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Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core 7 160UL: Comparison

Core 5 120UL vs Core 7 160UL p-core boost clock compared

They are built to different briefs, and p-core boost clock shows it, Core 5 120UL 4.4 GHz against Core 7 160UL 4.8 GHz. They differ on p-core base clock too, 1.3 GHz on the Core 5 120UL versus 1.8 GHz on the Core 7 160UL.

Which should you buy, Core 5 120UL or Core 7 160UL?

The Core 5 120UL suits thin clients and compact desktops, though it is not built for gaming desktops and heavy workstation loads. The Core 7 160UL is the one to take for thin clients and compact desktops, though it is the wrong buy for gaming desktops and heavy workstation loads. Our rating of the Core 5 120UL (7.6/10): the Intel Core 5 120UL is a low-power desktop variant, suited to compact and thin-client systems rather than performance builds. Our rating of the Core 7 160UL (7.6/10): the Intel Core 7 160UL is a low-power desktop variant, suited to compact and thin-client systems rather than performance builds.

What Core 5 120UL and Core 7 160UL have in common

Where they agree, they agree completely, total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and tdp included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 11 further specifications as well.

Frequently asked questions

Is the L3 Cache the same on the Core 5 120UL and Core 7 160UL?

It is. Both are listed at 12 MB, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Desktop
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Desktop
  • Codename

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Raptor Lake
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Raptor Lake
  • Release Year

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    2024
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    2024
  • TDP

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    15 W
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    15 W
  • iGPU

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Intel UHD Graphics
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Intel UHD Graphics
  • Market Segment

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Embedded
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Embedded
  • Socket

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Socket 1700
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Socket 1700
  • Process Node

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    7 nm
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    7 nm
  • Total Cores

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    10
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    10
  • Performance Cores

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    2
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    2
  • Efficiency Cores

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    8
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    8
  • Total Threads

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    12
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    12
  • SMT Enabled

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Yes
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Yes
  • P-Core Base Clock

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    1.3 GHz
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    1.8 GHz
  • P-Core Boost Clock

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    4.4 GHz
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    4.8 GHz
  • L3 Cache

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    12 MB
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    12 MB
  • Base Power

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    15 W
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    15 W
  • Max Turbo Power

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    55 W
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    55 W
  • Memory Type

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    DDR5, DDR4
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    DDR5, DDR4
  • Integrated Graphics

    Intel Core 5 120UL
    Yes
    Intel Core 7 160UL
    Yes

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose 120UL if you want the higher L3 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB).

    Choose 160UL if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Verdict

    Intel Core 5 120UL

    7.6 / 10 Expert Rating

    The Intel Core 5 120UL is a low-power desktop variant, suited to compact and thin-client systems rather than performance builds.

    Intel Core 7 160UL

    7.6 / 10 Expert Rating

    The Intel Core 7 160UL is a low-power desktop variant, suited to compact and thin-client systems rather than performance builds.

    More comparisons in Processors (CPUs)