CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235A
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is the most affordable entry point into the Arrow Lake-S desktop platform, launched at $231 on January 7, 2025. It features a reduced core configuration of 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores for a total of 10 cores and 10 threads, along with a smaller 20 MB L3 cache compared to the 24 MB found on higher-tier Ultra 5 models. As an F-series processor, the integrated graphics are completely disabled, making a discrete GPU mandatory for any display output. This cost reduction allows Intel to position the 225F as a budget-friendly option for gamers and productivity users who already own or plan to purchase a dedicated graphics card. Despite the reductions, the 225F retains the NPU 3 with 13 TOPS for AI workloads, PCIe 5.0 support, and DDR5-6400 native memory speeds. With a standard 65W TDP and PL1, and a 121W PL2 for boost, it delivers straightforward power characteristics that are easy to pair with mainstream cooling solutions. The processor is available in two part numbers corresponding to A0 and B0 steppings.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 cores handle light to moderate productivity well, but the reduced E-core count and smaller L3 cache limit performance in heavily multi-threaded applications.
Sustained 65W power delivery allows the 14 cores to maintain higher frequencies during extended rendering and compilation tasks.
Gaming
With a capable discrete GPU, the 6 P-cores provide sufficient performance for most gaming scenarios. The 4.9 GHz boost keeps frame rates competitive, though fewer E-cores slightly impact heavily threaded titles.
The higher base clock translates to more consistent frame rates compared to the 235T, especially in longer gaming sessions where T-series would throttle.
Virtualization
Limited by 10 cores and 20 MB cache, making it adequate for 2-3 VMs but not ideal for heavy virtualization workloads.
Adequate for running several VMs simultaneously with the 65W sustained power budget providing stable performance.
Efficiency
The 3 nm process and 65W TDP deliver strong efficiency, comparable to other Arrow Lake-S models with similar power profiles.
Good efficiency at 65W sustained, though not as extreme as the T-series. The 3 nm process keeps power per watt competitive.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS, same as higher-tier Ultra 5 models
- Total AI performance reduced to 19 TOPS due to lack of iGPU contribution
- Still useful for background AI tasks like noise cancellation and blur
- CPU-based AI inference benefits from Lion Cove P-core architecture
- NPU 3 delivers 13 TOPS for dedicated AI inference
- Total of 27 TOPS across CPU, GPU, and NPU
- B0 stepping may improve NPU stability
- Suitable for local AI assistants and creative AI tools
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 P-cores with 4.9 GHz boost handle most games well when paired with a mid-range GPU
- No iGPU means a discrete GPU is absolutely required
- Performance is largely GPU-bound at 1440p and above
- Fewer E-cores may reduce 1% low frame rates in CPU-heavy titles
- 3.4 GHz base clock ensures consistent performance in extended play sessions
- 5.0 GHz boost matches the 235T's maximum
- 24EU iGPU is not suitable for modern gaming without a discrete GPU
- Strong pairing with mid-range GPUs like RTX 4060 or RX 7600
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Lowest price for Arrow Lake-S at $231
- Same Lion Cove P-cores as more expensive Ultra 5 models
- NPU 3 included despite budget positioning
- Disabled iGPU frees all PCIe resources for discrete devices
- Standard 65W power profile is easy to cool
- Modern platform with DDR5-6400 and PCIe 5.0
Cons
- No integrated graphics at all, discrete GPU required
- Only 4 E-cores reduce multi-threaded performance significantly
- 20 MB L3 cache is smaller than 24 MB on 14-core models
- Lower 4.9 GHz boost than other Ultra 5 processors
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Total AI TOPS reduced to 19 without iGPU contribution
Pros
- Higher base clock delivers consistent sustained performance
- B0 stepping offers potential silicon quality improvements
- Standard 65W power profile is easy to cool and pair with motherboards
- Full Arrow Lake feature set including NPU and iGPU
- vPro support for enterprise environments
- No hyper-Threading simplifies scheduling
Cons
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking potential
- 24EU iGPU is relatively small for graphics workloads
- No ECC memory support
- Higher price than the 225F with only modest gaming gains
- Released months after initial Arrow Lake launch
- Not significantly faster than the 235T in bursty workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value AM5
- AMD Ryzen 5 7500FRival
Budget AM5
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400FRival
Previous Generation
For $16 more, get 4 additional E-cores, 4 MB more L3 cache, and integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 235A
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Performance Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 245TRival
Low-Power Performance
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value AM5
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14600Rival
Previous Generation
Save $22 if you are building SFF and can work with 35W PL1.
Compare head-to-headSave $38 if you have a discrete GPU and can accept 10 cores instead of 14.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A sensible budget entry into the Arrow Lake platform for users with a discrete GPU, offering modern architecture and AI features at the lowest price point in the Ultra 5 lineup.
Best for: Budget gaming builds where you already have or are buying a discrete GPU, and want the newest Arrow Lake platform at the lowest entry price.
Read the full reviewA well-rounded 14-core Arrow Lake processor with improved sustained performance over the 235T, thanks to a higher base clock and standard 65W power delivery. The B0 stepping adds refinement confidence.
Best for: Mainstream desktop builds where consistent 65W performance is preferred over the extreme power saving of T-series or the premium cost of K-series.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 225F or Intel Core Ultra 5 235A?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 5 225F or Intel Core Ultra 5 235A?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A leads with a gaming performance score of 83/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 235A.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 235A use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 235A (14 cores).