Intel Core 3 305 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL Comparison

FAQ

Q: How do the two processors compare in terms of average benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 has an average benchmark score of 18,302 and sits in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, and its percentile rank is 50.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL has 14 cores and 18 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL boosts to 4.60 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 305 boosts to 4.30 GHz.

Q: What is the process node for each chip?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 is built on a 3 nm process node. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL is built on a 7 nm process node.

Q: How does the integrated graphics differ between the two?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL uses Arc Xe-LPG with 128 execution units.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 delivers 59.7 GB/s over a single-channel memory bus. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL delivers 89.6 GB/s over a dual-channel memory bus.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different architectural generations and design philosophies within Intel's lineup. The Intel Core 3 305 is based on the Wildcat Lake design and belongs to the Core 3 generation. It uses a 3 nm process node fabricated by Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL is built on the Meteor Lake architecture, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS variant, and uses a 7 nm process node. The Core Ultra 5 135HL belongs to the Core Ultra Series 1 family.

The core configurations differ substantially. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, indicating no hyperthreading. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has 14 cores and 18 threads, implying a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores with hyperthreading on some of them. This gives the Ultra 5 a significant thread advantage for parallel workloads.

Cache hierarchies also differ in structure and capacity. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has 112 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The per-core L2 allocation on the Ultra 5 scales with its higher core count, while its shared L3 is three times larger than the Core 3 305's.

Memory support differs as well. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a single-channel bus. The Core Ultra 5 135HL supports DDR5 with capacity dependent on the motherboard, over a dual-channel bus. The Ultra 5's dual-channel configuration yields higher memory bandwidth. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Core 3 305 provides Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Core Ultra 5 135HL provides Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes.

The integrated graphics solutions are from different generations. The Core 3 305 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with a single Xe core. The Core Ultra 5 135HL uses Arc Xe-LPG with 128 execution units, a substantially larger graphics engine. The Core Ultra 5 135HL targets the desktop segment, while the Core 3 305 targets mobile devices, evidenced by its BGA 1516 socket and lower thermal envelope.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data between these two processors is empty. No direct comparative benchmark scores are recorded in the database. However, the Core 3 305 has a full set of individual benchmark results, while the Core Ultra 5 135HL has none.

The Core 3 305's recorded scores provide a reference point for its capabilities. In Cinebench R23, it scores 13,123 in multi-core and 1,852 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 5,511 multi-core and 777 single-core. In Cinebench R15, it scores 1,322 multi-core and 186 single-core. These results establish a baseline for the Wildcat Lake chip.

PassMark results for the Core 3 305 show 15,439 in multithread testing and 3,977 in single-thread testing. Specialty workloads include data compression at 146,857, data encryption at 11,019, extended instructions at 13,543, prime number finding at 115, floating point math at 42,284, integer math at 32,295, physics at 1,233, and random string sorting at 17,623.

Since the Core Ultra 5 135HL lacks any benchmark entries, the database cannot compute wins for either processor. The winsA and winsB fields are both zero. The nearest rivals for the Core 3 305 provide context for its standing among comparable CPUs. The Intel Core i3-14100 scores 18,318, which is 0.1% above the Core 3 305's average. The Intel Core 5 330 scores 18,345, 0.2% above. The Intel Core 7 360 scores 18,374, 0.4% above. The AMD Ryzen 5 2600E scores 18,230, 0.4% below the Core 3 305.

The absence of Core Ultra 5 135HL benchmark data means any direct performance comparison relies on specification differences, not measured results. The Core 3 305 has a measurable performance profile, while the Core Ultra 5 135HL remains uncharacterized in the database.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field recorded. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 135HL has 14 cores and 18 threads. Base clocks are 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 305 and 1.70 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 135HL. Boost clocks are 4.30 GHz and 4.60 GHz, respectively.

Thermal design power differs significantly. The Core 3 305 has a TDP of 15 watts. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has a TDP of 45 watts. This threefold difference reflects the mobile versus desktop market positioning.

Sockets are incompatible. The Core 3 305 uses Intel BGA 1516. The Core Ultra 5 135HL uses Intel Socket 1851. The Core 3 305 has a mobile market segment, while the Core Ultra 5 135HL targets desktop.

Process nodes differ: 3 nm for the Core 3 305 versus 7 nm for the Core Ultra 5 135HL. The architecture and codename fields also diverge. The Core 3 305 lists Wildcat Lake as its codename with no architecture entry. The Core Ultra 5 135HL lists Meteor Lake as its architecture and Meteor Lake-PS as its codename.

Cache configurations differ in both capacity and description. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB total L1, 2.5 MB total L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has 112 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB shared L3.

Memory support differs. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core Ultra 5 135HL supports DDR5 with motherboard-dependent capacity. Memory buses are single-channel versus dual-channel. Memory bandwidth is 59.7 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. Neither supports ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity differs: Gen 4 with 6 lanes for the Core 3 305 versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Core Ultra 5 135HL. Integrated graphics differ: Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core versus Arc Xe-LPG 128EU.

Release dates differ by about two years. The Core Ultra 5 135HL was released on 2024-04-07. The Core 3 305 was released on 2026-04-15. The Core 3 305 has a launch MSRP of $309. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Core 3 305 has a part number of SAE3L. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has a part number of SRN33. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. Both have active production status.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports distinct choices based on workload type and platform requirements. The Intel Core 3 305 is the only processor with actual benchmark measurements. Its average score of 18,302 places it in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs, with nearest rivals within a 0.4% band. This indicates the Core 3 305 delivers performance consistent with mainstream chips like the Intel Core i3-14100 and Intel Core 5 330.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL has no benchmark scores in the database. Its 50th percentile rank is a default position, not a measured result. The specification sheet shows a higher core count, higher threads, higher clocks, larger cache, and dual-channel memory. These specifications suggest superior multi-threaded capability, but the database contains no measurements to confirm this.

For mobile applications requiring low power consumption, the Core 3 305 is the appropriate choice. Its 15 watt TDP, single-channel memory, and BGA 1516 socket fit thin-and-light designs. Its 3 nm process node indicates a newer manufacturing technology. Its integrated Xe3 Graphics with one Xe core provides basic visual output.

For desktop applications where power limits are less restrictive, the Core Ultra 5 135HL offers more resources on paper. The 14 cores, 18 threads, 18 MB L3 cache, dual-channel memory at 89.6 GB/s, and Arc Xe-LPG 128EU graphics present a stronger theoretical configuration. The 45 watt TDP and Socket 1851 target desktop motherboards. The 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes provide additional connectivity.

The data cannot declare a performance winner because only one side has benchmark results. The Core 3 305 has proven scores across Cinebench and PassMark suites. The Core Ultra 5 135HL has no recorded scores. Buyers seeking measured performance should reference the Core 3 305's results. Buyers relying on specifications alone may consider the Core Ultra 5 135HL's higher core count and memory bandwidth.

The release timeline also matters. The Core 3 305 launched in April 2026 with a $309 launch MSRP. The Core Ultra 5 135HL launched in April 2024. The newer process node on the Core 3 305 suggests improved efficiency per watt. The older Meteor Lake architecture on the Core Ultra 5 135HL uses a larger 7 nm node.

The verdict splits along usage scenarios. For mobile computing with verified benchmark data, the Intel Core 3 305 is the documented choice. For desktop computing with maximal core counts and no benchmark verification, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135HL remains a specification-based option. The database will require benchmark entries for the Core Ultra 5 135HL before a measured comparison is possible.