The Dell XPS 13 comes with the following CPU configurations:

• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores, 18 threads, up to 4.5GHz, 18MB Cache)
• Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 4.8GHz, 24MB Cache)
• Intel Core Ultra 7 165H (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 5.0GHz, 24MB Cache

These three CPUs belong to Intel’s new Meteor Lake product line. Comparing them to the last generation’s Raptor Lake chips, they feature new low-power efficiency cores (LP-E cores) and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that uses AI for tasks like blurring your background during video calls or generating images. The difference between the SKUs is the clock speed and number of P-cores. The 155 and 165H have the same core configuration but a small clock speed difference, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125 H has two fewer P-cores and a larger drop in clock speed. Depending on your use case, the lack of P-cores may be a bigger issue than the difference in clock speed.

These CPUs are ideal for light productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, and video playback. If you have a really demanding workflow, like video rendering or photo editing, you would be better off with a laptop like the Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024) featuring the more power-hungry but higher-performing Intel Core i9-14900HX.