Core Ultra 5 235 vs Core i5-14600K
Core Ultra 5 235
Core i5-14600K
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 Ultra 5 235
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-14600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($269) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($269) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
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 Ultra 5 235 and Core i5-14600K
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.
Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K 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: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 38,579 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 235 packs 14 cores / 14 threads, matching the Core i5-14600K's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235 versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600K — a 5.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i5-14600K uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 235 scores 39,924 against the Core i5-14600K's 38,579 — a 3.4% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.3 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+50% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 39,924+3% | 38,579 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 235 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-14600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235 versus 5600 on the Core i5-14600K — the Core i5-14600K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 235 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235) and Z790,B760 (Core i5-14600K).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | 5600+111900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+139810033% | 192 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-14600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU (Core Ultra 5 235) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-14600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 235 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 235 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G; Core i5-14600K rivals Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 235 launched at $257 MSRP, while the Core i5-14600K debuted at $329. At current prices ($269 vs $275), the Core Ultra 5 235 is $6 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 235 delivers 148.4 pts/$ vs 140.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-14600K — making the Core Ultra 5 235 the 5.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235 | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $257-22% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $269-2% | $275 |
| Performance per Dollar | 148.4+6% | 140.3 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2023 |
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