. This includes 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 Low-Power E-cores (LP E-cores), totaling 18 processing threads. Operating at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.5 GHz, it provides robust computational power for thin-and-light laptops. The processor is built on Intel's 7nm process for the compute tile, supplemented by TSMC N6 and N5 nodes for the SOC and graphics tiles. It introduces an integrated NPU delivering 11 TOPS, marking Intel’s first major step into AI acceleration on mobile platforms. With a 28W base TDP and a maximum power draw of 115W, the 125H balances aggressive burst performance with the thermal constraints of premium ultraportables, making it a well-rounded chip for creators and professionals.
The Core Ultra 5 125H brings Intel's disaggregated Meteor Lake architecture to performance thin-and-light laptops. With 14 cores (4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 2 LP E-cores) and 18 threads, it handles demanding multitasking with ease. It boosts up to 4.
5 GHz on a 28W base TDP. The integration of Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 96 EUs allows for respectable 1080p gaming without a discrete GPU. Additionally, it features a 11 TOPS NPU for basic AI tasks.
This processor is a solid choice for users who need a laptop that can comfortably switch between intensive productivity, light content creation, and casual gaming.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi-core performance handles heavy office workloads and compilation effortlessly.
18 threads provide ample resources for running development VMs and containers.
Performs well in esports and older AAA titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96 EU graphics.
Good efficiency for a 28W part, though not as battery-friendly as Lunar Lake.
- •96 EU Arc graphics are a massive step up from older Iris Xe
- •Supports hardware ray tracing
- •Can play most modern games at 1080p low/medium settings
- •11 TOPS NPU is suitable for background AI tasks
- •Does not meet Copilot+ PC 40 TOPS requirement
- •AI workloads are shared between CPU, GPU, and NPU
Architecture
Intel 4 (7nm)
Process Node
Meteor Lake
Codename
14C / 18T
Core Config
18 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The architecture of the Core Ultra 5 125H is defined by Intel’s disaggregated Meteor Lake design, utilizing a multi-tile Foveros packaging approach. The compute tile is manufactured on the Intel 4 process (7nm), featuring "Redwood Cove" P-cores and "Crestmont" E-cores. Uniquely, it incorporates 2 "Crestmont" LP E-cores located on the SOC tile, manufactured on TSMC’s N6 node, to handle ultra-low-power background tasks. The processor retains Hyper-Threading on the P-cores, resulting in 18 total threads. It features 18MB of shared L3 cache and 2MB of L2 cache per P-core. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics, built on TSMC’s N5 process, boast 96 Execution Units (EUs) and support hardware ray tracing. While it introduces an NPU capable of 11 TOPS for sustained AI efficiency, the overall AI performance is distributed across the CPU, GPU, and NPU. Memory support includes both DDR5 at 5600 MT/s and LPDDR5x at 7467 MT/s, ensuring high bandwidth for creator workloads.
CPU Design
4 Redwood Cove P-cores, 8 Crestmont E-cores, and 2 LP E-cores with Hyper-Threading on P-cores.
Memory Subsystem
Supports DDR5 5600 MT/s and LPDDR5x 7467 MT/s.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 5.0 support with additional PCIe 4.0 lanes for flexibility.
Overclocking
Multiplier is locked.
- Disaggregated chiplet design
- Introduction of Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- First inclusion of an integrated NPU
- Addition of LP E-cores for better idle efficiency
Key Highlights
- Excellent 14-core hybrid performance
- Strong integrated Arc graphics
- Good balance of power and efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR5x memory
- Includes dedicated NPU for AI
- NPU is relatively weak compared to Lunar Lake
- Can run warm under sustained loads
- Not a Copilot+ PC compliant chip
- Locked multiplier
History
Launched in December 2023, the Core Ultra 5 125H arrived at a critical juncture for Intel, marking the debut of the "Core Ultra" branding and the Meteor Lake architecture. This release was Intel’s response to growing competition from Apple’s unified architecture and AMD’s efficient mobile APUs. Meteor Lake represented Intel’s first successful utilization of a chiplet approach for mainstream mobile processors, combining tiles from Intel and TSMC to optimize manufacturing yields and performance per watt.
The 125H specifically targeted the 28W performance ultraportable segment, offering a significant jump in integrated graphics performance over previous Iris Xe solutions. Furthermore, the inclusion of an NPU signaled Intel’s commitment to the emerging AI PC market, although its 11 TOPS capacity would eventually be overshadowed by subsequent Lunar Lake chips. Historically, the 125H served as a foundational product that validated Intel’s multi-tile strategy and paved the way for their future advanced packaging techniques.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Disaggregated chiplet design
- Introduction of Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- First inclusion of an integrated NPU
- Addition of LP E-cores for better idle efficiency
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Performance thin-and-light laptop for mixed productivity and gaming
Avoid if…
- You need Copilot+ PC certification (40 TOPS)
- You want maximum battery life above all else
- You require unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Core Ultra 5 125H was Intel's first processor to utilize a multi-tile Foveros packaging approach for mainstream laptops.
It combines silicon from three different manufacturing processes: Intel 7nm, TSMC 6nm, and TSMC 5nm.
It introduced the "Low-Power E-cores" which reside on the SOC tile to maximize battery life during idle states.
The integrated Arc graphics feature hardware ray tracing support, a first for Intel's integrated mobile graphics.
It was the first Intel chip to drop the "Gen" naming convention for its graphics, adopting the Arc Xe-LPG branding.
Despite having 14 cores, it only has 18 threads because the E-cores and LP E-cores do not support Hyper-Threading.
The processor supports both traditional DDR5 memory and soldered LPDDR5x, giving manufacturers flexibility in laptop design.
It was launched as a direct competitor to AMD's Ryzen 8040 series mobile processors.
The 125H can draw up to 115W of power in short bursts, which is unusually high for a thin-and-light laptop processor.
It marked the debut of Intel's integrated NPU technology, bringing dedicated AI acceleration to mainstream laptops.
People Also Ask
Is the Core Ultra 5 125H good for gaming?
Yes, it is quite capable for 1080p casual and esports gaming thanks to the 96 EU Arc Xe-LPG graphics.
Does the Core Ultra 5 125H support Copilot+ PCs?
No, its NPU only provides 11 TOPS, which is below the 40 TOPS requirement for Copilot+.
What is the difference between the 125H and 125U?
The 125H is a 28W performance chip with 14 cores, while the 125U is a 15W efficiency chip with 12 cores.
Can the Core Ultra 5 125H handle video editing?
Yes, it is well-suited for 1080p and moderate 4K video editing workloads.
What is the L3 cache size of the Core Ultra 5 125H?
It has an 18 MB shared L3 cache.
What socket does the Core Ultra 5 125H use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2049 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.
Does the Core Ultra 5 125H have dedicated AI hardware?
Yes, it includes a dedicated NPU for handling AI and machine learning workloads efficiently.
What are the Low-Power E-cores in the 125H?
These are extra efficiency cores on the SOC tile designed to handle background tasks to save battery life.
Is the Core Ultra 5 125H built on Intel's process?
The compute tile is built on Intel's 7nm (Intel 4) process, but other tiles are built by TSMC.
How much memory bandwidth does the Core Ultra 5 125H support?
It supports up to 89.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth with dual-channel DDR5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core count of the Core Ultra 5 125H?
It has 14 cores: 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 Low-Power E-cores.
Does the Core Ultra 5 125H support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, the P-cores support Hyper-Threading, giving the processor a total of 18 threads.
What is the maximum turbo frequency of the Core Ultra 5 125H?
The processor can turbo up to 4.5 GHz.
How many TOPS does the NPU in the Core Ultra 5 125H provide?
The integrated NPU provides 11 TOPS of AI acceleration.
What is the base and maximum TDP of the Core Ultra 5 125H?
It has a base TDP of 28W and a maximum power draw of 115W.
What type of memory does the Core Ultra 5 125H support?
It supports both DDR5 at 5600 MT/s and LPDDR5x at 7467 MT/s.
What integrated graphics are included in the Core Ultra 5 125H?
It features Intel Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 96 Execution Units.
What manufacturing process is used for the Core Ultra 5 125H?
The compute tile uses Intel's 7nm process, while the SOC and graphics tiles use TSMC's 6nm and 5nm nodes.
Can the Core Ultra 5 125H be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked and it is not designed for enthusiast overclocking.
What is the launch price of the Core Ultra 5 125H?
The launch price was $375 USD.