Core i5-12500T vs Core Ultra 7 155U

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-12500T vs Core Ultra 7 155U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-12500T vs Core Ultra 7 155U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-12500T

2022

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core Ultra 7 155U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core Ultra 7 155U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $302 MSRP, while Core Ultra 7 155U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core Ultra 7 155U

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (16,185 vs 16,339).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 18 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-12500T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12500T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12500T better than Core Ultra 7 155U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 7 155U is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12500T pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark. Core i5-12500T also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-12500T is the better buy right now. Core i5-12500T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $302 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core Ultra 7 155U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (54.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 7 155U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-12500T vs Core Ultra 7 155U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-12500T

The Core i5-12500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 16,339 points. Launch price was $299.

Core Ultra 7 155U

The Core Ultra 7 155U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Meteor Lake-P (2023) architecture. It features 12 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,185 points. Launch price was $490.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12500T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 155U offers 12 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 7 155U has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12500T versus 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 155U — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 155U (base: 2 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-12500T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 155U uses Meteor Lake-P (2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12500T scores 16,339 against the Core Ultra 7 155U's 16,185 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-12500T. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12500T vs 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 155U.

Feature	Core i5-12500T	Core Ultra 7 155U
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 14+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2 GHz+18%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+50%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Meteor Lake-P (2023)
PassMark	16,339	16,185
Cinebench R23 Multi	6,625	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,300	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,900	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12500T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 155U uses FCBGA2049 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-12500T	Core Ultra 7 155U
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA2049
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12500T) / not specified (Core Ultra 7 155U). The Core i5-12500T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core Ultra 7 155U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12500T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12500T rivals Ryzen 5 5600GE.