Intel Core Ultra 5 115U

The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U occupies a distinct performance tier, landing in the 74th percentile of all tested CPUs with an average benchmark score of 16775. This places it in a tightly contested cluster of mobile and low-power desktop processors, where the data shows it is statistically indistinguishable from its nearest rivals. The benchmark results indicate a processor designed for efficiency-first mobile workloads, trading peak performance for power economy, yet it manages to hold its own against a field of capable competitors.

How It Compares

Against the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U, the Ultra 5 115U is effectively tied, trailing by a negligible 0.3% in average benchmark score. This places the two processors in the same performance class, with neither holding a meaningful advantage in general-purpose computing. The data suggests that users migrating between these two platforms would see no discernible difference in day-to-day tasks, though architectural differences manifest in specific workloads.

The AMD Ryzen 3 8440U presents a similar picture, with the Ultra 5 115U leading by a razor-thin 0.7% margin. This edge, while statistically present, is well within the noise of real-world usage. Both processors target the same ultraportable segment, and benchmark results indicate they trade blows depending on the specific test, with the Intel part edging ahead on aggregate.

Versus the AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS, the Ultra 5 115U falls behind by 0.8%. The Ryzen 5 HS-series chip is designed for slightly higher thermal envelopes, which likely explains its marginal lead. However, the delta is small enough that the Ultra 5 115U remains competitive, especially in thermally constrained chassis where its lower power draw could allow for more sustained performance.

The Intel Core i3-12100E is the only desktop-class rival in the comparison, and the Ultra 5 115U trails it by 0.8%. This is notable because the i3-12100E operates in a different power class, yet the mobile Ultra 5 nearly matches its aggregate output. The benchmark data shows that the Ultra 5 115U's efficiency-focused design does not come at a catastrophic cost to raw capability in this comparison.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The single-thread performance of the Ultra 5 115U is its standout feature relative to its multi-thread showing. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 1562 points in single-core, a figure that is competitive with the leading mobile parts in its class. The Passmark single-thread score of 3057 reinforces this, indicating strong per-core efficiency that benefits responsiveness in everyday applications.

Multi-thread performance is more modest, with a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11070. The gap between single and multi-thread results is characteristic of a processor with a 15 W TDP, where thermal and power constraints limit how long all cores can sustain high clocks. The 8-core, 10-thread configuration provides respectable throughput for light to moderate parallel workloads, but the data shows it is not a multi-thread powerhouse.

This split has practical implications. The strong single-thread showing means the Ultra 5 115U excels in workloads that rely on one or two cores, such as web browsing, office productivity, and legacy software. The comparatively weaker multi-thread scores suggest that sustained all-core tasks like video rendering or heavy compilation will take longer, though the processor can still complete them without being a bottleneck in casual use.

Power and Thermals

The Ultra 5 115U carries a 15 W TDP, placing it firmly in the ultra-low-power segment of the mobile market. This is the defining characteristic of the processor, as it dictates both the cooling requirements and the performance envelope. A 15 W TDP implies that a thin-and-light laptop with passive cooling in some scenarios, or a very modest fan, can adequately manage thermals.

Benchmark results reflect this power class. The processor does not sustain peak multi-thread performance indefinitely, as the Cinebench R20 multicore score of 4649 and R15 multicore score of 1115 both indicate a taper under sustained load. However, the single-thread scores remain strong, suggesting that the processor can boost to its 4.20 GHz maximum on one or two cores without exceeding thermal limits.

The cooling tier implied by a 15 W TDP is that of a slim ultrabook or a fanless design in some configurations. The data does not suggest the need for a high-performance cooler; rather, the processor is designed for chassis where space and airflow are at a premium. The 7 nm process node from Intel helps keep efficiency high, allowing the processor to deliver competitive single-thread performance within this tight power budget.

FAQ

Q: How does the Ultra 5 115U compare to the AMD Ryzen 3 7335U?

A: The Ultra 5 115U trails the Ryzen 3 7335U by a negligible 0.3% in average benchmark score, putting both processors in the same performance tier for general computing.

Q: What is the single-core performance of this processor?

