Intel Core 5 213PE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL Comparison

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 213PE is the clear performance leader between these two desktop processors. The database shows it sits at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL sits at the 50th percentile. The Core 5 213PE carries a full benchmark suite with an average score of 35,428, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, leaving its average at zero.

The Core 5 213PE is the pick for anyone prioritizing raw compute throughput, single-thread response, and mature platform compatibility. The Core Ultra 5 125HL, with its higher core count, lower power envelope, and integrated Arc graphics, is the pick for those prioritizing efficiency and newer platform features, though its performance profile is unquantified in the database.

The Core 5 213PE belongs in a desktop system where multi-threaded workloads and high-frequency responsiveness matter. The Core Ultra 5 125HL belongs in a system where power draw is the primary constraint, as its 45 W TDP is substantially lower than the 65 W TDP of the Core 5 213PE.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 213PE wins in every measurable compute category. Its 5.20 GHz boost clock gives it a commanding single-thread advantage over the 4.50 GHz boost of the Core Ultra 5 125HL. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core 5 213PE scores 3,172 points. In PassMark single-thread, it scores 4,060 points. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has no comparable scores recorded.

Multi-threaded performance also favors the Core 5 213PE despite its lower core count. The Core 5 213PE uses 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL uses 14 cores and 18 threads. Yet the Core 5 213PE still delivers Cinebench R23 multi-core scores of 22,468 points. The higher per-core clock speed and shared 24 MB L3 cache compensate for the thread deficit.

The Core Ultra 5 125HL wins on architectural efficiency. Its 7 nm process node is more advanced than the 10 nm node of the Core 5 213PE. Its 45 W TDP is 20 W lower. Its integrated Arc Xe-LPG 112EU graphics unit is far more capable than the UHD Graphics 730 found in the Core 5 213PE. The Core Ultra 5 125HL also uses a newer Socket 1851 platform.

The Core 5 213PE wins on memory compatibility. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL supports DDR5 only, and the database notes that support depends on the motherboard. The Core 5 213PE also supports ECC memory, which the Core Ultra 5 125HL does not.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design lineages. The Core 5 213PE belongs to the Bartlett Lake generation and uses the Bartlett Lake codename. The Core Ultra 5 125HL belongs to the Core Ultra Series 1, uses Meteor Lake architecture, and carries the Meteor Lake-PS codename.

The process nodes differ. The Core 5 213PE uses a 10 nm process from Intel. The Core Ultra 5 125HL uses a 7 nm process from Intel.

Core and thread configurations diverge significantly. The Core 5 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has 14 cores and 18 threads. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has more cores but fewer threads per core, indicating a heterogeneous core arrangement.

Cache hierarchies differ in size and distribution. The Core 5 213PE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has 112 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 213PE holds a 6 MB advantage in L3 capacity.

Clock speeds favor the Core 5 213PE decisively. Its base clock is 2.70 GHz and boost clock is 5.20 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has a base clock of 1.20 GHz and boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The Core 5 213PE runs 1.50 GHz higher at base and 0.70 GHz higher at boost.

Memory bandwidth favors the Core Ultra 5 125HL. It supports 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s for the Core 5 213PE. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

PCIe capabilities differ. The Core 5 213PE uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Core Ultra 5 125HL uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Core 5 213PE provides double the lane count and a newer generation.

The sockets are incompatible. The Core 5 213PE uses Intel Socket 1700. The Core Ultra 5 125HL uses Intel Socket 1851.

Release timing differs. The Core Ultra 5 125HL was released in April 2024. The Core 5 213PE was released in March 2026. Both processors remain in active production.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, which is 0.70 GHz higher than the 4.50 GHz boost clock of the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL.

Q: How do the core counts compare?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has 14 cores and 18 threads, while the Intel Core 5 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has 6 more cores but only 2 more threads.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, which is 6 MB more than the 18 MB of shared L3 cache found in the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Intel Core 5 213PE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL supports DDR5 only, and the database notes that support depends on the motherboard.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL does not support ECC memory.

Q: What are the power requirements of each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has a TDP of 65 W. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a TDP of 45 W, which is 20 W lower.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark entries between these two processors. However, the Intel Core 5 213PE has a complete benchmark profile, and its nearest rivals provide context for its standing.

The Core 5 213PE records an average benchmark score of 35,428. Its closest rival, the Intel Core i7-13700T, scores 35,403, a delta of 0.1 percent. The Core 5 213PE edges ahead by 25 points. The Intel Core i7-12700KF scores 35,365, trailing by 0.2 percent. The Intel Core i5-13600T scores 35,305, trailing by 0.3 percent. The Intel Core i7-12700K scores 35,287, trailing by 0.4 percent.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 5 213PE scores 22,468 points. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, it scores 9,436 points. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 2,264 points. These results indicate strong scaling across the 8-core, 16-thread configuration.

Single-core results are equally robust. Cinebench R23 single-core yields 3,172 points. Cinebench R20 single-core yields 1,332 points. Cinebench R15 single-core yields 319 points. The 5.20 GHz boost clock drives these figures.

PassMark workloads show balanced performance. Integer math scores 92,089 points. Floating point math scores 68,587 points. Extended instructions score 19,565 points. Data encryption scores 15,916 points. Data compression scores 298,804 points. Random string sorting scores 32,027 points. Find prime numbers scores 114 points. Physics scores 1,624 points.

The multithread PassMark score is 26,434 points. The single-thread PassMark score is 4,060 points. The Core 5 213PE ranks at the 85th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has no benchmark scores recorded. Its average benchmark score is zero, and it has no nearest rivals listed. The database cannot quantify its compute performance. Its 50th percentile ranking reflects the absence of measured data rather than a measured performance level.

The Core 5 213PE demonstrates that higher core counts are not strictly necessary for strong multi-threaded results. Its 8 cores and 16 threads outperform the 14-core, 18-thread configuration of the Core Ultra 5 125HL on paper, due to the significant clock advantage and larger L3 cache. The 5.20 GHz boost clock provides a 15.6 percent uplift over the 4.50 GHz boost clock of the Core Ultra 5 125HL.

The Core Ultra 5 125HL counters with architectural advantages that do not appear in compute benchmarks. Its 7 nm process node enables the lower 45 W TDP. Its Arc Xe-LPG 112EU integrated graphics provide a modern GPU solution. Its 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth exceeds the 76.8 GB/s of the Core 5 213PE. Its Socket 1851 platform supports newer platform features.

The Core 5 213PE counters with platform maturity. Its Socket 1700 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, allowing memory flexibility. Its ECC memory support targets reliability-sensitive workloads. Its PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes provides double the bandwidth of the PCIe Gen 4, 8-lane configuration on the Core Ultra 5 125HL.

The data shows a processor with measured performance against a processor without measured performance. The Core 5 213PE belongs to a well-characterized performance tier, sitting just ahead of four Intel rivals within a 0.4 percent band. The Core Ultra 5 125HL remains an unknown quantity in compute terms, with only its architectural specifications available for analysis.