Core Ultra 5 125U vs Xeon D-1848TER

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 Ultra 5 125U vs Xeon D-1848TER 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 Ultra 5 125U vs Xeon D-1848TER: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core Ultra 5 125U

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2049 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA2227 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1848TER, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon D-1848TER

2023

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 125U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (16,952 vs 17,152).
❌Older platform position on FCBGA2227 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 125U moves to FCBGA2049 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 125U better than Xeon D-1848TER?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1848TER makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 125U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 125U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 5 125U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 14 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 125U still makes the most sense overall. Core Ultra 5 125U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core Ultra 5 125U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with FCBGA2049 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA2227 and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 14 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 5 125U vs Xeon D-1848TER Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 5 125U

The Core Ultra 5 125U 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 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 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: 17,152 points. Launch price was $363.

Xeon D-1848TER

The Xeon D-1848TER is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB. Socket: FCBGA2227. Thermal design power (TDP): 57 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 16,952 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 125U packs 12 cores / 14 threads, while the Xeon D-1848TER offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core Ultra 5 125U has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 125U versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon D-1848TER — a 32.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 125U (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 125U is built on the Meteor Lake-P (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 125U scores 17,152 against the Xeon D-1848TER's 16,952 — a 1.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 125U. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 125U vs 15360 kB on the Xeon D-1848TER.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 125U	Xeon D-1848TER
Cores / Threads	12 / 14+20%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+39%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2 GHz+54%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	15360 kB+25%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	—
Process	7 nm	—
Architecture	Meteor Lake-P (2023)	—
PassMark	17,152+1%	16,952

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 125U uses the FCBGA2049 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon D-1848TER uses FCBGA2227 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.