Intel Core Ultra U vs H
The Laptop Company Limited
The preferred hardware and deployment provider for IT fleets across NZ.
IT teams and buyers will have noticed fairly big differences between similar-sounding options in the Intel Core Ultra range of laptop CPUs. Intel has made it fairly difficult for buyers to determine performance and value for money when comparing models and quotes at a glance, so here is our advice:
The last letter is the one that counts.
Buyers used to opt for an i7 instead of i5 for performance users. Easy.
With the new Intel Core Ultra branding, the last character in the processor's name makes a bigger difference than choosing Ultra 7 over Ultra 5 when specifying new devices:
Slowest to fastest:
vPro Essentials version / vPro Enterprise version
All of these processors use the same architecture, with a mix of Performance Cores, Efficiency Cores, Ultra Low Power Efficient Cores, AI Boost NPU Cores, and Integrated Graphics.
The differences between U and H processors:
Performance Core Count, Graphics, and Wattage for each processor:
All have 8 Efficiency Cores, 2 AI Boost NPU (Neural Processing Unit) Cores, and 2 Low Power Efficient Cores (which are for background and connected-sleep activities).
How do these compare performance-wise?
Given all processors use the same types of cores, single core performance is similar. Multi-core performance is heavily influenced by the number of Performance Cores.
Lowest and highest U and H processors for standard business laptops:
Benchmark performance will vary depending on benchmark used, applications running, operating system, background tasks, power management, system cooling, and room temperature, so larger jumps are the ones to watch.
Core Ultra 5-U and 7-U benchmarks are close enough for things like cooling design and case size to make a bigger difference than processor alone. This contrasts with a big step up to the Ultra 5-H and again to the Ultra 7-H.
What's the difference between Intel Graphics and Intel Arc graphics?
Arc is only available with Intel Core Ultra 5-H or 7-H processors.
This is difference is useful for power users, content creators, and high-resolution screen users.
Intel Arc needs dual channel memory
Intel Arc graphics is activated when a laptop has two dual channel memory modules. If you receive pricing for Intel Core Ultra-H laptops that have a single memory module installed, then standard Intel Graphics applies. Intel Arc isn't an option with U series processors.
Intel vPro Essentials vs vPro Enterprise
If your team uses Intel Endpoint Management System then opt for vPro Enterprise (Intel Core Ultra 5-135U, Ultra 5-135H, Ultra 7-165U or Ultra 7-165H).
If you use other device management systems including SCCM/Microsoft Endpoint Manager or Intune, then you may want to consider saving funds by choosing vPro Essentials (Intel Core Ultra 5-125U, Ultra 5-125H, Ultra 7-155U or Ultra 7-165U).
Intel vPro choices do not affect performance or battery life.
What about battery life?
CPUs don't run at full power all the time. In manufacturer optimised battery benchmarks, the H series reduces battery life by around 1 hour or 5-9%.
The stability of your system software, screen brightness, tasks, and applications can make a bigger difference. This is an area our Managed Services team is often asked to help address.
Which should we choose?
Some laptops and tablets do not have the option of H series processors - these are typically intended to be thin and light. Others do not have the option of U series processors - these are typically high-performance devices. This includes many Mobile Workstations.
Teams wanting longer battery life can choose U series processors. Depending on model this may increase battery life by up to an hour, and standard application performance is good.
Teams wanting more performance or wanting to extend the device ownership period beyond the normal 3 years should consider the H series.
The price difference is fairly small for fleet deals.
Featured HP models with Intel Core Ultra