CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 225 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is a 10-core entry-level desktop processor on the Arrow Lake-S platform, featuring 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores with 20 MB L3 cache, 16EU integrated graphics, and a $246 launch price.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 threads handle everyday productivity and development well, but heavy multi-threaded workloads will be constrained by the 4 E-core limit.
14 threads handle productivity workloads well, though sustained multi-core tasks run slower at 35W PL1 than at 65W.
Gaming
The 6 P-cores with 4.9 GHz boost provide strong gaming performance when paired with a capable GPU, though the limited E-core count means less headroom for background tasks.
With a discrete GPU, delivers strong gaming performance. The 35W PL1 may slightly reduce 1% lows in CPU-heavy titles compared to the 65W 235.
Virtualization
10 threads support a couple of VMs, but the lack of SMT and limited E-cores make it less ideal for serious virtualization.
14 threads provide reasonable VM capacity, but power constraints limit sustained multi-VM performance.
Efficiency
65W TDP for 10 modern cores represents good efficiency, particularly in single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads.
Strong efficiency at the 35W PL1 level, making it appealing for systems that prioritize low sustained power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for AI inference tasks
- 16EU Xe-LPG contributes only 4 TOPS from the GPU
- CPU contributes 6 TOPS for a total of 23 TOPS
- Lowest combined AI performance in the Arrow Lake-S desktop lineup
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for sustained AI tasks
- 24EU Xe-LPG contributes 6 TOPS from the GPU
- Total combined AI performance is 27 TOPS
- Adequate for AI-assisted features but below the 40+ TOPS Copilot+ threshold
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores deliver strong single-threaded gaming performance
- 4.9 GHz boost is competitive but 100 MHz below the 235's 5.0 GHz
- Limited E-cores mean less background task headroom during gaming
- Best paired with a mid-range discrete GPU to avoid CPU bottlenecks
- Requires discrete GPU for meaningful gaming performance
- Lion Cove IPC ensures strong per-frame performance
- 35W PL1 may cause minor performance dips in CPU-bound scenarios
- 5.0 GHz boost clock matches the standard 235
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Lowest entry price into the LGA 1851 ecosystem at $246
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores provide excellent single-threaded performance
- 65W TDP is easy to cool with affordable solutions
- Includes NPU 3 even at the entry price point
- Full PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-6400 platform features
Cons
- Only 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded performance significantly
- 20 MB L3 cache is 4 MB less than 14-core models
- 16EU iGPU is the weakest in the Arrow Lake-S lineup at just 4 GPU TOPS
- No Hyper-Threading means 10 threads total
- At $246, the $11 difference to the 235 buys you 4 more E-cores and 4 more MB L3
Pros
- B0 stepping likely offers improved silicon quality over initial A0 release
- 14 cores at 35W PL1 provides excellent performance-per-watt at base power
- 24EU Xe-LPG is more capable than the 16EU in lower-tier models
- Full feature set including vPro, TME, SIPP, and Thread Director
- Official $269 pricing provides clear value positioning
Cons
- 35W PL1 limits sustained performance versus the standard 235
- Launches six months after the 235 with minimal architectural changes
- Primarily targeted at OEMs, so retail availability may be limited
- No Hyper-Threading reduces thread density
- At $269, it is more expensive than the original 235's $259 launch price
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 225
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Budget 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Value 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 235Rival
Same Platform Step-Up
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Previous-Gen Value
Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700Rival
Budget 8-Core Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 235Rival
Standard Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Value Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 7 265Rival
Upper Mid-Range Desktop
Significantly cheaper 10-core option if you do not need the extra E-cores.
Compare head-to-headIf the T-series power profile appeals but you need more P-cores for heavier workloads.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The cheapest way into the LGA 1851 platform with strong single-threaded performance, but the 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded workloads and the 16EU iGPU is purely functional.
Best for: Building a budget gaming PC with a discrete GPU where you want the newest platform features without paying for unnecessary E-cores
Read the full reviewA refined 14-core Arrow Lake-S processor with an updated stepping and reduced PL1 that serves OEM needs well, though DIY builders should consider whether the standard 235 better fits their use case.
Best for: Found in an OEM pre-built system where the integrator has matched the 35W PL1 to an appropriate thermal solution
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 225 and Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 225 (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA (14 cores).