Intel Core Ultra 5 125U socket: BGA 2049
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U uses BGA 2049, a soldered BGA for Meteor Lake mobile processors with DDR5 or LPDDR5X and PCIe Gen4. The 12-core chip at 15 W with Intel Graphics cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 2049
- Launched
- December 14, 2023
- Cores and threads
- 12 and 14
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Meteor Lake
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core Ultra 5
- Clocks
- 1.3 / 4.3 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U specifications
| Cores | 12 (2 Performance-cores plus 8 Efficient-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 14 |
| Core architecture | Redwood Cove P-cores with Crestmont E-cores (Meteor Lake) |
| P-core clocks | 1.3 GHz base, up to 4.3 GHz turbo |
| E-core clocks | 800 MHz base, up to 3.6 GHz turbo |
| Low-power E-core clocks | 700 MHz base, up to 2.1 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 57 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 4 |
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5-7467, up to 64 GB LPDDR5 or 96 GB DDR5 |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen4 lanes for NVMe up to 7.8 GB per sec, plus Thunderbolt 4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, up to 1.85 GHz, plus AI Boost NPU |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 2049 soldered |
| Cooler in the box | None (laptop cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U needs a motherboard with a BGA 2049 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 2049 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 2049 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 2,049 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 50 × 25 mm |
| Introduced | January 2025 |
| Memory | LPDDR5X up to 8400 MT/s or DDR5 up to 6400 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core Ultra 5 125U is
The Core Ultra 5 125U is the 12-core value entry of Meteor Lake U for thin laptops from December 14, 2023. Two Redwood Cove Performance-cores with hyperthreading plus 8 Crestmont Efficient-cores and 2 low-power island E-cores give 12 cores and 14 threads, with P-cores at 1.3 GHz base and up to 4.3 GHz turbo. The package carries 12 MB of Smart Cache and an AI Boost NPU. Base power is 15 W with 57 W turbo for thin bodies.
Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores to 1.85 GHz covers everyday creation and streaming without a discrete card, while the NPU offloads background effects at low power. Memory reaches DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5x-7467 for bandwidth near Ryzen 8040 levels. Thunderbolt 4 and CNVi wireless cover docks and connectivity.
Budget thin buyers land here for Meteor Lake efficiency at the lowest U5 price. Two P-cores keep interaction smooth while E-cores cover background tasks. Owners who need more turbo step to 135U on the same BGA 2049 base. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm BGA 2049 fit.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 125U solders to BGA 2049 on thin laptop boards with no socketed path. Board makers set memory type and power limits, so two 125U laptops can differ in SODIMM against soldered LPDDR5X. BGA 2049 does not cross to LGA 1851 desktop boards. Maker pages list the BGA package as the fit reference.
Platform IO comes from SoC tiles plus board wiring, with NVMe, wireless and display outputs from the design. Factory firmware carries Meteor Lake support, so buyers focus on memory form and battery size.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR5-5600 SODIMM or LPDDR5x-7467 soldered memory feeds CPU, GPU and NPU together. Capacity reaches 64 GB on LPDDR5 or 96 GB on DDR5 designs. Dual channel operation matters for the 4-core GPU.
PCIe Gen4 lanes wire NVMe at high speed plus wireless and Thunderbolt controllers. Cooling is a single pipe and blower for 15 W with 57 W short bursts. Sustained clocks follow fan health.
Upgrade paths
No CPU change is possible on soldered BGA 2049. SODIMM and NVMe swaps move where slots exist, while soldered LPDDR5X stays fixed. Thunderbolt docks add display and networking.
Within Meteor Lake on BGA 2049 the step up is the 135U with higher turbo on the same 12-core layout. Outside mobile, Arrow Lake-H on BGA 2049 adds newer cores where boards support it.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core Ultra 5 125U use?
BGA 2049 as a soldered BGA for Meteor Lake mobile processors. It cannot be removed or upgraded.
How many cores does the 125U have?
12 cores and 14 threads: 2 P-cores plus 8 E-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores, with 12 MB cache and a 15 W base power.
What memory does the 125U support?
DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5-7467 to 64 GB on LPDDR5 or 96 GB on DDR5 designs.
What graphics does the 125U include?
Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores to 1.85 GHz plus an AI Boost NPU.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core Ultra 5 125U specifications (Intel ARK)
- Intel Core Ultra 134U and 164U are 9W Meteor Lake processors (CNX Software)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .