Core Ultra 5 238V vs Core Ultra 5 236V

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 238V

#158

Core i9-13900H

MSRP: $617|Avg: N/A

111%

#161

Core Ultra 7 268V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $400

109%

#162

Core Ultra 7 256V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $350

108%

#167

Core Ultra 7 258V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $400

105%

#169

Core i7-1280P

MSRP: $482|Avg: $482

104%

#173

Core Ultra 5 238V

MSRP: $454|Avg: $454

100%

#176

Core i9-13900HK

MSRP: $697|Avg: N/A

97%

#178

Core i7-1360P

MSRP: $480|Avg: $280

96%

#179

Core i7-1260P

MSRP: $432|Avg: $432

96%

#184

Core Ultra 7 266V

MSRP: $520|Avg: $520

92%

#185

Ryzen 7 5825C

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

91%

#187

Core Ultra 9 288V

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

84%

#188

Core i7-10870H

MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A

84%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Analysis: Based on specifications, the Core Ultra 5 236V shows stronger theoretical performance metrics.

Insight	Core Ultra 5 238V	Core Ultra 5 236V
Gaming	Balanced gaming performance	Balanced gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($454)	✅ More affordable ($403)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm)	✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Efficiency: The Core Ultra 5 236V leads not only in performance but also in value. It is effectively 11% cheaper ($403 vs $454) while identifying as the stronger performer.

Insight	Core Ultra 5 238V	Core Ultra 5 236V
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+13%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($454)	✅ More affordable ($403)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core Ultra 5 238V Benchmark Check

Core Ultra 5 236V Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core Ultra 5 238V and Core Ultra 5 236V

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.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

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

Feature	Core Ultra 5 238V	Core Ultra 5 236V
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	18,219	18,313
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,683	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,130	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA2833 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 238V	Core Ultra 5 236V
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	❌	—
PCIe Lanes	8	—

🔧

Advanced Features

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

💰

Value Analysis

The Core Ultra 5 238V launched at $454 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 236V debuted at $0. At current prices ($454 vs $403), the Core Ultra 5 236V is $51 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 238V delivers 40.1 pts/$ vs 45.4 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 236V — making the Core Ultra 5 236V the 12.4% better value option.