A: The Ultra 5 115U scores 1562 in Cinebench R23 single-core and 3057 in Passmark single-thread, indicating strong per-core efficiency that benefits everyday responsiveness.

Q: What is the TDP and what cooling does it require?

A: The TDP is 15 W, which implies a low-power cooling solution typical of ultraportable laptops, potentially including fanless designs in some chassis.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported, as indicated in the specifications.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth and bus configuration?

A: The processor supports dual-channel memory with a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, with DDR5 support that depends on the motherboard.

Q: What is the integrated graphics solution?

A: It features Arc Xe-LPG with 48 execution units, providing a baseline of graphical capability for a mobile processor.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11070 places the Ultra 5 115U in a competitive position against its rivals, though the aggregate delta of -0.3% to +0.7% against its nearest competitors shows that no single part dominates. The R20 multicore score of 4649 and R15 multicore score of 1115 follow a similar pattern, with the processor trading places with the AMD Ryzen 3 parts depending on the specific benchmark version.

Passmark results offer a more granular view. The multithread score of 13024 aligns with the Cinebench multicore data, while the single-thread score of 3057 confirms the processor's per-core strength. In specific Passmark subtests, the processor shows varied capabilities: it scores 41043 in integer math, 30538 in floating-point math, and 141945 in data compression. These figures indicate balanced performance across different instruction types, though the find prime numbers score of 53 is notably low, suggesting weakness in certain algorithmic workloads.

The extended instructions score of 8620 and data encryption score of 8606 are nearly identical, implying that the processor handles SIMD and cryptographic tasks with similar efficiency. The random string sorting score of 15124 and physics score of 898 round out the picture, with the latter being a moderate result that reflects the processor's mobile-class multi-thread ceiling. Relative to the Ryzen 3 8440U, the Ultra 5 115U holds a 0.7% lead in average score, while it sits 0.8% behind both the Ryzen 5 7235HS and the Core i3-12100E.

Platform and Compatibility

The Ultra 5 115U uses the Intel BGA 2049 socket, which means it is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable by the end user. This is standard for ultraportable mobile processors, where the entire platform is designed as a unified unit. The Meteor Lake architecture, built on Intel's 7 nm process, is the foundation of this processor.

Memory support consists of dual-channel DDR5, with the specific capacity and speed depending on the motherboard design. The memory bandwidth is rated at 89.6 GB/s, which is adequate for the processor's performance class. ECC memory is not supported, limiting its use in error-sensitive professional workloads. PCIe support is Gen 4 with 12 lanes available from the CPU, providing sufficient bandwidth for a dedicated GPU or fast NVMe storage in a mobile chassis.

The upgrade path is inherently limited by the BGA socket, so this processor is intended for users who purchase a complete system rather than those who build or upgrade. The production status is active, and the processor was released in December 2023, making it a current-generation part. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not an option, which aligns with its efficiency-focused design.

Who Should Consider It

For users prioritizing battery life and portability, the Ultra 5 115U is a strong candidate. The 15 W TDP and strong single-thread scores make it ideal for ultrabooks where responsiveness in everyday tasks matters more than raw multi-core throughput. The data shows that office productivity, web browsing, and light content consumption will all benefit from the processor's efficient design.

Creative professionals who occasionally edit photos or short videos will find the processor adequate, but not exceptional. The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11070 indicates that light rendering tasks are feasible, though longer exports will be slower than on higher-TDP parts. The Passmark floating-point score of 30538 suggests reasonable performance in image processing filters and effects.

Gamers should temper expectations. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 48 EUs can handle older or less demanding titles at modest settings, but the processor is not designed for high-refresh gaming. The low TDP limits sustained performance in CPU-intensive game logic, though the strong single-thread score of 1562 in Cinebench R23 helps maintain playable framerates in less demanding scenarios.

Users who run heavy multi-threaded workloads should look elsewhere. The multi-thread scores, while respectable for the power class, trail the nearest rivals in some tests and are not competitive with higher-TDP mobile or desktop parts. The Ultra 5 115U is best suited for users who value efficiency and portability over absolute performance, and who primarily engage in single-thread-bound tasks.