Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a remarkably one-sided comparison. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T wins every single recorded test, 17 out of 17, with no victories for the Intel Core 5 120UL. The margin of victory, however, varies significantly depending on the workload type.

In Cinebench tests, the Ultra 5 225T demonstrates a consistent performance advantage. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Ultra 5 225T scores 21971 against 8974 for the Core 5 120UL, a delta of -59.2%. Single-core performance shows a similar gap, with the Ultra 5 225T scoring 3101 in Cinebench R23 single-core versus 1266 for the Core 5 120UL, also a -59.2% difference. This pattern repeats across all Cinebench versions, with the R15, R20, and R23 multicore and single-core tests all showing deltas between -59.2% and -59.3%.

The PassMark suite reveals an even wider spread of results. The largest single delta appears in the find prime numbers test, where the Ultra 5 225T scores 284 versus just 47 for the Core 5 120UL, a -83.5% difference. Extended instructions show a -74.1% delta, with scores of 20083 against 5203. Floating point math follows with a -68.2% delta (82751 versus 26311). Physics testing shows a -60.7% delta (2053 versus 807).

Some workloads show a relatively smaller, though still substantial, gap. Integer math sees the Ultra 5 225T score 59543 against 38060, a -36.1% delta. Data compression results show 233998 versus 109090, a -53.4% delta. Random string sorting shows 28774 versus 13610, a -52.7% delta. Single-thread performance in PassMark shows 4348 versus 2080, a -52.2% delta, which matches the duplicate single-thread entry in the database.

Data encryption results show 18289 for the Ultra 5 225T against 7685 for the Core 5 120UL, a -58% delta. The multithread test shows 25358 versus 10558, a -58.4% delta. The overall average benchmark scores reflect this dominance: the Ultra 5 225T averages 30468, while the Core 5 120UL averages 13594.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 225T wins in every category measured, but the nature of the wins suggests distinct strengths. The largest deltas appear in pure computational workloads: prime number finding, extended instructions, and floating point math. These are workloads that stress the arithmetic units and instruction throughput. The -83.5% delta in prime number finding indicates a massive advantage in algorithmic integer processing.

The smaller deltas appear in integer math (-36.1%), data compression (-53.4%), and random string sorting (-52.7%). These workloads still favor the Ultra 5 225T strongly, but the margin narrows. This suggests the Core 5 120UL is relatively more competitive in memory-bound or simpler integer tasks, though it still loses decisively.

Single-core performance shows a consistent -52.2% to -59.3% delta across all tests. This indicates the architectural advantage of the Ultra 5 225T is not limited to multicore scaling but extends to per-thread efficiency. The Core 5 120UL has 12 threads versus 10 for the Ultra 5 225T, yet still loses every multithreaded test by wide margins, which points to per-core performance being the dominant factor.

For the Core 5 120UL, there is no workload category where it emerges ahead. Even in its best relative performance, integer math, it trails by more than a third. The data suggests the Core 5 120UL is positioned for lower-power scenarios, with its 15 TDP versus 65 TDP for the Ultra 5 225T, but the performance cost is substantial across the board.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design generations. The Core 5 120UL uses Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS codename, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry. The Core Ultra 5 225T uses Arrow Lake architecture, specifically Arrow Lake-S, built on a 3 nm process at TSMC. This process difference is significant, with the 3 nm node allowing for the 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die in the Ultra 5 225T. The Core 5 120UL has no listed transistor or die size data.

Core counts are identical at 10 cores each, but thread counts differ: the Core 5 120UL has 12 threads while the Ultra 5 225T has 10. This indicates the Core 5 120UL uses Hyper-Threading technology, while the Ultra 5 225T does not. Despite having fewer threads, the Ultra 5 225T wins all multithreaded tests, showing the per-core efficiency of the newer architecture more than compensates.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Core 5 120UL has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 225T has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 20 MB shared L3. The larger caches in the Ultra 5 225T likely contribute to its advantage in data compression and encryption workloads.

