Core i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 235T
Core i5-13600
Core Ultra 5 235T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 235T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) | ✅ More affordable ($247) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 235T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) | ✅ More affordable ($247) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13600 and Core Ultra 5 235T
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.
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% |
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. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600 launched at $255 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 235T debuted at $247. At current prices ($255 vs $247), the Core Ultra 5 235T is $8 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600 delivers 123.5 pts/$ 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% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $255 | $247-3% |
| Performance per Dollar | 123.5 | 129.8+5% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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