Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125U Comparison

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U and Intel Core i7-9700K represent two distinct generations of Intel silicon, one aimed at mobile efficiency and the other at desktop performance. The Ultra 5 is a Meteor Lake part with 12 cores and 14 threads, while the i7-9700K is a Coffee Lake chip with 8 cores and 8 threads. Head-to-head data shows the Ultra 5 wins 12 of 19 benchmarks, but the i7-9700K takes decisive leads in several heavy multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads. Both processors sit at the 74th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with average scores of 20826 for the Ultra 5 and 20271 for the i7-9700K.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split: the Ultra 5 125U is the better choice for most general-purpose and power-sensitive workloads, while the i7-9700K excels in specific heavy multi-threaded and single-threaded scenarios. The Ultra 5 wins 12 of 19 head-to-head tests, including a massive 166.5% lead in data encryption and a 37.8% lead in integer math. It also dominates in Cinebench R15 and R20, floating point math, physics, and Passmark multithread. The i7-9700K, however, takes the crown in Cinebench R23 multi-core (19.9% ahead), Geekbench multi-core (19.1% ahead), and extended instructions (37.3% ahead). It also has a higher boost clock at 4.9 GHz versus 4.3 GHz and an unlocked multiplier, making it attractive for overclocking. But the Ultra 5's 15W TDP versus 95W TDP makes it far more efficient, and its active production status contrasts with the i7's end-of-life status. If your workload relies on Cinebench R23, Geekbench, or extended instruction sets, the i7-9700K is the pick. For everything else, the Ultra 5's broader win count and higher average score make it the more versatile processor.

Architecture Differences

The two chips are built on fundamentally different foundations. The Ultra 5 uses Intel's 7 nm process node and the Meteor Lake architecture, while the i7-9700K uses the 14 nm Coffee Lake architecture. The Ultra 5 packs 12 cores and 14 threads, compared to 8 cores and 8 threads on the i7. Cache layouts differ as well: the Ultra 5 has 112 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, while the i7 has 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both share 12 MB of L3 cache. Memory support diverges sharply: the Ultra 5 uses DDR5 with a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i7 uses DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s. PCIe connectivity also differs, with the Ultra 5 offering Gen 4 with 12 lanes (CPU only) versus Gen 3 with 16 lanes on the i7. Integrated graphics are another differentiator: the Ultra 5 features Arc Xe-LPG 64EU, while the i7 has UHD Graphics 630. The Ultra 5 is a mobile part on Intel BGA 2049, whereas the i7 is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1151. The i7 has a die size of 180.3 mm², while the Ultra 5's die size is not recorded. Production status and release dates also separate them: the Ultra 5 is active and launched on 2023-12-13, while the i7 is end-of-life and launched on 2018-10-18.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest wins for the Ultra 5 125U come in encryption and integer workloads. In Passmark data encryption, the Ultra 5 scores 12231 against the i7's 4590, a 166.5% advantage. Integer math shows a 37.8% lead (57046 vs 41411). Cinebench R15 multi-core gives the Ultra 5 a 33% edge (1640 vs 1233), and single-core a 30.5% edge (227 vs 174). Cinebench R20 multi-core and single-core both show a 16.4% lead (5982 vs 5139 and 844 vs 725). Floating point math is also 16.4% ahead (41331 vs 35498). Passmark multithread shows a 20.8% lead (17417 vs 14414), physics a 23% lead (1082 vs 880), and find prime numbers a 23.1% lead (64 vs 52). Passmark single-thread is 15% ahead (3296 vs 2865).

The i7-9700K's strongest wins are in extended instructions and heavy multi-threaded tests. Passmark extended instructions shows a 37.3% lead (18088 vs 11340). Cinebench R23 multi-core gives the i7 a 19.9% lead (12238 vs 9799), and Geekbench multi-core a 19.1% lead (7799 vs 6308). Cinebench R23 single-core is 9.6% ahead (1727 vs 1561), and Geekbench single-core 8.9% ahead (1639 vs 1493). Data compression is 4.4% ahead (208062 vs 198858), and random string sorting 15.1% ahead (25756 vs 21872). These results suggest the i7-9700K retains an edge in certain legacy or instruction-heavy workloads, while the Ultra 5 dominates in modern encryption and math tasks.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: 12 (Ultra 5) vs 8 (i7-9700K)
• Threads: 14 vs 8
• Base clock: 1300 MHz vs 3600 MHz
• Boost clock: 4.3 GHz vs 4.9 GHz
• TDP: 15 W vs 95 W
• Socket: Intel BGA 2049 vs Intel Socket 1151
• Architecture: Meteor Lake vs Coffee Lake
• Process node: 7 nm vs 14 nm
• L1 cache: 112 KB per core vs 64 KB per core
• L2 cache: 2 MB per core vs 256 KB per core
• Memory support: DDR5 vs DDR4
• Memory bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s vs 42.7 GB/s
• PCIe: Gen 4, 12 lanes vs Gen 3, 16 lanes
• Integrated graphics: Arc Xe-LPG 64EU vs UHD Graphics 630
• Market segment: Mobile vs Desktop
• Production status: Active vs End-of-life
• Release date: 2023-12-13 vs 2018-10-18
• Launch MSRP: $363 vs $385
• Multiplier unlocked: false vs true
• Part number: SRN6E vs SRG15SRELT
• Die size: not recorded vs 180.3 mm²

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U has 12 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core i7-9700K has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The i7-9700K boosts to 4.9 GHz, while the Ultra 5 125U boosts to 4.3 GHz.

Q: Which processor is more power efficient?

A: The Ultra 5 125U has a TDP of 15 W, compared to the i7-9700K's 95 W, making it far more efficient.

Q: Which chip wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-9700K wins with a score of 12238 versus 9799, a 19.9% lead.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Ultra 5 125U has an average score of 20826, while the i7-9700K has 20271.

Q: Which chip is newer?

A: The Ultra 5 125U was released on 2023-12-13, while the i7-9700K was released on 2018-10-18.

Where Each One Wins

The Ultra 5 125U is the clear winner in encryption, integer math, floating point math, physics, and general multithreaded workloads. Its 166.5% lead in data encryption and 37.8% lead in integer math make it ideal for security-related tasks, financial calculations, and scientific computing. It also wins in Cinebench R15 and R20, Passmark multithread, and single-thread tests, indicating strong all-around performance for productivity and everyday use. Its low TDP and mobile form factor make it suitable for laptops and compact systems where power efficiency is critical.

The i7-9700K takes the lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core, Geekbench multi-core, and extended instructions. These benchmarks often reflect heavy rendering, video encoding, and legacy instruction-heavy applications. The i7 also wins in data compression and random string sorting, which are relevant for file archiving and data processing. Its higher boost clock and unlocked multiplier give it headroom for overclocking, though the data shows it still trails in many modern workloads. For users who prioritize those specific benchmark suites, the i7-9700K remains a viable desktop option, but its end-of-life status and higher power draw are notable drawbacks.