Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
ActiveGeneration
Core Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake-PS)
Market
Desktop
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 Core Ultra 5 135HL provides a modest but meaningful upgrade over the 125HL. It features a higher base clock of 1.7 GHz, a 4.
6 GHz turbo boost, and Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics with 128 Execution Units. Combined with the dedicated NPU, this CPU is tailored for compact desktop systems where efficient AI processing and stronger integrated graphics are desired.
Specifications
Performance
Higher base clock speeds improve snappiness in everyday applications.
Suitable for light virtualization, though still limited by 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
The 128EU Arc graphics provide a noticeable bump in light gaming frame rates compared to the 125HL.
Maintains excellent power efficiency despite the higher clock speeds.
- •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
- •11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- •Improved graphics rendering for AI-assisted tools
- •Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
Architecture
Intel 7nm (TSMC N6/N5 tiles)
Process Node
Meteor Lake-PS
Codename
14C / 18T
Core Config
18 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Like its sibling, the 135HL leverages Intel's disaggregated Meteor Lake-PS design, utilizing a combination of Intel's 7nm compute tile and TSMC-manufactured SoC, I/O, and graphics tiles. The 135HL maintains the 4 Redwood Cove P-Cores and 10 Crestmont E-Cores, alongside 2 LP E-Cores for low-power states. The key differentiator is the integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics, which features 128 Execution Units compared to the 112 EU configuration on the 125HL, providing a modest boost in graphical and AI-assisted rendering tasks. The NPU remains at 11 TOPS, handling sustained AI offloads. This configuration makes the 135HL well-balanced for systems requiring strong integrated graphics without the need for a discrete GPU, while the 4.6 GHz turbo boost ensures snappy single-threaded responsiveness.
CPU Design
4 Redwood Cove P-Cores, 8 Crestmont E-Cores, and 2 Crestmont LP E-Cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s.
PCIe & I/O
8 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU, with additional lanes via the DMI link.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; no manual CPU overclocking.
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Better integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG)
- More power-efficient LP E-Cores
- Disaggregated tile architecture
Key Highlights
- Higher clock speeds than 125HL
- 128EU Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent power efficiency
- Supports modern DDR5-5600 memory
- Locked multiplier
- Only 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Not ideal for heavy gaming without a dGPU
- Slightly higher cost than 125HL
History
Released alongside the 125HL on April 8, 2024, the Core Ultra 5 135HL represents the upper tier of the initial Core Ultra 5 desktop family. The Meteor Lake-PS series was introduced to bring Intel's latest mobile-first architectural innovations, including Foveros 3D packaging and integrated NPUs, into small form factor and edge desktop environments. The 135HL specifically catered to users who needed slightly more graphical headroom from the integrated Arc Xe-LPG engine.
This processor launch underscored Intel's strategy to saturate the market with AI-capable hardware across all form factors. While not designed to replace high-end desktop processors, the 135HL paved the way for future architectural refinements, establishing a new baseline for integrated performance and power efficiency on the LGA 1851 socket.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Better integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG)
- More power-efficient LP E-Cores
- Disaggregated tile architecture
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building an efficient desktop with strong integrated graphics for office and media use.
Avoid if…
- You plan to use a high-end discrete GPU
- You need extensive PCIe expansion
- Your workload requires heavy multi-threaded rendering
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The Core Ultra 5 135HL features 128 Execution Units in its integrated graphics, more than the 125HL.
It is built using a mix of Intel and TSMC manufacturing processes.
The processor can boost up to 4.6 GHz on its P-Cores.
It uses the new LGA 1851 socket, replacing the older LGA 1700.
The 135HL includes an NPU capable of 11 TOPS for AI acceleration.
It supports Intel's Deep Learning Boost (DLBoost 3.0) and AI Boost NPU 3.
The processor's SoC tile is manufactured by TSMC on their N6 process.
It has a base TDP of 45W but can draw up to 115W under turbo.
The 135HL includes support for VT-rp (Virtualization Root Port).
It features 'Crestmont' E-Cores for improved power efficiency.
People Also Ask
Is the Core Ultra 5 135HL good for gaming?
Its 128EU Arc graphics allow for decent light gaming without a discrete GPU, but it is not a high-end gaming processor.
What is the difference between 135HL and 135H?
The 135H is a mobile processor (BGA), while the 135HL is a desktop processor (LGA 1851).
How many PCIe lanes does the 135HL have?
It has 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes and 12 secondary PCIe 4.0 lanes via the chipset.
What cooling is recommended for the Core Ultra 5 135HL?
A standard tower air cooler or a 120mm AIO is sufficient for its 45W base TDP.
Does the Core Ultra 5 135HL support vPro?
Yes, it includes vPro support for enterprise management.
What is the maximum memory speed for the 135HL?
The rated memory speed is 5600 MT/s, but faster speeds can often be achieved depending on the motherboard.
Can the 135HL run without a dedicated graphics card?
Yes, it has integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 128 EUs.
What are the P-Cores in the 135HL based on?
The P-Cores are based on Intel's 'Redwood Cove' architecture.
What is the maximum power draw of the 135HL?
The processor can draw up to 115 Watts under heavy load.
Is the Core Ultra 5 135HL future-proof?
It uses the new LGA 1851 socket, which provides some upgrade path, but its 8 CPU PCIe lanes may limit future GPU upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL have integrated graphics?
Yes, it features Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 128 Execution Units.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core Ultra 5 135HL?
It can boost up to 4.6 GHz.
How many threads does the Core Ultra 5 135HL support?
It supports 18 threads.
What is the NPU performance of the 135HL?
The integrated NPU provides 11 TOPS of AI performance.
What PCIe version does the Core Ultra 5 135HL support?
It supports PCIe Gen 4.
Can I overclock the Core Ultra 5 135HL?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base clock speed of the 135HL?
The base clock speed is 1.7 GHz.
Does the 135HL support dual-channel memory?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR5 memory.
What is the thermal junction max (TjMax) of the Core Ultra 5 135HL?
The TjMax is 105°C.
What process node is used for the 135HL?
It uses Intel 7nm for the compute tile and TSMC N6/N5 for other tiles.