Core Ultra 5 236V 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 236V 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 236V 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 236V

2024

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 238V can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 238V

2024

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics 130V, while Core Ultra 5 236V needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (18,219 vs 18,313).
❌Launch MSRP is still $454 MSRP, while Core Ultra 5 236V mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 236V better than Core Ultra 5 238V?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 236V is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 Ultra 5 236V is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 236V is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core Ultra 5 236V comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $454 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 238V 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 0.1% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core Ultra 5 236V 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 236V vs Core Ultra 5 238V Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 5 236V

The Core Ultra 5 236V 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: 18,313 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 236V and Core Ultra 5 238V share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 236V versus 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V — identical boost frequencies (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 236V scores 18,313 against the Core Ultra 5 238V's 18,219 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 236V. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 236V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	4.7 GHz
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	18,313	18,219
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	10,000
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,683
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	10,130

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA2833 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 236V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Socket	FCBGA2833	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	—	LPDDR5x-8533
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	8

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core Ultra 5 236V) / VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 238V). The Core Ultra 5 238V includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 130V), while the Core Ultra 5 236V requires 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 236V	Core Ultra 5 238V
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Arc Graphics 130V
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 236V was priced at $0, while the Core Ultra 5 238V came in at $454. On launch pricing ($0 vs $454), Core Ultra 5 236V was $454 cheaper.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 236V	Core Ultra 5 238V
MSRP	$0-100%	$454
Performance per Dollar	—	40.1
Release Date	2024	2024

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