Core Ultra 5 125U
Intel
PassMark
17,152
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 125U
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core Ultra 5 125U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 125U specifications and capabilities.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
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Our Recommendation for Core Ultra 5 125U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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