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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 5 125U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 125U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 125U is a 12-core / 14-thread processor based on the Meteor Lake-P (2023) architecture, manufactured on a 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz from a base frequency of 1.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 112 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 17,152, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 125U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	12C / 14T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Meteor Lake-P (2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	112 kB (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	110 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	17,152

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 125U fits into the FCBGA2049 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR5 memory.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 125U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Meteor Lake-U
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA2049
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

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Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 125U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of + 12 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 125U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	+ 12 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	110 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #920 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 125U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$363
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#920
Release DateLaunch date	14 December 2023 (1 year ago)
Release Year	2023
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Meteor Lake-U
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$363
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	14 December 2023 (1 year ago)
Architecture Codename	Meteor Lake-P (2023)
Performance Ranking Position	920

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	12
Threads	14
L1 Cache	112 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)
Max Frequency	4.3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.3 GHz
Efficiency Cores	8
Performance Cores	2
Process Technology	7 nm
Low Efficiency Cores	2
Max Core Temperature	110 °C