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Intel Core 5 130HL vs Intel Core 7 160HL: Comparison
Core 5 130HL vs Core 7 160HL total cores compared
There is no decisive spec gap here. Total cores splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Core 5 130HL 12 against Core 7 160HL 14. On performance cores there is little in it, 4 on the Core 5 130HL versus 6 on the Core 7 160HL. Core 7 160HL also leads on l3 cache, 18 MB on the Core 5 130HL versus 24 MB on the Core 7 160HL. Total threads is closer, 16 on the Core 5 130HL versus 20 on the Core 7 160HL. They differ on p-core base clock too, 2.6 GHz on the Core 5 130HL versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 7 160HL. There is a split on max turbo power as well, 95 W on the Core 5 130HL versus 115 W on the Core 7 160HL.
Which should you buy, Core 5 130HL or Core 7 160HL?
The Core 5 130HL suits mainstream laptops and everyday productivity, though it is not built for ultra-thin fanless laptops and maximum battery life. Buy the Core 7 160HL for mainstream laptops and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for ultra-thin fanless laptops and maximum battery life. Our rating of the Core 5 130HL (8/10): the Intel Core 5 130HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability. Our rating of the Core 7 160HL (8/10): the Intel Core 7 160HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Efficiency cores, p-core boost clock, tdp, integrated graphics and socket read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 7 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Form Factor the same on the Core 5 130HL and Core 7 160HL?
It is. Both are listed at Desktop, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Desktop
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Raptor Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 2024
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 2024
TDP
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 45 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Intel Arc Graphics
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Intel Arc Graphics
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Embedded
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Embedded
Socket
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Socket 1700
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Socket 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 7 nm
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 12
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 14Best
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 4
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 6Best
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 8
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 8
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 16
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 20Best
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Yes
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 2.6 GHz
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 2.5 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 5.2 GHz
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 5.2 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 18 MB-25%
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 24 MBBest
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 45 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- 95 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 115 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 130HL
- Yes
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 130HL if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose 160HL if you want the higher L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).
Verdict
Intel Core 5 130HL
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 5 130HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.
Intel Core 7 160HL
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 7 160HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.