OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£270PassMark multi-core score:16780N. of physical cores:12CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA2049TDP (Thermal design power):15 W

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

40%

7.3

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 70% of processors
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

â–²Better than 77%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

60%

6.9

Performance

18%

7.7

Architecture

10%

7.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.8

Power & Thermal

4%

8.7

Platform

1%

8.7

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 73%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Performance

18%

7.7

Architecture

10%

7.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.8

Power & Thermal

4%

8.7

Platform

1%

8.7

Integrated graphics

7.3
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

7.8
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
CPU socket
FCBGA2049
This processor uses the FCBGA2049 CPU socket, which is older than that of 67.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX instruction sets, which is broader support than 96.9% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
12
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 79.9% of processors and equal to 5.7% of processors.
CPU threads
14
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 14 CPU threads, which is more than 67.3% of processors and equal to 1.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
2x 1.6 GHz & 8x 1.1 GHz & 2x 0.7 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 2x1.6 GHz & 8x1.1 GHz & 2x0.7 GHz which is lower than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
16,780
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 16,780 in PassMark, which is higher than 61.9% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
7 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of processors and equal to that of 10.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 4
This processor is built on the Intel 4 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 94.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
L3 cache
12 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
10 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 79% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
L1 cache
1,184 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 1,184 KB which is larger than that of 88.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
This processor supports DDR DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 94.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
7,467 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 7,467 MHz, which is higher than that of 90.8% of processors and equal to 1.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-5600 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.4% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
96 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is more than 53.4% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU
This processor uses the Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 84.5% of processors and equal to that in 1.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
64
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 64 GPU execution units, which is more than 86.7% of processors and equal to 3.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 94.7% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
15 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 79.2% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
15 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 78.3% of processors and equal to that of 15.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
57 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 57 W which is lower than that of 56.4% of processors and equal to that of 2% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
Show more

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • 4x more L2 per core
    This processor 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
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • 59.9% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,329 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,329 vs 5,209
  • 3.33x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    10 MB vs 3 MB
  • 6 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (14 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    14 vs 8
  • 2.33x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Broader instruction support
    This processor supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
    December 2023
    2023 vs 2020
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • 59.9% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,329 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,329 vs 5,209
  • 6 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (14 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    14 vs 8
  • 28.4% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,285 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,285 vs 2,558
  • 46.3% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (16,780 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    16,780 vs 11,469
  • 23.5% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (605 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    605 vs 490
  • 26.2% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1937 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,937 vs 1,535
  • 2 wider front-end design
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    P-core 6, E-core 3
    6 vs 4
  • 4x higher bus transfer rate
    This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (32 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    32 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 4x more L2 per core
    This processor 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
  • 3.33x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    10 MB vs 3 MB
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 4 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 4 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
    P-cores + E-cores
  • 3.08x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,184 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    1,184 KB vs 384 KB
  • 58.8% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (73 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    73 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    7 nm vs 12 nm
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    DDR5/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • 2.33x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 91% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4 vs 3
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR5-5600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR5-5,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 50% more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (96 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    96 GB vs 64 GB
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 2.67x more GPU execution units
    This processor has more GPU execution units than the average processor (64 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    64 vs 24
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • 66.7% lower base power
    This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    15 W vs 45 W
  • 10 °C higher temperature limit
    This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    110 °C vs 100 °C
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    15 W vs 45 W
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    This processor 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
  • 12 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (16 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    16 vs 28
  • 12 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (16 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    16 vs 28
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    This processor 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

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

  • High energy efficiency with a 15W base power draw, making it ideal for thin laptops and tablets
  • Includes a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for accelerating local AI tasks and offloading background processes
  • Strong multi-tasking capability for a U-series chip, featuring 12 cores and 14 threads
  • Excellent for standard office workloads, school, and web surfing with long theoretical battery life
  • Updated integrated Arc graphics support modern codecs like AV1 and AI frame generation (XeSS)
  • Supports high-speed memory including LPDDR5x-7467, matching or exceeding many competitors

What customers don't like about Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

  • Integrated graphics performance is relatively limited compared to 'H' series counterparts, making it unsuitable for demanding modern games
  • Significant reduction in L3 cache (12MB) compared to higher-tier models like the Ultra 7, which may impact performance in data-heavy apps
  • Locked multiplier prevents any overclocking to boost performance
  • Real-world performance is highly dependent on the laptop's specific cooling solution and power limits
  • Some users feel the performance gain over previous 13th-gen Intel Core i5/i7 U-series chips is marginal

Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U is a mid-range Meteor Lake-U mobile processor designed for thin-and-light laptops, featuring a hybrid architecture with 12 cores (2 Performance, 8 Efficient, and 2 Low-Power Efficient) and 14 threads. It operates at a base frequency of 1.6 GHz with a turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz, supported by 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a base power of 15W (up to 57W turbo). Key pros include an integrated AI Boost NPU for hardware-accelerated AI workloads, 4-core Intel Arc graphics, and support for high-speed memory like LPDDR5x-7467. However, its performance can be limited by its low 15W base power profile, and it features a smaller L3 cache compared to higher-end 'H' series models.

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