Core Ultra 5 238V vs Ryzen 5 5600
Core Ultra 5 238V
Ryzen 5 5600
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 238V
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($454) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+367%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($454) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
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 238V and Ryzen 5 5600
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.
Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 238V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 238V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 238V scores 18,219 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 16.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 10,000 vs 11,077 (10.2% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,683 vs 2,052, a 26.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,130 vs 8,600 (16.3% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 238V vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+7% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core)+400% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 18,219 | 21,550+18% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,000 | 11,077+11% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,683+31% | 2,052 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,130+18% | 8,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 238V versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Core Ultra 5 238V supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 5 238V) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 238V) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5x-8533+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 24+200% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 238V) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core Ultra 5 238V includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 130V), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 238V targets Productivity, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 238V rivals Ryzen 5 8640U.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics 130V | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Productivity | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 238V launched at $454 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($454 vs $115), the Ryzen 5 5600 is $339 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 238V delivers 40.1 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 129.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $454 | $199-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $454 | $115-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.1 | 187.4+367% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
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