Intel Core i9-12900H vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head comparison in the database is decisively one-sided. Across all 17 recorded benchmark tests, the Intel Core i9-12900H wins every single contest against the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H. The widest margin appears in PassMark extended instructions, where the i9-12900H scores 18,875 against 13,749, a 37.3% advantage. This is followed closely by PassMark data compression and integer math, both showing a 34.1% gap. The i9-12900H completes data compression at 316,714 versus 236,209, and integer math at 93,828 versus 69,986.

Cinebench results tell a similar story. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i9-12900H leads by 32.8%, scoring 1,341 against 1,010. The multi-core R20 test shows a 32.7% difference, with 9,501 versus 7,161. Cinebench R23 multi-core yields a 24.5% advantage (15,946.5 against 12,804.5), while single-core R23 shows a 13.1% gap (1,863.5 versus 1,647.5). The smallest margin in the entire dataset is PassMark single-thread performance, where the i9-12900H leads by only 9.4%, scoring 3,717 against 3,399.

The remaining tests fall between these extremes. PassMark floating point math shows a 31.5% advantage (67,940 versus 51,670), data encryption a 30.2% lead (18,548 versus 14,251), and multithread performance a 29.6% gap (27,340 versus 21,100). PassMark random string sorting favors the i9-12900H by 28.7% (35,296 versus 27,435), physics by 21.8% (1,753 versus 1,439), and prime number finding by 21.6% (107 versus 88). Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 27.5% difference (2,576.5 versus 2,021.5), while R15 single-core closes the list at 10.4% (266 versus 241).

The percentile rankings are nearly identical despite the benchmark sweep: the i9-12900H sits at the 80th percentile among all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 5 125H ranks at the 79th. The average benchmark scores also remain close, with the i9-12900H posting 28,003 and the Core Ultra 5 125H posting 27,507. This suggests that while the i9-12900H wins every head-to-head test, both processors occupy a similar overall performance tier in the broader database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and use different manufacturing processes. The Core i9-12900H belongs to the Alder Lake-H family, built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 217 mm². The Core Ultra 5 125H is a Meteor Lake part, built on a 7 nm process. Both use Intel as the foundry, but the node shrink gives the newer processor a denser transistor layout.

Core counts are identical at 14 cores, but thread counts differ: the i9-12900H supports 20 threads while the Core Ultra 5 125H supports 18. This two-thread difference comes from the hybrid architecture configuration. The i9-12900H has a higher boost clock at 5.00 GHz versus 4.50 GHz, but the Core Ultra 5 125H has a higher base clock at 3.60 GHz versus 2.50 GHz. The i9-12900H carries a 45 W TDP, while the Core Ultra 5 125H is rated at 28 W, indicating a more power-efficient design for the newer part.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The i9-12900H provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 125H offers larger per-core caches: 112 KB of L1 and 2 MB of L2, but a smaller 18 MB of shared L3. The i9-12900H's larger L3 pool likely contributes to its multi-core performance advantage in memory-intensive workloads.

Memory support varies as well. The i9-12900H supports both DDR4 and DDR5 across a dual-channel bus. The Core Ultra 5 125H supports DDR5 with a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, and the database notes that support depends on the motherboard. PCIe connectivity differs: the i9-12900H uses Gen 4 with 20 CPU-only lanes, while the Core Ultra 5 125H uses Gen 5. Integrated graphics also differ, with the i9-12900H featuring Iris Xe 96EU and the Core Ultra 5 125H featuring Arc Xe-LPG 96EU, both at 96 execution units.

Sockets are not interchangeable: the i9-12900H uses Intel BGA 1744, while the Core Ultra 5 125H uses Intel BGA 2049. The release dates are nearly two years apart, with the i9-12900H launching on 2022-01-03 and the Core Ultra 5 125H on 2023-12-13. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900H wins every single-thread test. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 1,863.5 versus 1,647.5, a 13.1% lead. PassMark single-thread shows 3,717 versus 3,399, a 9.4% advantage.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between these two CPUs?

A: The largest recorded difference is in PassMark extended instructions, where the i9-12900H scores 18,875 against the Core Ultra 5 125H's 13,749, a 37.3% advantage.

Q: Do both processors have the same core count?

A: Yes, both have 14 cores. However, the i9-12900H supports 20 threads while the Core Ultra 5 125H supports 18 threads.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The i9-12900H has 80 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core, plus 24 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 125H has 112 KB L1 and 2 MB L2 per core, but only 18 MB shared L3.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The i9-12900H boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 125H boosts to 4.50 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 125H has a higher base clock at 3.60 GHz versus 2.50 GHz.

Q: How do the overall database rankings compare?

A: The i9-12900H sits at the 80th percentile among all CPUs with an average benchmark score of 28,003. The Core Ultra 5 125H sits at the 79th percentile with an average score of 27,507.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-12900H is the faster processor in every benchmark recorded in the database. The 17-0 sweep in head-to-head tests, with margins ranging from 9.4% to 37.3%, establishes a clear performance hierarchy. The i9-12900H's advantages are most pronounced in compute-heavy tasks like extended instructions, integer math, and data compression, where it leads by roughly one-third.

The Core Ultra 5 125H does not win any head-to-head test, but it offers a different set of characteristics. Its 28 W TDP versus 45 W suggests lower power draw, and its newer 7 nm Meteor Lake architecture with a smaller L3 cache may appeal in thermally constrained designs. The higher base clock of 3.60 GHz could benefit short-duration workloads that do not sustain boost frequencies.

For users prioritizing raw throughput, the i9-12900H is the clear choice based on the recorded measurements. For users prioritizing the newer architecture, higher base clock, and potentially lower power envelope, the Core Ultra 5 125H deserves consideration, but the performance cost is substantial across all tested workloads. The near-identical percentile rankings (80th versus 79th) and average scores (28,003 versus 27,507) suggest that in the broader CPU landscape, both parts land in a similar class, but within this direct comparison, the i9-12900H dominates.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-12900H | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H |

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

| Series | Core 12th Gen | Core Ultra Series 1 |

| Threads | 20 | 18 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 28 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel BGA 2049 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Meteor Lake |

| Codename | Alder Lake-H | Meteor Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| Die Size | 217 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 | 24 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 (depends on motherboard) |

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

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5 |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe 96EU | Arc Xe-LPG 96EU |

| Release Date | 2022-01-03 | 2023-12-13 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $375 |

| Part Number | SRLD4 | SRMZ4 |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-12900H wins in every measured workload category. Its largest advantages appear in PassMark extended instructions (37.3%), Cinebench R20 single-core (32.8%), Cinebench R20 multi-core (32.7%), PassMark floating point math (31.5%), PassMark data encryption (30.2%), and PassMark multithread (29.6%). These results indicate strong performance in both single-threaded and heavily parallel workloads, with particularly notable gains in instruction-heavy, encryption, and floating-point scenarios.

The Core Ultra 5 125H does not register a win in any head-to-head test, so its strengths must be inferred from specification differences rather than benchmark victories. The 28 W TDP compared to 45 W suggests it may be better suited for thinner, lighter laptops where thermal headroom is limited. The higher base clock of 3.60 GHz means it starts from a higher frequency floor, which could translate to snappier responsiveness in short, bursty tasks that do not sustain boost states. The 7 nm process node indicates a more modern manufacturing technology, and the Gen 5 PCIe support offers newer connectivity standards.

The i9-12900H's 24 MB of shared L3 cache versus 18 MB likely contributes to its multi-core benchmark wins, particularly in data compression and integer math where larger working sets fit in cache. The two extra threads (20 versus 18) also provide additional parallel capacity. For any use case defined by the recorded benchmarks, the i9-12900H is the superior processor. The Core Ultra 5 125H may find its place in systems prioritizing the newer architecture, lower power rating, and higher base clock, accepting the performance trade-offs that the data clearly documents.