CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 225T vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T is a 10-core low-power desktop processor built on Arrow Lake-S architecture, featuring 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores with a reduced 35W PL1 for compact and energy-efficient desktop builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office and development workloads well, but sustained multi-core tasks run slower due to power constraints.
14 threads handle productivity workloads well, though sustained multi-core tasks run slower at 35W PL1 than at 65W.
Gaming
Adequate for gaming when paired with a discrete GPU, but the 35W PL1 may cause lower 1% lows in CPU-bound scenarios compared to the standard 225.
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 are usable for light VM workloads, but power limits make it less ideal for running multiple VMs simultaneously.
14 threads provide reasonable VM capacity, but power constraints limit sustained multi-VM performance.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency at base power, though the PL2 turbo window means actual power draw varies significantly under load.
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
- Total combined AI performance is 23 TOPS
- Suitable for basic AI assistance features but not intensive workloads
- 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
- Requires a discrete GPU for meaningful gaming
- 35W PL1 may limit CPU-bound framerates in some titles
- Strong single-thread IPC of Lion Cove helps in CPU-limited scenarios
- 16EU iGPU is insufficient for modern gaming
- 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
- 35W PL1 enables very compact and quiet builds
- Modern Lion Cove and Skymont architectures provide strong IPC
- NPU 3 inclusion future-proofs for AI workloads
- Full LGA 1851 platform features including PCIe 5.0
- Lower idle power consumption suitable for always-on systems
Cons
- 35W PL1 significantly reduces sustained performance versus the 225
- Only 16EU Xe-LPG graphics, the weakest iGPU in Arrow Lake-S
- No Hyper-Threading limits thread-level parallelism
- DDR5-only with no backward compatibility
- Hard to justify over the standard 225 for most users
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 225T
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 225Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
If available, offers 4 additional E-cores for better multi-threading at similar power.
Compare head-to-headIf upgrading an existing LGA 1700 system, offers a cost-effective path with similar power characteristics.
Compare head-to-head
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
A power-efficient 10-core desktop CPU suited for SFF builds and always-on systems, but the severely constrained PL1 limits sustained performance compared to the standard 225.
Best for: Building a compact SFF PC or home server where 35W base power is a hard requirement
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
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 225T or Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA 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 225T or Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 225T and Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 225T 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 225T (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA (14 cores).