Core Ultra 5 235T vs Core i5-13600
Core Ultra 5 235T
Core i5-13600
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 235T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($247) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+5%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($247) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) |
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 235T and Core i5-13600
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.
Core i5-13600
The Core i5-13600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,499 points. Launch price was $255.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 235T packs 14 cores / 14 threads, matching the Core i5-13600's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235T versus 5 GHz on the Core i5-13600 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i5-13600 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 235T scores 32,053 against the Core i5-13600's 31,499 — a 1.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,760 vs 1,900, a 36.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,900 vs 12,000 (7.2% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235T). Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.7 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+140% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 32,053+2% | 31,499 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,760+45% | 1,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,900+8% | 12,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 235T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-13600 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 235T) vs 20 (Core i5-13600) — the Core Ultra 5 235T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235T) and Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13600).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 235T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13600). Both include integrated graphics — Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU (Core Ultra 5 235T) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 235T targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i5-13600 targets High-end Productivity Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-13600 rivals Ryzen 7 7700.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | High-end Productivity Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 235T launched at $247 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600 debuted at $255. At current prices ($247 vs $255), the Core Ultra 5 235T is $8 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 235T delivers 129.8 pts/$ vs 123.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-13600 — making the Core Ultra 5 235T the 4.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 235T | Core i5-13600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $247-3% | $255 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $247-3% | $255 |
| Performance per Dollar | 129.8+5% | 123.5 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2023 |
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