Quick Verdict
A strong performer in the thin-performance category, offering excellent multi-core capabilities and strong integrated graphics.
Overview
Launch
Dec 14th, 2023
Status
ActiveGeneration
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Market
Mobile
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.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135H packs 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LP E-Cores into a 28W envelope. With max turbo speeds of 4.6 GHz and 96 Execution Units of Arc Xe-LPG graphics, it provides robust performance for content creation and moderate gaming.
The inclusion of PCIe Gen 5 and an 11 TOPS NPU makes it a forward-looking choice for performance thin-and-light laptops.
Specifications
Performance
Strong multi-core performance for compiling and rendering.
Handles multiple VMs effectively with 18 threads.
Can play modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to the 96EU iGPU.
Good efficiency at idle, but consumes significant power under load.
- •96EU Arc graphics is a major step up
- •Supports hardware ray tracing
- •Best paired with fast LPDDR5X memory
- •11 TOPS NPU offloads background AI
- •Strong CPU/GPU AI performance for bursty tasks
- •Good for local LLM inference
Architecture
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
Process Node
Meteor Lake
Codename
14C / 18T
Core Config
18 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
At the heart of the Core Ultra 5 135H lies the disaggregated Meteor Lake architecture, utilizing a multi-tile design. The compute tile is built on the Intel 4 process node, housing 4 Redwood Cove P-Cores and 8 Crestmont E-Cores, delivering high instruction throughput. The SOC tile incorporates 2 LP E-Cores designed to handle background processes at minimal power draw. Unlike the U-series, the H-series features a more powerful graphics tile, integrating 96 Arc Xe-LPG Execution Units manufactured on TSMC's N5 node. This powerful iGPU supports modern APIs and hardware-accelerated media encoding. Furthermore, the 135H offers 8 PCIe Gen 5 lanes directly from the CPU, enabling high-speed storage and external peripheral connectivity. This chiplet approach allows the processor to dynamically route workloads to the most appropriate compute block, optimizing both performance and power consumption.
CPU Design
4 Redwood Cove P-Cores, 8 Crestmont E-Cores, 2 Crestmont LP E-Cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5X-7467.
PCIe & I/O
8 PCIe 5.0 lanes from CPU, plus secondary PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked.
- More E-Cores and LP E-Cores
- Massive iGPU upgrade (96EU vs 48EU)
- PCIe Gen 5 support
- Integrated NPU
Key Highlights
- Strong multi-core performance
- Excellent 96EU Arc integrated graphics
- PCIe Gen 5 support
- Integrated NPU for AI
- High maximum turbo power (115W)
- Can run hot under sustained load
- Battery life is shorter than U-series
- Only 8 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Locked multiplier
History
Launched on December 14th, 2023, the Core Ultra 5 135H emerged during a critical transition period for Intel. It represented a shift from monolithic silicon to Foveros-based 3D packaging, combining multiple tiles into a single cohesive package. This launch was crucial for Intel to compete in the high-performance mobile segment, particularly against AMD's Ryzen 7040HS series.
The introduction of the 'H' suffix denoted a focus on creators and gamers who needed portability without severe performance compromises. The integration of Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 96 EUs marked a significant leap over previous generations' Xe graphics, aiming to reduce the necessity for entry-level discrete GPUs. The 135H also cemented Intel's commitment to the AI PC, embedding an NPU alongside traditional compute to accelerate emerging AI-driven software experiences natively.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- More E-Cores and LP E-Cores
- Massive iGPU upgrade (96EU vs 48EU)
- PCIe Gen 5 support
- Integrated NPU
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- You need maximum battery life
- Your laptop chassis has poor cooling
- You only do basic web browsing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The H-series graphics tile is significantly larger than the U-series.
It can boost up to 115W for short bursts.
Features 4 P-Cores, the maximum for the Ultra 5 tier.
Supports hardware AV1 encode and decode.
The compute tile is built on Intel's first EUV process.
Uses Foveros 3D packaging.
LP E-Cores operate independently of the main compute tile.
The NPU is branded as Intel AI Boost.
Targeted at creator and thin-gaming laptops.
Supports vPro enterprise features.
People Also Ask
Is the Core Ultra 5 135H good for gaming?
Yes, the 96EU Arc graphics allow for solid 1080p gaming at medium settings.
What is the TDP of the 135H?
The base TDP is 28W, with a maximum turbo power of 115W.
How many cores does the 135H have?
It has 14 cores: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LP E-Cores.
Does the 135H support PCIe Gen 5?
Yes, it provides 8 lanes of PCIe Gen 5.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 4.6 GHz on the P-Cores.
Is the 135H unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Does it have an NPU?
Yes, it features a dedicated NPU with 11 TOPS.
What graphics does it use?
It uses Intel Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 96 Execution Units.
Can it be used in a thin laptop?
Yes, but it requires a robust cooling system for sustained performance.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has an 18 MB shared L3 cache.
Frequently Asked Questions
What memory types are supported by the 135H?
It supports DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5X-7467.
When was the Core Ultra 5 135H released?
It was released on December 14th, 2023.
Does the 135H support vPro?
Yes, it supports vPro for enterprise management.
What is the base clock of the P-Cores?
The P-Core base clock is 3.6 GHz.
What process node is used for the 135H?
The compute tile uses Intel 4 (7nm equivalent).
How many threads does the 135H have?
It has 18 processing threads.
What is the GPU dynamic frequency?
The Arc graphics have a dynamic frequency of 2.2 GHz.
Is the 135H good for video editing?
Yes, it is very capable for 1080p and light 4K editing.
Does it support AV1 encoding?
Yes, the Arc Xe-LPG graphics support AV1 hardware encode/decode.
What socket does it use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2049 socket.