Intel Core 5 315 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 315 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL occupy different positions in the performance landscape, with the data showing a clear split based on workload type. The Core 5 315, a Wildcat Lake part with 6 cores and 6 threads, delivers its strongest results in single-threaded and lightly threaded tasks. Its single-core scores across the Cinebench suite are notably high: 184 points in R15, 769 in R20, and 1832 in R23. The Passmark single-thread score of 4021 confirms this strength. This processor also shows particular aptitude in data compression, scoring 146143 in the Passmark data compression test, and in extended instructions with 13143 points. These figures indicate a design optimized for bursty, latency-sensitive workloads where one or two cores carry the load.

The Core Ultra 7 155UL, by contrast, is a Meteor Lake-PS part with 12 cores and 14 threads. Although its benchmark array is empty in the database, its architectural specifications point to where it would win. The dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth, compared to the single-channel 59.7 GB/s of the Core 5 315, gives it a decisive advantage in memory-bound operations. The larger 12 MB shared L3 cache, versus 6 MB on the Core 5 315, further supports workloads that repeatedly access large data sets. The Ultra 7 155UL also carries a higher boost clock at 4.80 GHz, and its 14 threads allow for greater parallel throughput in multi-threaded scenarios. The database records no benchmark wins for either part in head-to-head comparisons, as the head-to-head array is empty, so the analysis relies on the available specification deltas and the Core 5 315's recorded scores.

For tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking, the Ultra 7 155UL's additional cores and threads would be the deciding factor. Its 12 cores and 14 threads provide a substantial parallel execution capacity. Conversely, the Core 5 315, with its higher single-core performance and smaller footprint, would excel in office productivity, web browsing, and software compilation with short dependency chains. The data shows that the Core 5 315 sits at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs, while the Ultra 7 155UL sits at the 50th percentile, a gap that reflects the former's stronger overall average benchmark score of 18188 versus the latter's unrecorded average.

The Verdict

The recorded data favors the Intel Core 5 315 for users who prioritize single-threaded responsiveness and raw per-core speed. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1832 is a strong indicator of snappy application behavior, and its Passmark single-thread score of 4021 places it well above the 50th-percentile Ultra 7 155UL in that metric. The Core 5 315 also has the advantage of a more modern 3 nm process node, which typically correlates with better power efficiency, though the database records both parts at 15 W TDP. Its launch MSRP is $340.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL, with a launch MSRP of $426, is the choice for multi-threaded and memory-intensive workloads. Its 12 cores, 14 threads, dual-channel memory bus, and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth give it a structural advantage in parallel tasks. The 12 MB L3 cache is double that of the Core 5 315, which helps in workloads with large working sets. The Ultra 7 155UL also runs on the Intel Socket 1851 platform, whereas the Core 5 315 uses Intel BGA 1516, and it offers 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes compared to 6 on the Core 5 315, which could be relevant for expansion in desktop builds.

There is no recorded head-to-head benchmark data, so a direct performance comparison cannot be quantified. The verdict is therefore a matter of workload alignment. For single-core dominance and lower launch price, the Core 5 315 is the data-supported pick. For multi-threaded throughput and memory bandwidth, the Ultra 7 155UL is the logical choice, provided the user accepts its higher launch MSRP and older 7 nm process node.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, so no direct side-by-side scores exist in the database. However, the Core 5 315's individual benchmark results can be analyzed against the architectural capabilities of the Ultra 7 155UL. In Cinebench R23, the Core 5 315 scores 12981 multi-core and 1832 single-core. The multi-core score of 12981 is modest for a 6-thread part, but the single-core score of 1832 is strong. The Ultra 7 155UL, with 14 threads, would be expected to surpass the multi-core figure, as thread scaling in Cinebench is well established. The gap in single-core would likely be smaller, as the Ultra 7 155UL boosts to 4.80 GHz, which is 0.40 GHz higher than the Core 5 315's 4.40 GHz boost, though the Core 5 315's newer 3 nm process and Xe3 graphics architecture suggest better IPC per clock.

In Passmark integer math, the Core 5 315 scores 31690, and in floating-point math it scores 42441. These are mid-range figures for a 6-thread processor. The Ultra 7 155UL's additional threads should push its multi-threaded Passmark score higher, but the Core 5 315's single-thread score of 4021 would likely remain competitive or superior. The data compression score of 146143 for the Core 5 315 is a standout; compression workloads are often memory-bandwidth sensitive, and the Ultra 7 155UL's 89.6 GB/s bandwidth could give it an edge there, but the Core 5 315's result is already high for its class.

The largest structural differences are in memory and cache. The Ultra 7 155UL has double the L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB) and 50% more memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s vs 59.7 GB/s). In random string sorting, a memory-latency-sensitive test, the Core 5 315 scores 17551. The Ultra 7 155UL's dual-channel interface would likely improve upon this, assuming similar memory latency characteristics. The Core 5 315's single-channel memory bus is its most significant bottleneck, and the data reflects that in its physics score of 1163, which is low for a modern processor.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core 5 315 scores 1832 in Cinebench R23 single-core. The Core Ultra 7 155UL has no recorded benchmark score in the database, so a direct comparison is not possible.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 315 has 6 cores and 6 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL has 12 cores and 14 threads.

Q: How does memory bandwidth differ between the two?

A: The Core 5 315 has a single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core Ultra 7 155UL has a dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the L3 cache size on each part?

A: The Core 5 315 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 155UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What process nodes are used for these processors?

A: The Core 5 315 uses a 3 nm process node. The Core Ultra 7 155UL uses a 7 nm process node.

Q: Are there any recorded head-to-head benchmark results between these two?

A: No, the head-to-head benchmark array is empty. The database only contains individual benchmark scores for the Core 5 315, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL has no recorded benchmark scores at all.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge significantly in architecture. The Intel Core 5 315 is built on the Wildcat Lake codename, part of the Core 5 generation, and uses a 3 nm process node fabricated by Intel. It has 6 cores and 6 threads, with a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. Its cache hierarchy consists of 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory interface is single-channel, supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X, with a bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The integrated graphics are Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores. The processor uses the Intel BGA 1516 socket and provides 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only). Its TDP is 15 W, and it is marked for the mobile market segment. The release date is recorded as 2026-04-15, and the launch MSRP is $340.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL belongs to the Core Ultra Series 1, with the Meteor Lake architecture and the Meteor Lake-PS codename. It uses a 7 nm process node. It has 12 cores and 14 threads, with a base clock of 1.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The L1 cache is 112 KB per core, L2 cache is 2 MB per core, and L3 cache is 12 MB shared. The memory interface is dual-channel, supporting DDR5 (dependent on motherboard), with a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG with 64 execution units. It uses the Intel Socket 1851 and provides 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only). The TDP is 15 W, and the market segment is desktop. The release date is 2024-04-07, and the launch MSRP is $426.

Key differences include the process node (3 nm vs 7 nm), core and thread counts (6/6 vs 12/14), L3 cache size (6 MB vs 12 MB), memory channel configuration (single vs dual), memory bandwidth (59.7 GB/s vs 89.6 GB/s), PCIe lane count (6 vs 8), socket type (BGA 1516 vs Socket 1851), integrated graphics generation (Xe3 vs Arc Xe-LPG), and release date (2026 vs 2024). The Core 5 315 has a higher percentile ranking at 72 versus 50 for the Ultra 7 155UL, and its average benchmark score is 18188, while the Ultra 7 155UL has no recorded average. The Core 5 315's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD EPYC 9274F (0% delta) and Intel Core i7-9700 (0% delta), while the Ultra 7 155UL has no listed rivals.