Core Ultra 5 235H
CPU·Mid-Range

Core Ultra 5 235H

Intel

PassMark

29,820

1 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
20 MB + 18 MB
Arrow Lake-H (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 235H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-H (2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): 20 MB + 18 MB. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 29,820 points. Launch price was $354.

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 235H

#10
Ryzen 7 260
MSRP: $199|Avg: $70
128%
#13
Ryzen 3 210
MSRP: $99|Avg: $99
120%
#14
Ryzen 5 PRO 230
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
118%
#15
Ryzen 5 220
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
113%
#18
Ryzen 5 8500G
MSRP: $179|Avg: $150
108%
#25
Core Ultra 5 235H
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#27
Core Ultra 7 265HX
MSRP: $450|Avg: N/A
98%
#31
Ryzen 5 230
MSRP: $200|Avg: $190
91%
#36
Core i5-11500B
MSRP: $185|Avg: $185
83%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 235H specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 235H is a 14-core / 14-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-H (2025) architecture, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5 GHz from a base frequency of 4.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 18 MB of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 29,820, 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 2,693, while multi-core reaches 14,040. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 17,607.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235H
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units14C / 14T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency4.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designArrow Lake-H (2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient5 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores18 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)110 °C
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score29,820
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance17,607
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,693
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance14,040
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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 235H fits into the FCBGA2049 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 28 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 192 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Arc 140T Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235H
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA2049
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion28
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5-6400
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-6400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory192 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel Arc 140T Graphics
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUWM880,HM870
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core Ultra 5 235H is primarily designed for Thin-and-light Performance Laptop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 7 9800H.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235H
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryThin-and-light Performance Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 7 9800H
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 235H has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 20 MB + 18 MB — 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: Premium Mobile Cooling.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235H
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload20 MB + 18 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)110 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionPremium Mobile Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #439 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 235H
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$354
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#439
Release DateLaunch date1 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

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