Core i7-13700HX vs Core Ultra 5 235T

Intel

Core i7-13700HX

16 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 235T

14 Cores14 Thrd65 WWMax: 5 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
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Core i7-13700HX vs Core Ultra 5 235T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-13700HX 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 i7-13700HX 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 i7-13700HX

2023

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 66.3 vs 129.8 PassMark/$ ($485 MSRP vs $247 MSRP).

Core Ultra 5 235T

2025

Why buy it

  • Costs $238 less on MSRP ($247 MSRP vs $485 MSRP).
  • Delivers 95.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 129.8 vs 66.3 PassMark/$ ($247 MSRP vs $485 MSRP).
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (32,053 vs 32,157).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).
  • 18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13700HX better than Core Ultra 5 235T?
Yes. Core i7-13700HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13700HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-13700HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core Ultra 5 235T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-13700HX comes in 96.4% more expensive on MSRP at $485 MSRP versus $247 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 235T is also 95.7% better value on MSRP (129.8 vs 66.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
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). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13700HX vs Core Ultra 5 235T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-13700HX

The Core i7-13700HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 32,157 points. Launch price was $485.

Intel

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 i7-13700HX packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 235T offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i7-13700HX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-13700HX versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-13700HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13700HX scores 32,157 against the Core Ultra 5 235T's 32,053 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-13700HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700HX vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 235T.

FeatureCore i7-13700HXCore Ultra 5 235T
Cores / Threads
16 / 24+14%
14 / 14
Boost Clock
5 GHz
5 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.2 GHz+5%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)+25%
24 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+50%
Process
Intel 7 nm
3 nm-57%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark
32,157
32,053
Geekbench 6 Single
2,760
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,900
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13700HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), 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 i7-13700HX 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 i7-13700HX) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 235T) — the Core Ultra 5 235T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Mobile (Core i7-13700HX) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235T).

FeatureCore i7-13700HXCore Ultra 5 235T
Socket
FCBGA1964
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
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%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13700HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13700HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics (Core i7-13700HX) 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 Ultra 5 235T targets Mainstream Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-13700HXCore Ultra 5 235T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics
Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mainstream Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13700HX was priced at $485, while the Core Ultra 5 235T came in at $247. On launch pricing ($485 vs $247), Core Ultra 5 235T was $238 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13700HX delivers 66.3 pts/$ vs 129.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 235T — making the Core Ultra 5 235T the 64.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13700HXCore Ultra 5 235T
MSRP
$485
$247-49%
Performance per Dollar
66.3
129.8+96%
Release Date
2023
2025

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