PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 235T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 235T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-13600

2023

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core Ultra 5 235T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,900 vs 2,760).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (12,000 vs 12,900).
❌
3.2% HIGHER MSRP
$255 MSRPvs$247 MSRP

Core Ultra 5 235T

2025

Why buy it

✅+45.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $8 less on MSRP ($247 MSRP vs $255 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13600.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 235T better than Core i5-13600?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 235T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 7.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.8% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 235T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 5 235T is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 5 235T is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 235T comes in $8 cheaper on MSRP at $247 MSRP versus $255 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.1% better value on MSRP (129.8 vs 123.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i5-13600 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 5 235T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 14 threads instead of 14/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 235T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-13600

The Core i5-13600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,499 points. Launch price was $255.

Core Ultra 5 235T

The Core Ultra 5 235T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 32,053 points. Launch price was $247.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-13600 packs 14 cores / 20 threads, matching the Core Ultra 5 235T's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i5-13600 versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-13600 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600 scores 31,499 against the Core Ultra 5 235T's 32,053 — a 1.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,900 vs 2,760, a 36.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,000 vs 12,900 (7.2% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T). Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core Ultra 5 235T
Cores / Threads	14 / 20	14 / 14
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+23%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	3 MB (per core)+140%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	31,499	32,053+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,900	2,760+45%
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,000	12,900+8%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13600 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13600 versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235T — the Core Ultra 5 235T supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 235T) — the Core Ultra 5 235T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13600) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235T).

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core Ultra 5 235T
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	192 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	24+20%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13600) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 235T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600) and Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU (Core Ultra 5 235T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600 targets High-end Productivity Desktop, Core Ultra 5 235T targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13600 rivals Ryzen 7 7700.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core Ultra 5 235T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	High-end Productivity Desktop	Mainstream Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13600 was priced at $255, while the Core Ultra 5 235T came in at $247. On launch pricing ($255 vs $247), Core Ultra 5 235T was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 129.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 235T — making the Core Ultra 5 235T the 4.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core Ultra 5 235T
MSRP	$255	$247-3%
Performance per Dollar	123.5	129.8+5%
Release Date	2023	2025

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