Clock speeds show the Ultra 5 225T with a 2.50 GHz base clock and 4.90 GHz boost, versus 1.30 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost for the Core 5 120UL. The higher base clock is particularly notable, as it indicates sustained performance capability. The Ultra 5 225T also has higher TDP at 65 versus 15.

Memory support differs: the Core 5 120UL supports both DDR4 and DDR5 dual-channel, while the Ultra 5 225T supports only DDR5 dual-channel with a listed memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The Core 5 120UL has no listed memory bandwidth. PCIe support also differs, with the Core 5 120UL using Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 5 225T uses Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ: the Core 5 120UL has Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Ultra 5 225T has Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU. Sockets differ as well, with the Core 5 120UL on Intel Socket 1700 and the Ultra 5 225T on Intel Socket 1851. Release dates show the Core 5 120UL from April 2024 and the Ultra 5 225T from December 2024.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 120UL has 12 threads from its 10 cores, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225T has 10 threads from its 10 cores. The Core 5 120UL uses Hyper-Threading, while the Ultra 5 225T does not.

Q: What is the performance gap in single-core tests?

A: The Ultra 5 225T leads in all single-core tests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 3101 versus 1266, a -59.2% delta. In PassMark single-thread, it scores 4348 versus 2080, a -52.2% delta. The consistent gap across tests indicates a fundamental per-core performance advantage.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The Core 5 120UL has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 225T has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 20 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 225T has larger caches at every level.

Q: Which processor has newer PCIe support?

A: The Ultra 5 225T supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes, while the Core 5 120UL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. The Ultra 5 225T offers both a newer standard and more lanes.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores?

A: The Ultra 5 225T has an average benchmark score of 30468, placing it in the 82nd percentile of all CPUs. The Core 5 120UL has an average of 13594, placing it in the 68th percentile.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Ultra 5 225T has a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, while the Core 5 120UL boosts to 4.60 GHz. The Ultra 5 225T also has a higher base clock at 2.50 GHz versus 1.30 GHz.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a clear performance hierarchy. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T outperforms the Intel Core 5 120UL in every benchmark in the database, and by substantial margins. The smallest delta is -36.1% in integer math, while the largest is -83.5% in prime number finding. No workload category favors the Core 5 120UL.

The Core Ultra 5 225T's percentile ranking of 82 versus 68 for the Core 5 120UL confirms the overall positioning. The nearest rivals for the Ultra 5 225T include the Intel Core i9-11980HK with a 0.2% delta and the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS with a 0.3% delta. The Core 5 120UL's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i3-12100F with a 0.7% delta and the Intel Core 3 N355 with a 0.8% delta. These rival comparisons place the Ultra 5 225T in a performance class well above the Core 5 120UL.

The architecture differences explain the performance gap. The Ultra 5 225T benefits from a 3 nm process versus 10 nm, larger caches at all levels, higher clock speeds, and DDR5-only memory with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 5 120UL has more threads (12 versus 10) but this does not compensate for the per-core and cache advantages of the newer design.

For users prioritizing raw performance, the Ultra 5 225T is the clear choice based on the data. For those constrained by power consumption, the Core 5 120UL has a 15 TDP versus 65 TDP, but the performance trade-off is severe. The Core 5 120UL also offers DDR4 memory support and an 80EU Iris Xe integrated GPU versus a 16EU Arc Xe-LPG, which may matter for specific use cases. The socket difference (1700 versus 1851) means platform choice is a separate consideration.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120UL | Intel Core Ultra 5 225T |

|---|---|---|

| Threads | 12 | 10 |

| Base Clock | 1.30 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.90 GHz |

| TDP | 15 | 65 |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Arrow Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not listed | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | Not listed | 243 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 20 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 102.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes | Gen 5, 20 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07 | 2024-12-31 |

| Generation | Core 5 (Raptor Lake-PS) | Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake) |