Intel Core 7 251TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL Comparison

Intel Core 7 251TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL

The database comparison between these two Intel desktop processors shows a significant performance gulf, driven by fundamental architectural and specification differences. The Core 7 251TE is a 24-core, 32-thread processor based on the Bartlett Lake architecture, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL is a 12-core, 14-thread Meteor Lake-based chip. Benchmark data for the Core 7 251TE is extensive, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125UL has no recorded benchmark scores, leaving its performance profile undefined in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins in every measurable category because it is the only processor with recorded benchmark data. Its multi-threaded performance is its dominant strength. In Cinebench R23, the chip scores 25,518 points in the multi-core test, a figure that places it among high-performance desktop parts. The single-core score in the same test is 3,602 points, indicating strong per-thread capability as well. The Core 7 251TE also excels in PassMark's multithread test with a score of 30,022, and its integer math score reaches 125,739. These numbers point to a processor designed for heavily parallel workloads such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL has no benchmark scores in the database, so it cannot claim wins in any measured category. Its specifications suggest a low-power, efficiency-oriented part, but without recorded data, the database cannot confirm its performance characteristics. The Core 7 251TE also shows strength in single-threaded tasks. In PassMark's single thread test, it scores 3,568, and in Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 1,512. These results indicate that the Bartlett Lake chip delivers competitive per-core performance, not just brute multi-core force. Data encryption and compression tasks also favor the Core 7 251TE, with PassMark scores of 22,176 and 334,399 respectively. The Core Ultra 5 125UL lacks any comparable figures.

The Verdict

The data clearly indicates the Intel Core 7 251TE is the superior processor for anyone needing maximum compute throughput. With 24 cores, 32 threads, and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz, it is built for demanding applications. Its 88th percentile ranking among all CPUs confirms that it outperforms the vast majority of processors in the database. The Core Ultra 5 125UL, by contrast, sits in the 50th percentile with no benchmark scores, meaning its actual performance cannot be verified from the data. The Core Ultra 5 125UL does have distinct advantages in its specifications: a much lower TDP of 15 watts versus 45 watts, a newer 7 nm process node versus 10 nm, and a more modern integrated GPU, the Arc Xe-LPG 64EU, compared to the UHD Graphics 770 in the Core 7 251TE.

The choice between these two depends on the priority. The Core 7 251TE is for systems where computational performance is the primary goal. The Core Ultra 5 125UL, with its lower power draw and newer process node, targets efficiency-focused builds, but the lack of benchmark data means its performance remains unquantified in this database. The Core 7 251TE leaves no room for debate in measured performance; it simply outperforms the Core Ultra 5 125UL in every recorded metric.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons are not available in the database, as the Core Ultra 5 125UL has no benchmark entries. The wins for the Core 7 251TE are therefore absolute, covering all available tests. In Cinebench R15, the Core 7 251TE scores 2,572 in multi-core and 362 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 10,717 multi-core and 1,512 single-core. The Cinebench R23 results are 25,518 multi-core and 3,602 single-core. These three successive Cinebench versions all show the same pattern: the chip scales well with thread count and maintains respectable single-thread speeds.

PassMark tests add further detail. The Core 7 251TE achieves 33,4399 in data compression, 22,176 in data encryption, and 16,974 in extended instructions. Floating point math scores 85,607, while integer math hits 125,739. The find prime numbers test yields 140, and random string sorting reaches 39,643. Physics processing scores 1,938. The multithread score of 30,022 and single thread score of 3,568 round out the PassMark suite. Every one of these figures stands as a win for the Core 7 251TE, simply because the Core Ultra 5 125UL has no recorded scores to compare against.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE boosts up to 5.40 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL boosts up to 4.30 GHz.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Core 7 251TE has a TDP of 45 watts. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Core 7 251TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL does not.

Q: Which processor has a newer integrated GPU?

A: The Core Ultra 5 125UL uses the Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. The Core 7 251TE uses the UHD Graphics 770.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking?

A: The Core 7 251TE ranks in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. The Core Ultra 5 125UL ranks in the 50th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel design families. The Core 7 251TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and is built on a 10 nm process node. The Core Ultra 5 125UL uses the Meteor Lake-PS codename and the Meteor Lake architecture, built on a 7 nm process node. The process node difference gives the Core Ultra 5 125UL a manufacturing advantage in terms of transistor density, though the Core 7 251TE compensates with a larger die size of 215 mm², while the Core Ultra 5 125UL has no die size recorded.

The cache structures differ notably. The Core 7 251TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, with a 36 MB shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has 112 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, but only 12 MB of shared L3. This means the Core 7 251TE has three times the L3 capacity, which benefits large working sets and multi-threaded workloads. The cores themselves are different as well, with the Core 7 251TE using a high-core-count design and the Core Ultra 5 125UL using a lower-core-count design with a different hybrid structure.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL integrates the Arc Xe-LPG 64EU graphics, while the Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 5 125UL also supports only DDR5 memory, whereas the Core 7 251TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5. PCIe capabilities differ: the Core 7 251TE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Core Ultra 5 125UL.

Specification Differences

The specification sheets show clear separation between the two parts. The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, base clock of 1.40 GHz, boost clock of 5.40 GHz, and a TDP of 45 watts. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads, base clock of 1.30 GHz, boost clock of 4.30 GHz, and a TDP of 15 watts. The Core 7 251TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Intel Socket 1851.

Memory bandwidth is identical at 89.6 GB/s for both, and both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL supports DDR5 only, with the note that support depends on the motherboard. The Core 7 251TE's PCIe implementation is Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL is limited to Gen 4 with 8 lanes. ECC memory is supported on the Core 7 251TE but not on the Core Ultra 5 125UL. The integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251TE versus Arc Xe-LPG 64EU on the Core Ultra 5 125UL. Both processors have locked multipliers, meaning neither supports unlocked overclocking.

The process node is 10 nm for the Core 7 251TE and 7 nm for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. The die size for the Core 7 251TE is 215 mm², while no die size is recorded for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. The Core 7 251TE launched with a launch MSRP of $384, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL launched with a launch MSRP of $309. The Core 7 251TE was released in January 2025, and the Core Ultra 5 125UL was released in April 2024. Both processors are marked as Active in production status and target the Desktop market segment. The part numbers are SRQAXQ5ZG for the Core 7 251TE and SRN96 for the Core Ultra 5 125UL.