Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core Ultra 7 366H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H holds a decisive performance advantage across every recorded benchmark, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has no benchmark entries in the database. The Core Ultra 7 366H posts an average benchmark score of 41263, placing it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs. The Core 5 120HL, by contrast, sits at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of 0, meaning no measured workloads exist for that processor in the current database.

Focusing on the Core Ultra 7 366H's recorded results, the Cinebench R23 multicore test shows a score of 28477, while the singlecore test reaches 4020. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score is 11960 and singlecore is 1688. The older Cinebench R15 run shows 2870 multicore and 405 singlecore. These results establish a strong baseline for both heavily threaded and lightly threaded workloads.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 7 366H further quantify its strengths. The multithread score is 33429, while single-thread performance is recorded at 4043. In specific computational tasks, floating point math reaches 103615, integer math hits 83695, and extended instructions score 26901. Data compression scores 327455, and data encryption reaches 25845. Random string sorting finishes at 39814, physics at 2880, and prime number finding at 326. Across every category, the Core Ultra 7 366H demonstrates consistent, measurable output.

Comparing to its nearest rivals in the database, the Core Ultra 7 366H is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, which averages 41215. It also leads the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 by 0.1%, with that chip scoring 41208. Against the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, the Core Ultra 7 366H trails by 0.3%, as the Ryzen 9 5900X posts 41376. The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H sits 0.7% behind at 40967. These margins are narrow, indicating that the Core Ultra 7 366H is closely matched with other high-end processors in its immediate class, though it does not dominate them.

The Core 5 120HL cannot be compared directly through benchmark scores because the database contains no recorded results for it. Its 50th percentile ranking and zero average score indicate a lack of measured data rather than an actual performance level. The Core Ultra 7 366H, with its 87th percentile placement, is the only one of the two that can be evaluated quantitatively.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 120HL uses Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, built on a 10 nm process node from Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H uses Panther Lake architecture with the Panther Lake codename, built on a 3 nm process node, also from Intel. This process node difference is substantial: the 3 nm node is significantly more advanced than the 10 nm node, which typically allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency.

Core counts differ as well. The Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 366H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 7 366H therefore has four more physical cores, but the thread count matches at 16, indicating that the Core 5 120HL relies on hyper-threading while the Core Ultra 7 366H does not.

Cache hierarchies show notable differences. The Core 5 120HL has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 366H has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and the same 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 366H benefits from larger per-core cache allocations at both L1 and L2 levels.

Memory support diverges as well. The Core 5 120HL supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 7 366H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core Ultra 7 366H also has a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, a figure not listed for the Core 5 120HL. Both use dual-channel memory buses. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

PCIe capabilities differ. The Core 5 120HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 7 366H provides Gen 5 with 12 lanes (CPU only). The Core Ultra 7 366H offers both a newer PCIe generation and more lanes.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Core Ultra 7 366H uses Intel Xe3 Graphics. The database does not provide comparative graphics benchmark scores for either, so only the architectural difference can be noted.

Socket and market segment separate the two clearly. The Core 5 120HL uses Intel Socket 1700 and is classified as a Desktop processor. The Core Ultra 7 366H uses Intel BGA 2540 and is classified as Mobile. This means the Core 5 120HL is designed for socketed desktop systems, while the Core Ultra 7 366H is intended for soldered mobile platforms.

Production status for both is Active. The Core 5 120HL was released on 2024-04-07, while the Core Ultra 7 366H has a release date of 2026-01-04. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H wins in every measurable category because it is the only one of the two with recorded benchmark data. Its Cinebench scores, both multicore and singlecore across R15, R20, and R23, all show positive results. Its PassMark scores cover multithread, single-thread, floating point math, integer math, extended instructions, data compression, data encryption, random string sorting, physics, and prime number finding. Each of these workloads completes with a recorded score, confirming functional capability across general productivity, scientific computation, and data processing tasks.

The Intel Core 5 120HL has no benchmark wins because no benchmark results exist in the database. Its 50th percentile rank and zero average score do not reflect measured performance. The absence of data means no workload advantage can be assigned to it.

Where the Core 5 120HL could claim an advantage is limited to specification-level differences. Its base clock is 2.60 GHz compared to 2.00 GHz for the Core Ultra 7 366H, which could theoretically benefit lightly threaded workloads if the processors were otherwise equal. However, the Core Ultra 7 366H has a higher boost clock at 4.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz, and the database contains no benchmark evidence to validate the base clock advantage.

The Core 5 120HL also supports DDR4 memory in addition to DDR5, which can be relevant for platforms with existing DDR4 infrastructure. The Core Ultra 7 366H is restricted to DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core 5 120HL uses a desktop socket, which allows for user-replaceable processors, while the Core Ultra 7 366H uses a BGA socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.

For mobile applications, the Core Ultra 7 366H is the only viable option of the two, as it is explicitly classified as Mobile while the Core 5 120HL is Desktop. Its lower TDP of 25 W compared to 45 W for the Core 5 120HL also aligns with mobile power constraints, though thermal performance is discussed here without further numerical detail.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several specification fields. The Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 366H has 16 cores and 16 threads. Base clock rates are 2.60 GHz for the Core 5 120HL and 2.00 GHz for the Core Ultra 7 366H. Boost clocks are 4.70 GHz and 4.80 GHz respectively. TDP is 45 W for the Core 5 120HL and 25 W for the Core Ultra 7 366H.

Sockets differ: Intel Socket 1700 for the Core 5 120HL, Intel BGA 2540 for the Core Ultra 7 366H. Architecture is Raptor Lake versus Panther Lake. Process nodes are 10 nm versus 3 nm. L1 cache is 80 KB per core versus 192 KB per core. L2 cache is 2 MB per core versus 2.5 MB per core. L3 cache is identical at 18 MB shared.

Memory support is DDR4 and DDR5 for the Core 5 120HL, while the Core Ultra 7 366H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. Memory bandwidth is listed only for the Core Ultra 7 366H at 115.2 GB/s. PCIe is Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Core 5 120HL, Gen 5 with 12 lanes for the Core Ultra 7 366H. Integrated graphics are Iris Xe Graphics 80EU versus Intel Xe3 Graphics.

Market segments are Desktop versus Mobile. Release dates are 2024-04-07 for the Core 5 120HL and 2026-01-04 for the Core Ultra 7 366H. The Core 5 120HL has a launch MSRP of $279; the Core Ultra 7 366H has no launch MSRP recorded. Part numbers are SRPFR and SA4R9Q9EL. Both are Active, both lack an unlocked multiplier, and both have ECC disabled.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H has 16 cores, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores.

Q: Do both processors have the same amount of L3 cache?

A: Yes, both have 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H has a boost clock of 4.80 GHz, which is higher than the 4.70 GHz boost clock of the Intel Core 5 120HL.

Q: Which processor supports DDR4 memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL supports DDR4 and DDR5. The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H supports only DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on a 10 nm process node, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H is built on a 3 nm process node.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H has an average benchmark score of 41263. The Intel Core 5 120HL has an average benchmark score of 0, as no benchmark results are recorded for it.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points decisively to the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H as the higher-performing processor in every measured workload. Its average benchmark score of 41263 places it at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 5 120HL sits at the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmark results. The Core Ultra 7 366H shows strong Cinebench scores across R15, R20, and R23 in both multicore and singlecore tests, and its PassMark results cover a broad range of computational tasks with substantial scores.

For users selecting a mobile processor, the Core Ultra 7 366H is the only applicable choice, as it is classified as Mobile while the Core 5 120HL is Desktop. Its 16 cores, larger per-core L1 and L2 caches, 3 nm process node, Gen 5 PCIe, and 25 W TDP support its position as a modern, efficient mobile part. The Core 5 120HL offers a higher base clock, DDR4 compatibility, a socketed desktop form factor, and a launch MSRP of $279, but none of these factors translate into measured performance advantages in the database.

The database records no benchmark wins for the Core 5 120HL, leaving it without quantitative evidence of competitive performance. The Core Ultra 7 366H, by contrast, is closely matched with its nearest rivals, trailing the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X by only 0.3% and leading the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 by 0.1% each. Users who require recorded performance data should look to the Core Ultra 7 366H, while the Core 5 120HL remains a specification-only entry in the database with no measurable workload results to support a performance claim.