Core Ultra 5 226V vs Core Ultra 5 238V

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 Ultra 5 226V vs Core Ultra 5 238V 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 Ultra 5 226V vs Core Ultra 5 238V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core Ultra 5 226V

2024

Why buy it

✅Costs $154 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $454 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 61.3 vs 40.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $454 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,962 vs 2,683).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (9,041 vs 10,000).

Core Ultra 5 238V

2024

Why buy it

✅+36.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 40.1 vs 61.3 PassMark/$ ($454 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 238V better than Core Ultra 5 226V?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 238V is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 10.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 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 238V is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 238V is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 238V is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core Ultra 5 238V comes in 51.3% more expensive on MSRP at $454 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 226V only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core Ultra 5 238V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 5 226V vs Core Ultra 5 238V Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 5 226V

The Core Ultra 5 226V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,400 points. Launch price was $299.

Core Ultra 5 238V

The Core Ultra 5 238V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,219 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

Both the Core Ultra 5 226V and Core Ultra 5 238V share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 226V versus 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture using a 3 nm process. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 226V scores 18,400 against the Core Ultra 5 238V's 18,219 — a 1% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,041 vs 10,000 (10.1% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 2,683, a 31% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 10,130 (136.9% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V). Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 226V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	4.7 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2.5 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm	3 nm
Architecture	Lunar Lake (2024)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	18,400	18,219
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,041	10,000+11%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,962	2,683+37%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	10,130+434%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA2833 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to LPDDR5X-8533 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 238V supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 8 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 226V) and SoC (Core Ultra 5 238V).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 226V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Socket	FCBGA2833	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5X-8533	LPDDR5x-8533
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	8

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core Ultra 5 226V supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Arc 130V (Core Ultra 5 226V) and Arc Graphics 130V (Core Ultra 5 238V) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 238V targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 238V rivals Ryzen 5 8640U.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 226V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Arc 130V	Arc Graphics 130V
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 226V was priced at $300, while the Core Ultra 5 238V came in at $454. On launch pricing ($300 vs $454), Core Ultra 5 226V was $154 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 226V delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 40.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 238V — making the Core Ultra 5 226V the 41.8% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 226V	Core Ultra 5 238V
MSRP	$300-34%	$454
Performance per Dollar	61.3+53%	40.1
Release Date	2024	2024

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