Core Ultra 5 236V vs Ryzen Z1

Intel

Core Ultra 5 236V

8 Cores8 Thrd17 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2024
Core Ultra family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen Z1

6 Cores12 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Core Ultra 5 236V vs Ryzen Z1 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core Ultra 5 236V vs Ryzen Z1 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 Ryzen Z1: 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

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Z1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (18,313 vs 18,406).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 16 MB).

    Ryzen Z1

    2023

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • +100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).
    • Draws 15W instead of 17W, a 2W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Ryzen Z1 better than Core Ultra 5 236V?
    Yes. Ryzen Z1 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Z1 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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, Ryzen Z1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Ryzen Z1 still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen Z1 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our 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 a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

    Core Ultra 5 236V vs Ryzen Z1 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    AMD

    Ryzen Z1

    The Ryzen Z1 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Maio 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Phoenix (Zen4) (2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,406 points. Launch price was $299.

    Processing Power

    The Core Ultra 5 236V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen Z1 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 236V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 236V versus 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen Z1 — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Z1 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 236V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Z1 uses Phoenix (Zen4) (2023) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 236V scores 18,313 against the Ryzen Z1's 18,406 — a 0.5% lead for the Ryzen Z1. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 236V vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen Z1.

    FeatureCore Ultra 5 236VRyzen Z1
    Cores / Threads
    8 / 8+33%
    6 / 12
    Boost Clock
    4.7 GHz
    4.9 GHz+4%
    Base Clock
    2.1 GHz
    3.2 GHz+52%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)
    16 MB (total)+100%
    L2 Cache
    2.5 MB (per core)+150%
    1 MB (per core)
    Process
    3 nm-25%
    4 nm
    Architecture
    Lunar Lake (2024)
    Phoenix (Zen4) (2023)
    PassMark
    18,313
    18,406
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core Ultra 5 236V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Z1 uses FP8 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore Ultra 5 236VRyzen Z1
    Socket
    FCBGA2833
    FP8
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 5.0+67%
    PCIe 3.0