Core Ultra 5 235
CPU·High-End

Core Ultra 5 235

Intel

PassMark

39,924

MSRP

$257

AVG Price

$269

7 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
65 Watt
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)

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.

Overview

The Core Ultra 5 235 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 3.4 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: 39,924 points. Launch price was $257.

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 5 235

#130
Celeron E1500
MSRP: $53|Avg: $5
103%
#131
Ryzen 7 5700G
MSRP: $359|Avg: $160
103%
#132
Ryzen 7 5700X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $175
102%
#133
Core i9-7960X
MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185
102%
#134
Core i5-9500
MSRP: $192|Avg: $65
102%
#135
Athlon II X4 640
MSRP: $80|Avg: $15
102%
#136
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
MSRP: $429|Avg: $450
101%
#137
Core i7-4770T
MSRP: $250|Avg: $39
101%
#138
Pentium G4560T
MSRP: $64|Avg: $20
101%
#139
Core i7-930
MSRP: $294|Avg: $20
101%
#140
Core i9-9960X
MSRP: $1684|Avg: $200
101%
#141
Core Ultra 5 225T
MSRP: $240|Avg: $180
101%
#142
Ryzen 3 3300X
MSRP: $120|Avg: $90
101%
#143
Core i5-12600K
MSRP: $289|Avg: $185
100%
#144
Athlon X4 760K
MSRP: $100|Avg: $20
100%
#145
Core Ultra 5 235
MSRP: $257|Avg: $269
100%
#146
Ryzen 7 5700
MSRP: $179|Avg: $164
100%
#147
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $90
100%
#148
Ryzen 3 4100
MSRP: $99|Avg: $75
99%
#149
FX-6100
MSRP: $165|Avg: $25
99%
#150
Ryzen 9 9900X
MSRP: $499|Avg: $370
99%
#151
Core 2 Quad Q9450
MSRP: $316|Avg: $15
99%
#152
Ryzen 5 7600
MSRP: $229|Avg: $185
98%
#153
Athlon X4 880K
MSRP: $95|Avg: $25
98%
#154
Core i5-4440S
MSRP: $182|Avg: $30
98%
#155
Core i5-2380P
MSRP: $177|Avg: $25
98%
#156
Core i5-14490F
MSRP: $209|Avg: $190
98%
#157
Core i5-12600KF
MSRP: $264|Avg: $190
98%
#158
Core i5-13600KF
MSRP: $249|Avg: $258
98%
#159
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $116
98%
#160
Athlon II X4 630
MSRP: $129|Avg: $15
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 5 235 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low663 FPS
medium562 FPS
high467 FPS
ultra427 FPS
1440p
low574 FPS
medium509 FPS
high426 FPS
ultra369 FPS
4k
low342 FPS
medium306 FPS
high291 FPS
ultra256 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

1080p
low355 FPS
medium305 FPS
high241 FPS
ultra181 FPS
1440p
low304 FPS
medium258 FPS
high208 FPS
ultra161 FPS
4k
low195 FPS
medium167 FPS
high129 FPS
ultra99 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low242 FPS
medium207 FPS
high186 FPS
ultra164 FPS
1440p
low229 FPS
medium201 FPS
high179 FPS
ultra159 FPS
4k
low136 FPS
medium112 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra80 FPS
Delta Force

Delta Force

1080p
low406 FPS
medium373 FPS
high337 FPS
ultra269 FPS
1440p
low290 FPS
medium263 FPS
high246 FPS
ultra211 FPS
4k
low185 FPS
medium158 FPS
high141 FPS
ultra125 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low839 FPS
medium681 FPS
high610 FPS
ultra522 FPS
1440p
low727 FPS
medium590 FPS
high516 FPS
ultra441 FPS
4k
low504 FPS
medium422 FPS
high377 FPS
ultra318 FPS
Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals

1080p
low551 FPS
medium462 FPS
high374 FPS
ultra300 FPS
1440p
low354 FPS
medium301 FPS
high257 FPS
ultra220 FPS
4k
low218 FPS
medium186 FPS
high163 FPS
ultra143 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low162 FPS
medium140 FPS
high109 FPS
ultra99 FPS
1440p
low116 FPS
medium100 FPS
high88 FPS
ultra81 FPS
4k
low64 FPS
medium55 FPS
high47 FPS
ultra42 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low297 FPS
medium246 FPS
high217 FPS
ultra192 FPS
1440p
low248 FPS
medium204 FPS
high179 FPS
ultra159 FPS
4k
low160 FPS
medium134 FPS
high114 FPS
ultra101 FPS
Palworld

Palworld

1080p
low205 FPS
medium194 FPS
high154 FPS
ultra139 FPS
1440p
low172 FPS
medium162 FPS
high133 FPS
ultra117 FPS
4k
low119 FPS
medium111 FPS
high90 FPS
ultra73 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low278 FPS
medium263 FPS
high222 FPS
ultra189 FPS
1440p
low230 FPS
medium194 FPS
high158 FPS
ultra137 FPS
4k
low152 FPS
medium128 FPS
high99 FPS
ultra87 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 235 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 235 is a 14-core / 14-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 3 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 112 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 39,924, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Current Gen generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,600, while multi-core reaches 13,000.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units14C / 14T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designArrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient3 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores24 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data3 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache112 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor243 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities17,800 million
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score39,924
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,600
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance13,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 235 fits into the LGA1851 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-6400 memory at speeds up to DDR5-6400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 256 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1851
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion20
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5-6400
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-6400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory256 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorArc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUZ890,B860
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core Ultra 5 235 is primarily designed for Mainstream Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 8600G.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryMainstream Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 5 8600G
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 235 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Air Cooler.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionAir Cooler
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $269 (MSRP: $257), the Core Ultra 5 235 delivers 148 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #295 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$257
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$269
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$257
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#295
Release DateLaunch date7 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)TSMC

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Typedesktop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$257
ManufacturerTSMC
Release Date7 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Architecture CodenameArrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Performance Ranking Position295

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores14
Threads14
Die Size243 mm2
L1 Cache112 kB (per core)
L2 Cache3 MB (per core)
L3 Cache24 MB (total)
Max Frequency5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency3.4 GHz
Efficiency Cores8
Transistor Count17,800 million
Performance Cores6
Process Technology3 nm

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1851
PCIe GenerationPCIe 5.0
Power Consumption (TDP)65 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR5-6400
Memory Channels2
ECC Memory Support+
Max Memory Capacity256 GB

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Core Ultra 5 235

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core Ultra 5 235

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