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 135U 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 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: 16,900 points. Launch price was $332.

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 Core Ultra 5 135U

#64

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

106%

#73

Core i9-13950HX

MSRP: $590|Avg: $199

103%

#77

Core Ultra 5 135U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#82

Core i7-11700B

MSRP: $323|Avg: $311

99%

#83

Core i7-13700HX

MSRP: $485|Avg: N/A

98%

#86

Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 5 135U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 135U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 135U 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 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 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 16,900, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,948, while multi-core reaches 8,000. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 9,315.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 135U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	12C / 14T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.6 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	16,900
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	9,315
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,948
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	8,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 135U fits into the FCBGA2049 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-5600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 96 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Arc Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 135U
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
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-5600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	96 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel Arc Graphics
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	SoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core Ultra 5 135U
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 135U 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 135U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	+ 12 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	110 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #933 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 135U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$332
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#933
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