OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£270
  • Avg. price in US: ~$330
  • PassMark benchmark result: 20516
  • N. of physical cores: 14
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.3

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

6.9

Performance

18.0%

8.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.9

Platform

1.0%

8.2

Integrated Graphics

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.5

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.5

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £270

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is a mid-range Meteor Lake mobile processor featuring a 14-core, 18-thread hybrid architecture, comprising 4 Performance cores (up to 4.5 GHz), 8 Efficient cores, and 2 Low Power Efficient cores. Built on the Intel 4 process (7nm), it integrates an 18MB L3 cache, a dedicated AI Boost NPU for machine learning tasks, and a 7-core Intel Arc iGPU (up to 2.2 GHz) that supports hardware ray tracing and AV1 encoding. Main pros include significantly improved integrated graphics performance over previous generations, dedicated AI acceleration, and enhanced power efficiency for better battery life in everyday tasks. However, its L3 cache is smaller compared to higher-tier Ultra 7 and 9 models, and performance can be heavily limited by thin-laptop cooling solutions or single-channel RAM configurations.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

7.3
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a technical score of 7.29 points, which is higher than that of 89.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.1

Price

7.8
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 91.5% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
laptop
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1851
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses the LGA1851 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 98.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

14
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 87.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

18
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL offers 18 CPU threads, which is more than 85.1% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

?
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.5 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 1.2 GHz & 8 x 0.7 GHz & 2 x 0.7 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a base clock of 4x1.2 GHz & 8x0.7 GHz & 2x0.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

7 nm
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 71.5% of processors and equal to that of 10.9% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 4
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL is built on the Intel 4 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 94.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

18 MB
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has an L3 cache of 18 MB which is larger than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 2% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

14 MB
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 87.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

1,408 KB
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has an L1 cache of 1408 KB which is larger than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports DDR DDR5, which is newer than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 12.6% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

7,467 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports memory speeds up to 7467 MHz, which is higher than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to 1.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-5600 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

96 GB
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is more than 56% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 112EU
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses the Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 112EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 86.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

112
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has 112 GPU execution units, which is more than 99.2% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports AV1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 61.3% of processors and equal to 1.6% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

115 W
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a boost power of 115 W which is higher than that of 72.4% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 45 W
Show more

Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL vs the average processor

  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.14 vs 6
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.14 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 4x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 10 more CPU threads
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (18 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (18 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.18 vs 8
  • 36.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,400 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,400 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,400 vs 2,483
  • 2.55x higher memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4800 MHz

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.7467 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
    P-cores + E-cores
    What it is: Combines high-performance cores with lower-power efficiency cores instead of relying on just one core type.
    When it matters: When you want strong burst performance in demanding tasks without wasting as much power during lighter background work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,851 vs FP2).
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a newer release date than the average processor (2,024 vs 2,020).
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 10 more CPU threads
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (18 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 36.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,400 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 94.8% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (20,516 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 4x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 4 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 3.67x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,408 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2.25x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 2.55x higher memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 95.6% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
  • 50% more memory capacity
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (96 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 4.67x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more GPU execution units than the average processor (112 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 10 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 16 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 25.3% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 79.7% higher boost power
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (115 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 25.3% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.28 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 79.7% higher boost power
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (115 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (115 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.115 W vs 64 W
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.110 °C vs 100 °C
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 16 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (12 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.12 vs 28
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
    What it is: The supported ways PCIe lanes can be split across multiple slots or devices.
    When it matters: When you plan multiple expansion cards or NVMe adapters.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8
Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?

  • Improved integrated graphics (Intel Arc) that handles casual gaming and esports titles like CS2 and Valorant well at 1080p
  • Dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for efficient AI task offloading, such as background blur in video calls and local AI tools
  • Solid battery life in thin-and-light laptops, with users reporting 8-10+ hours during light office or school work
  • Strong performance in content creation tasks like Adobe Photoshop, showing a significant lead over 12th and 13th gen i5 models
  • Efficient multi-core architecture (14 cores / 18 threads) that excels in multitasking and programming workloads

What customers dislike about Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?

  • Performance gains over previous generations (13th/14th Gen) can feel marginal in gaming, leading some to call it poor value for money
  • Significant thermal output under heavy load, with some laptops hitting peaks of 100°C+ during synthetic benchmarks
  • High peak power draw, with turbo consumption reaching up to 115W, requiring robust cooling solutions in smaller chassis
  • Limited current software support for the NPU, making it more of a 'future-proof' investment than an immediate benefit for most users
  • Perceived as less efficient than competing AMD Ryzen 8000 series or Snapdragon X chips in real-world battery tests

Expert reviews

N
notebookcheck.com
14/03/2024
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14 Review - Successful All-Rounder with OLED Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14 (14IMH9) is a versatile 14-inch laptop featuring a robust aluminum chassis and a 1920x1200 OLED display that delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, the device provides strong performance with Intel Arc graphics for daily tasks and media consumption. Key pros include an comfortable keyboard, solid port...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
geekom.fr
07/01/2026
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H: Review, Benchmarks, and AI for 2026

The Geekom GT1 Mega featuring the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is positioned as a powerful, efficient mini PC suitable for professional and creative workloads, utilizing a 14-core processor with an integrated NPU for AI tasks. The unit boasts a durable metal chassis, comprehensive connectivity including dual 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, and supports up to four 4K displays via Intel Arc...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
saggiamente.com
01/08/2024
Beelink SEi14 Review: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and Intel Arc Graphics

The Beelink SEi14 is a compact, 0.814L aluminum mini PC powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, featuring integrated Intel Arc graphics and a dedicated NPU for AI acceleration. It features a "dustproof" design, supports up to 96GB DDR5 RAM, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSDs, and offers robust connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4, and the MSC2.0-VC vapor chamber cooling system for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.it
14/12/2023
Intel Meteor Lake-H Ultra 5 125H - Specifications and Benchmarks (Reference to H/HL Variants)

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is a 14-core Meteor Lake-H processor featuring an integrated AI Boost NPU for accelerated AI tasks and a 7-core Arc iGPU that significantly boosts graphical performance over previous Intel solutions. While delivering capable productivity performance, the chip faces intense competition in multi-core tasks from AMD alternatives and requires robust,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

intel-core-ultra-9-285k
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors

8.9
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9965WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9995wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-9960x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-7970x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Processors

8.7
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9985WX

Processors

8.7
intel-core-ultra-9-285
Intel Core Ultra 9 285

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9975wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9975WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d
AMD Ryzen 9 9950x3d

Processors

8.6
intel-core-i9-13900k
Intel Core i9 13900K

Processors

8.5
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX

Processors

8.5

Compare Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL with other processors

VS
VS

Compare