Core Ultra 5 238V
CPU·Entry

Core Ultra 5 238V

Intel

PassMark

18,219

MSRP

$454

AVG Price

$454

24 September 2024 (1 year ago)
17 Watt
Lunar Lake (2024)

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 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.

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.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 5 238V specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 238V is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2.5 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 192 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 18,219, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,683, while multi-core reaches 10,130. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 10,000.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 238V
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designLunar Lake (2024)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient3 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2.5 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache192 kB (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency37 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score18,219
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance10,000
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,683
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance10,130
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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 238V fits into the FCBGA2833 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to LPDDR5x-8533 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Arc Graphics 130V — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 238V
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA2833
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion8
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyLPDDR5x-8533
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorArc Graphics 130V
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUSoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core Ultra 5 238V is primarily designed for Productivity. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 8640U.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 238V
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryProductivity
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 8640U
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 238V has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 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: Integrated laptop cooling.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 238V
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionIntegrated laptop cooling
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $454, the Core Ultra 5 238V delivers 40 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #863 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 238V
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$454
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$454
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#863
Release DateLaunch date24 September 2024 (1 year ago)
Release Year2024
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)TSMC

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