Why Intel Core Ultra H is a better choice than Intel Core Ultra U

Are you shopping for a new laptop with an Intel processor and feeling overwhelmed by the nomenclature and options available? You are not the only one. The renamed Intel Core Ultra line is difficult to understand, especially when it comes to choosing between a Core Ultra H or Core Ultra U processor.

The Intel Core Ultra H is a premium option compared to the Intel Core Ultra U. The two processors differ in terms of design and performance, with the Ultra H designed to deliver more processing power in intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. The Ultra U, on the other hand, focuses on energy efficiency, making it more suitable for light daily uses. So what makes Ultra H the best choice when it comes to powerful performance? Check out Getting to Know Intel Core Ultra: A Comprehensive Guide to Intel's New Naming System.

Comparison between Intel Core Ultra U and Ultra H: What's the difference?

Before Intel adopted the new naming system, the number after “i” (such as i5 or i7) was used to indicate performance level, with i7 typically being faster than i5. However, with the new Core Ultra lineup, the letter at the end of the processor name (if it's H or U) matters more in terms of performance. In short, Intel H-Series processors are designed for performance, while Intel U-Series processors are designed for power efficiency. To make things clear, here's how processors are ranked based on their performance levels, from lowest to highest performance:

1. Intel Core Ultra 5–125U or 135U (lowest performance).
2. Intel Core Ultra 7–155U or 165U.
3. Intel Core Ultra 5–125H or 135H.
4. Intel Core Ultra 7–155H or 165H (highest performance).

For comparison, let's take a look at the Core Ultra 5–125U and Core Ultra 7–155U. While you'd expect the Core Ultra 7 to outperform the Core Ultra 5, the difference is small — about a 5% improvement. However, when you switch from the Core Ultra 7–155U to the Core Ultra 7–155H, you get a significant performance increase (about 20%).

But what makes the Core Ultra H so much faster? This is because you get 4 or 6 performance cores (P-cores) depending on the specific model, while all Core Ultra U processors only have 2 P-cores. And that's not all. With Core Ultra H, you also get:

1. Larger cache.
2. Turbo Boost frequency is higher in performance cores (P-core).
3. Intel Arc graphics are noticeably better.

Additionally, if you choose the Core Ultra H, you won't sacrifice power efficiency despite having more performance cores (P-core) and a higher Turbo Boost frequency. All Core Ultra processors (whether H or U series) share the same number of efficiency cores (E-core — 8) and low-power cores (LP-E-cores — 2) that operate at exactly the same clock speed. This means your laptop will use power-efficient efficiency cores when performing lighter tasks and will only call on performance cores under load.

Who should buy the Intel Core Ultra U series?

The Core Ultra U series is adequate if you're looking for a sleek, slim laptop primarily for web browsing, watching movies, or word processing. It's also best to stick with the Intel Core Ultra 5–125U, as the performance of the Core Ultra 7–155U is almost identical.

Who should buy the Intel Core Ultra H series?

The Core Ultra H series is better if your main focus is productivity, running resource-intensive applications, or handling tasks like displaying video across multiple displays. Additionally, it has powerful integrated Intel Arc graphics, capable of running modern games at a decent frame rate.

Why Intel Core Ultra H is the best choice

So, when comparing the two, the Core Ultra H processor is the better choice, even if you don't plan to use your laptop for demanding tasks. Especially when there is a slight difference in price. For example, you can buy a laptop Inspiron 16 2-in-1 Laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 5–125U processor for $749, while the same laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7–155H costs $799.

You might think that the Core Ultra U offers much better battery life, but that's not entirely true. You can expect just a few extra hours of battery life — nothing more. The reason is that Intel designed Core Ultra specifically for high-performance mobile computing, with power efficiency in mind. Whether you choose the Core Ultra H or U, you'll benefit from the same number of efficiency cores, meaning your daily tasks consume roughly the same amount of power, whether it's a Core Ultra H or Core Ultra U processor. However, with the Core Ultra H, you get more cores. Performance you can tap into when you need it, and don't forget the more powerful integrated Arc graphics.

The Core Ultra H also offers better long-term compatibility. After a few years, your laptop will run smoothly even when applications and system applications become more complex. Now you can learn why computer component names are complicated and how to understand them easily.