Intel Core i5-12600HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between the two processors, with each claiming victories in different categories. The Intel Core i5-12600HX secures 9 wins, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H takes 8, making this a closely contested matchup with distinct strengths.

The most dramatic divergence appears in Cinebench R23. The Core i5-12600HX scores 20714 in multi-core, which is 37.8% higher than the Core Ultra 7 155H's 15028. This is the largest single delta in either direction across the entire benchmark suite. The single-core gap is even more pronounced on a percentage basis: the i5-12600HX reaches 2924, a 67.8% advantage over the Ultra 7's 1743. These results position the Alder Lake part as substantially stronger in sustained rendering workloads.

However, the Cinebench R15 and R20 tests tell a different story. In R15 multi-core, the Core Ultra 7 155H leads with 2450 versus 2087, a 14.8% advantage. The R20 multi-core result is nearly identical, with the Ultra 7 scoring 8754 against 8699, a marginal 0.6% lead. In R20 single-core, the Ultra 7 also edges ahead at 1235 versus 1228, again by 0.6%. The R15 single-core test favors the i5-12600HX at 294 versus 255, a 15.3% margin.

The Passmark suite shows a more varied pattern. The i5-12600HX wins data compression (292256 versus 277353, a 5.4% lead), data encryption (17506 versus 16358, a 7% lead), extended instructions (17328 versus 16456, a 5.3% lead), random string sorting (33110 versus 31990, a 3.5% lead), and single-thread performance (3623 versus 3468, a 4.5% lead). The Ultra 7 counters with wins in find prime numbers (113 versus 83, a 26.5% lead), floating point math (63703 versus 58378, an 8.4% lead), integer math (86870 versus 79339, an 8.7% lead), multithread (24873 versus 24681, a 0.8% lead), and physics (1727 versus 1504, a 12.9% lead).

The average benchmark scores reflect this balance. The i5-12600HX records an average of 33375, while the Ultra 7 sits at 32697, a difference of roughly 2%. Both processors land in the 83rd percentile against all CPUs in the database, indicating near-identical overall standing despite their differing strengths.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing processes. The Core i5-12600HX uses Alder Lake-HX technology built on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry, while the Core Ultra 7 155H employs Meteor Lake architecture on a 7 nm node. The die size for the Alder Lake part is 215 mm², while the Meteor Lake die size is not recorded in the database.

Core configuration differs significantly. The i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the Ultra 7 155H offers 16 cores and 22 threads. The Ultra 7 also operates at higher base and boost clocks: 3.80 GHz base and 4.80 GHz boost, compared to 2.50 GHz and 4.60 GHz respectively for the i5. The power envelope moves in the opposite direction, with the i5 rated at 55 W TDP versus 28 W for the Ultra 7, suggesting the Alder Lake part draws more power to achieve its multi-core results.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Ultra 7 has larger per-core L1 (112 KB versus 80 KB) and L2 (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) caches, along with a larger shared L3 at 24 MB versus 18 MB. Memory support shows both processors using dual-channel buses, but the Ultra 7 records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s while the i5's bandwidth is not listed. The i5 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, whereas the Ultra 7's memory support is listed as DDR5 with motherboard dependency. ECC memory is available on the i5 but not on the Ultra 7.

PCIe lanes differ substantially: the i5-12600HX provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 7 offers Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also change, with the i5 featuring UHD Graphics 770 and the Ultra 7 using Arc Xe-LPG 128EU. The i5 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ultra 7 is locked. Sockets differ as well: Intel BGA 1964 for the i5 versus Intel BGA 2049 for the Ultra 7.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i5-12600HX is the choice for heavy multi-core rendering and single-thread responsiveness. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 20714 and single-core score of 2924 dominate the Ultra 7 in these specific workloads. Data compression and encryption tasks also favor the i5, making it suitable for file archiving and security-related operations. The 5.4% lead in compression and 7% lead in encryption indicate real-world benefits for these tasks.

The Core Ultra 7 155H excels in mathematical and physics-based workloads. Its 26.5% lead in prime number finding, 8.4% lead in floating-point math, and 8.7% lead in integer math point to strengths in scientific computing and simulation tasks. The physics score of 1727 versus 1504 also favors the Ultra 7. Its higher core count and thread count likely contribute to these wins, along with its larger cache hierarchy.

For general multitasking, the Ultra 7's multithread score of 24873 slightly edges the i5's 24681, a 0.8% margin that suggests near-parity in everyday parallel workloads. The Ultra 7's lower TDP of 28 W against the i5's 55 W also makes it more power-efficient, which matters for battery life in mobile systems, though the database does not record specific power consumption measurements beyond TDP.

The i5-12600HX wins the overall benchmark count at 9 to 8, but the Ultra 7's wins tend to be in newer or more specialized workloads. The R15 and R20 multi-core tests favor the Ultra 7, while the R23 test heavily favors the i5, indicating that different rendering engines may see different results depending on their optimization.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX scores 2924 in Cinebench R23 single-core, which is 67.8% higher than the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H's score of 1743.

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core Cinebench R20?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H scores 8754 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, slightly ahead of the Intel Core i5-12600HX's 8699, a 0.6% difference.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two processors?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX has a TDP of 55 W, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H has a TDP of 28 W, making the Ultra 7 the lower-power option.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H does not.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H has 16 cores and 22 threads.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H has a 24 MB shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has an 18 MB shared L3 cache.

The Verdict

The data supports a workload-based decision. The Intel Core i5-12600HX is the stronger performer for Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core tasks, with a 37.8% and 67.8% advantage respectively. Its wins in data compression, encryption, and extended instructions make it suitable for content creation and security-focused applications. The unlocked multiplier and ECC support add flexibility for users who need overclocking or data integrity features.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H counters with superior performance in prime number finding, floating-point math, and integer math, making it the better pick for scientific, engineering, and physics-based workloads. Its higher core and thread counts, along with a larger cache hierarchy, support these results. The lower TDP of 28 W also makes it more suitable for thin-and-light mobile designs where thermal and power constraints are tighter.

In terms of overall benchmark averages, the i5-12600HX leads at 33375 versus 32697, a 2% gap. Both processors hold the 83rd percentile ranking against all CPUs in the database. The choice ultimately depends on whether the user prioritizes Cinebench rendering and single-thread performance or mathematical compute and power efficiency. The i5-12600HX wins 9 of the 17 head-to-head tests, while the Ultra 7 wins 8, so neither processor is a definitive overall winner.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-12600HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |

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

| Cores | 12 | 16 |

| Threads | 16 | 22 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 28 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1964 | Intel BGA 2049 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Meteor Lake |

| Codename | Alder Lake-HX | Meteor Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 (motherboard dependent) |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Arc Xe-LPG 128EU |

| Launch MSRP | $284 | $503 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SRLGJ | SRMZ1 |

| Release Date | 2022-05-09 | 2023-12-13 |