Core i5-14600KF vs Core Ultra 5 235
Core i5-14600KF
Core Ultra 5 235
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 i5-14600KF
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 235
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($239) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+9%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($239) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) |
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 i5-14600KF and Core Ultra 5 235
Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,664 points. Launch price was $294.
Core Ultra 5 235
The Core Ultra 5 235 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 3.4 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: 39,924 points. Launch price was $257.
Processing Power
The Core i5-14600KF packs 14 cores / 20 threads, matching the Core Ultra 5 235's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600KF versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235 — a 5.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600KF (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-14600KF uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 235 uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14600KF scores 38,664 against the Core Ultra 5 235's 39,924 — a 3.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,900 vs 2,600, a 10.9% lead for the Core i5-14600KF that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 18,000 vs 13,000 (32.3% advantage for the Core i5-14600KF). Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+6% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+3% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+50% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 38,664 | 39,924+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 24,700 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,900+12% | 2,600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,000+38% | 13,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-14600KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 235 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 235 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 700 Series,Intel 600 Series (Core i5-14600KF) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235).
| Feature | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-14600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-14600KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 235). The Core Ultra 5 235 includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU), while the Core i5-14600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14600KF targets Desktop, Core Ultra 5 235 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 235 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G.
| Feature | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-14600KF launched at $304 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 235 debuted at $257. At current prices ($239 vs $269), the Core i5-14600KF is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14600KF delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 148.4 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 235 — making the Core i5-14600KF the 8.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-14600KF | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $304 | $257-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $239-11% | $269 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+9% | 148.4 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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