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 5 235 vs Xeon Gold 6338 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 5 235 vs Xeon Gold 6338: 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 5 235

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,733 less on MSRP ($257 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1054.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 155.3 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($257 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 205W, a 140W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (39,924 vs 40,225).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6338, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6338

2021

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 235 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 155.3 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $257 MSRP).
❌215.4% higher power demand at 205W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 235 moves to LGA1851 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 235 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 235 better than Xeon Gold 6338?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6338 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 235 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6338 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).

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

Core Ultra 5 235 is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 235 comes in $2,733 cheaper on MSRP at $257 MSRP versus $2,990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6338 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 1054.7% better value on MSRP (155.3 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core Ultra 5 235 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with LGA1851 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 235 vs Xeon Gold 6338 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon Gold 6338

The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 235 packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235 is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 235 scores 39,924 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 235 vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 235	Xeon Gold 6338
Cores / Threads	14 / 14	32 / 64+129%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+56%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+70%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	48 MB+100%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)	—
Process	3 nm-70%	10 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)	—
PassMark	39,924	40,225
Geekbench 6 Single	2,600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 235 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235 versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 — the Core Ultra 5 235 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 235) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 235) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338) — the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 235	Xeon Gold 6338
Socket	LGA1851	LGA4189
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+100%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	6144 GB+2300%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6338 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 235 includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU), while the Xeon Gold 6338 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 235 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 235 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 235	Xeon Gold 6338
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 235 was priced at $257, while the Xeon Gold 6338 came in at $2990. On launch pricing ($257 vs $2990), Core Ultra 5 235 was $2733 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 235 delivers 155.3 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Core Ultra 5 235 the 168.1% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 235	Xeon Gold 6338
MSRP	$257-91%	$2990
Performance per Dollar	155.3+1050%	13.5
Release Date	2025	2021

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