CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235T
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.
14 cores handle productivity tasks well, but the low PL1 can reduce throughput in sustained multi-threaded workloads compared to non-T models.
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.
Capable gaming performance with 5.0 GHz boost, though sustained PL1 may limit performance in long gaming sessions without adequate cooling headroom.
Virtualization
Limited by 10 cores and 20 MB cache, making it adequate for 2-3 VMs but not ideal for heavy virtualization workloads.
Sufficient for a few VMs, but power constraints make it less ideal for heavy virtualization compared to higher-power alternatives.
Efficiency
The 3 nm process and 65W TDP deliver strong efficiency, comparable to other Arrow Lake-S models with similar power profiles.
Excellent efficiency during sustained workloads due to the low 35W PL1, making it one of the most power-frugal 14-core desktop processors available.
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 sustained AI tasks
- Total of 27 TOPS when combining CPU, GPU, and NPU
- Suitable for background blur, noise cancellation, and local LLM inference
- Not intended for training or heavy AI workloads
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
- 5.0 GHz maximum boost provides strong single-threaded performance
- 114W PL2 burst allows good frame rates in short sessions
- 24EU iGPU is only suitable for very light gaming or older titles
- A discrete GPU is recommended for any serious gaming
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
- Extremely low 35W PL1 for SFF compatibility
- 14 cores provide strong multi-threaded capability
- NPU 3 enables local AI workloads
- 3 nm process delivers excellent efficiency
- Integrated graphics eliminate the need for a basic discrete GPU
- 114W PL2 allows strong burst performance
Cons
- Low 2.2 GHz base clock affects sustained performance
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Small 24EU iGPU limits graphics capability
- No ECC memory support
- A0 stepping may have early-silicon quirks
- PL1 of 35W can throttle in poorly ventilated SFF cases during sustained loads
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 235T
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Budget Mainstream
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 225FRival
Budget Arrow Lake
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
APU Desktop
Offers a larger 64EU iGPU, ECC support, and higher boost clock for $23 more.
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 capable 14-core Arrow Lake processor with an aggressive power-saving profile, best suited for SFF builders who want modern features without high power draw.
Best for: Building a small form factor PC where low sustained power draw is a priority but you still want 14 cores and modern Arrow Lake features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 235T 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 235T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 235T (14 cores).