Intel Core 5 130HL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 130HL and the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus occupy different positions in the desktop processor landscape. The Core 5 130HL is a 12-core, 16-thread part built on Raptor Lake architecture, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is an 18-core, 18-thread processor from the Core Ultra Series 2 family. The recorded data shows the Ultra 5 250KF Plus holds the vast majority of performance advantages, though the 130HL retains meaningful wins in specific workload categories.

The Core 5 130HL delivers all of its wins through its integrated graphics solution. It features Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, whereas the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the 130HL the only option of the two for systems that rely on the CPU's built-in display output. For any workload that depends on iGPU rendering, video decode, or basic display capabilities, the 130HL is the sole contender.

The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus secures wins across every recorded CPU benchmark category. It dominates multi-threaded workloads, single-threaded workloads, and specialized instruction sets. The benchmark results indicate a clear separation in compute capability, with the Ultra 5 250KF Plus delivering higher scores in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both multicore and singlecore, as well as throughout the Passmark suite.

The Core 5 130HL has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. Its percentile ranking sits at 50, meaning it lands in the middle of all CPUs tracked. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, by contrast, ranks at the 93rd percentile, placing it among the higher-performing processors in the database. The average benchmark score for the Ultra 5 250KF Plus is 66,159, while the 130HL carries an average score of zero due to the absence of benchmark entries.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Core 5 130HL uses Raptor Lake architecture with the codename Raptor Lake-PS. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses Arrow Lake Refresh architecture with the codename Arrow Lake. The process nodes differ substantially: the 130HL is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process, while the Ultra 5 250KF Plus is built on TSMC's 3 nm process.

The transistor counts reflect this generational gap. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus contains 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die. The 130HL has no transistor or die size figures recorded in the database. The manufacturing foundry also differs, with Intel producing the 130HL and TSMC producing the Ultra 5 250KF Plus.

Core counts and thread counts create a structural difference between the two parts. The 130HL provides 12 cores and 16 threads, indicating the presence of hyper-threading on some of its cores. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides 18 cores and 18 threads, meaning it runs one thread per core without simultaneous multi-threading. The thread count difference is smaller than the core count difference, which affects how each processor scales in heavily threaded workloads.

Cache hierarchies diverge as well. The 130HL has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. Every cache level is larger on the Ultra 5 250KF Plus, both on a per-core basis and in total shared capacity.

Memory support separates the two clearly. The 130HL supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports only DDR5, also in dual-channel, but with a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. The 130HL has no memory bandwidth figure in the database. ECC memory support also differs: the 130HL does not support ECC, while the Ultra 5 250KF Plus does.

PCIe connectivity shows another generational shift. The 130HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes. The socket changes as well, with the 130HL using Intel Socket 1700 and the Ultra 5 250KF Plus using Intel Socket 1851. These sockets are not cross-compatible, so platform choice is locked to the processor.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains a full benchmark profile for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, while the Core 5 130HL has no recorded scores. The comparison therefore relies on the Ultra 5 250KF Plus's absolute results and its position relative to other processors in the database.

In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 42,718. Its singlecore result in the same test is 6,030. These numbers place it well above the median CPU in the database, consistent with its 93rd percentile standing. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score is 17,941 and the singlecore score is 2,532. In Cinebench R15, the multicore score is 4,305 and the singlecore score is 607.

The Passmark suite shows consistent strength across varied workloads. The multithread score is 50,146 and the single-thread score is 4,698. Integer math reaches 123,030, while floating point math reaches 159,824. Extended instructions score 42,880. Data compression scores 553,155, and data encryption scores 41,292. Random string sorting reaches 67,209. Physics scores 3,183 and prime number finding scores 452.

The nearest rivals in the database put these numbers into context. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has an average score of 66,099, which is 0.1% behind the Ultra 5 250KF Plus's 66,159 average. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 65,914, 0.4% behind. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus averages 66,855, which is 1% ahead of the 250KF Plus. The AMD EPYC 4465P averages 66,925, 1.1% ahead.

The data shows the Ultra 5 250KF Plus sits in a tight cluster near the top of the database. Its performance is nearly identical to the Core 9 273PQE and Ryzen 9 7950X3D, while trailing slightly behind the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and EPYC 4465P. The margins are small, all within 1.1 percentage points.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports a straightforward selection based on use case. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the stronger processor for every CPU-bound workload covered in the database. It delivers high multi-threaded throughput, strong single-threaded performance, and broad capability across integer, floating point, encryption, and compression tasks. Its 93rd percentile ranking and average benchmark score of 66,159 place it among the top processors tracked.

The Intel Core 5 130HL has no benchmark scores in the database, so no direct performance comparison can be made from measured results. Its advantages are structural rather than performance-based. The 130HL includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, making it suitable for systems without a discrete GPU. It also supports DDR4 memory, which allows for lower-cost platform builds using existing memory infrastructure. The 130HL's 45 TDP indicates a power-efficient design, though the database does not record a comparable TDP for the Ultra 5 250KF Plus beyond its 125 TDP figure.

The choice between the two comes down to platform and workload requirements. Systems needing integrated graphics, DDR4 compatibility, or a lower power envelope align with the Core 5 130HL. Systems prioritizing raw compute performance, larger cache, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, DDR5 memory bandwidth, and ECC support align with the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus also offers an unlocked multiplier, while the 130HL does not, giving the former overclocking capability.

The launch MSRP for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is $184. The 130HL has no launch MSRP recorded in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores, while the Intel Core 5 130HL has 12 cores.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 130HL have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the 130HL includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?

A: Its average benchmark score is 66,159, and it ranks at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which processors are closest to the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus in average score?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE is 0.1% behind, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is 0.4% behind, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is 1% ahead, and the AMD EPYC 4465P is 1.1% ahead.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Core 5 130HL supports DDR4 and DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports only DDR5, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s.

Q: Does the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory support is enabled on the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The Core 5 130HL does not support ECC memory.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 130HL | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus |

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

| Cores | 12 | 18 |

| Threads | 16 | 18 |

| Base clock | 2.60 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.80 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Arrow Lake Refresh |

| Process node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 17,800 million |

| Die size | Not recorded | 243 mm² |

| L1 cache | 80 KB per core | 192 KB per core |

| L2 cache | 2 MB per core | 3 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 18 MB shared | 30 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | Not recorded | 115.2 GB/s |

| ECC memory | No | Yes |

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

| Integrated graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU | N/A |

| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |

| Release date | 2024-04-07 | 2026-03-10 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $184 |