Quick Verdict
A strong low-power desktop CPU offering slightly better burst performance than the 125UL, ideal for SFF and edge AI.
Overview
Launch
Apr 8th, 2024
Status
ActiveGeneration
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake-PS)
Market
Desktop
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 Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL offers a step up from the 125UL with higher clock speeds (1.6GHz base, 4.4GHz turbo).
It retains the 12-core hybrid design and 64EU Arc graphics. Perfect for digital signage and edge computing, its 11 TOPS NPU handles local AI tasks efficiently while maintaining a 12W minimum TDP for silent operation.
Specifications
Performance
Snappy office performance due to higher turbo clocks.
Capable of light server duties but limited by power.
Not intended for 3D gaming.
Exceptional power-to-performance ratio for edge computing.
- •64EU graphics is enough for display out
- •Not for gaming
- •Good hardware media decode
- •NPU ideal for smart retail
- •11 TOPS for vision models
- •Low power AI processing
Architecture
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
Process Node
Meteor Lake-PS
Codename
12C / 14T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core Ultra 5 135UL employs the tile-based Meteor Lake-PS architecture, adapted for the desktop LGA 1851 socket. The compute tile, built on the Intel 4 process node, incorporates Redwood Cove P-Cores for high single-threaded performance and Crestmont E-Cores for efficient multi-threaded throughput. The SOC tile houses the LP E-Cores, which are critical for minimizing power draw during idle or low-intensity background operations. The graphics tile, fabricated on TSMC's N5 node, integrates 64 Arc Xe-LPG Execution Units, offering capable parallel processing for media encode/decode and display management. This disaggregated architecture, connected via Foveros 3D packaging, allows the 135UL to achieve desktop-class functionality with mobile-class power efficiency. The dynamic routing of workloads across the three core types and the dedicated NPU ensures optimal performance-per-watt for edge computing.
CPU Design
2 Redwood Cove P-Cores, 8 Crestmont E-Cores, 2 Crestmont LP E-Cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR5-5600.
PCIe & I/O
8 PCIe 4.0 lanes from CPU, plus secondary PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked.
- Higher turbo clocks than 125UL
- Integrated NPU vs older gen
- Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores
Key Highlights
- Excellent low-power operation
- Higher turbo clocks than 125UL
- Integrated NPU for AI
- Socketed LGA 1851 design
- Good for silent PC builds
- Not for gaming
- Limited PCIe lanes
- Locked multiplier
- Low base clock speeds
History
Launched on April 8th, 2024, alongside the 125UL, the Core Ultra 5 135UL was introduced to provide a slightly higher performance tier within Intel's low-power Meteor Lake-PS desktop lineup. This release addressed the needs of commercial system integrators looking for standardized, socketed processors for mini-PCs and edge devices. By bringing Meteor Lake to the LGA 1851 socket, Intel allowed OEMs to design compact systems without the thermal constraints of high-TDP desktop chips.
The inclusion of the NPU was a forward-looking decision, anticipating the rise of AI-driven edge applications in retail, healthcare, and industrial automation. The 135UL represents Intel's effort to unify its mobile and desktop platforms under a common, highly efficient architecture, offering a scalable solution for embedded markets where power budget and AI inference are critical factors.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher turbo clocks than 125UL
- Integrated NPU vs older gen
- Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- You are building a gaming rig
- You need maximum multi-core rendering
- You want to overclock
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Features a 1.6 GHz base clock, slightly higher than the 125UL.
Turbo boosts up to 4.4 GHz.
Part of the Meteor Lake-PS desktop family.
Configurable TDP down to 12W.
Includes an NPU for edge AI.
Uses the FC-LGA18V package.
Supports vPro Enterprise.
Ideal for digital signage players.
Features 64EU Arc Xe-LPG graphics.
Does not support LPDDR5X, only standard DDR5.
People Also Ask
Is the Core Ultra 5 135UL good for gaming?
No, it is designed for low-power desktop and edge computing tasks.
What is the difference between 135U and 135UL?
The 135U is a mobile BGA chip, while the 135UL is a socketed LGA 1851 desktop chip.
What socket does the 135UL use?
It uses the Intel Socket 1851.
Does the 135UL have an NPU?
Yes, it includes a dedicated NPU with 11 TOPS.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The max turbo frequency is 4.4 GHz.
Is the 135UL unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the minimum TDP?
The minimum configurable TDP is 12W.
Does it support DDR5?
Yes, it supports DDR5-5600.
When was the 135UL released?
It was released on April 8th, 2024.
What is the base clock speed?
The base clock speed is 1.6 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What graphics are integrated into the 135UL?
It features Intel Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 64 Execution Units.
Does the 135UL support vPro?
Yes, it supports vPro Enterprise management.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has a 12 MB shared L3 cache.
What is the maximum turbo power?
The maximum turbo power is 57W.
What architecture is it based on?
It is based on the Meteor Lake-PS architecture.
Is it suitable for fanless builds?
Yes, with a 12W configurable TDP, it is great for fanless cases.
What PCIe version does it support?
It supports PCIe 4.0.
How many cores does it have?
It has 12 cores: 2 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LP E-Cores.
What is the GPU dynamic frequency?
The Arc graphics have a dynamic frequency of 1.9 GHz.
Is it good for a Plex server?
Yes, its 64EU graphics and low power make it excellent for media transcoding.