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Overview

The Core Ultra 5 235U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-U (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): 14 MB + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,397 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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 235U is a 12-core / 14-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-U (2025) architecture, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 17,397, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Current Gen generation product.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 235U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	12C / 14T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Arrow Lake-U (2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	5 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	110 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	17,397

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 235U fits into the FCBGA2049 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR5 memory.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 235U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA2049
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5

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Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 5 235U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 14 MB + 12 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 235U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	14 MB + 12 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	110 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #913 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core Ultra 5 235U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#913
Release DateLaunch date	1 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year	2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel