CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 228V vs Intel Core Ultra 5 236V
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V is a prominent entry in the Lunar Lake lineup, designed to bring exceptional energy efficiency to mobile computing. Released in September 2024, it shares the same foundational architecture as the 236V but aims at users requiring more memory capacity. It integrates 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores, operating at a base clock of 2.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.5 GHz. Manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm process, the chip achieves a remarkable balance between power draw and computational throughput. Unlike its sibling, the 228V comes equipped with 32GB of on-package LPDDR5x memory running at 8533 MT/s, eliminating the need for separate RAM modules on the motherboard. The integrated Arc 130V graphics and a 40 TOPS NPU ensure robust performance for AI-accelerated tasks and moderate gaming. With a 17W base TDP, it is a prime candidate for premium ultraportables targeting professionals who need all-day battery life alongside substantial memory headroom.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 32GB of RAM ensures extremely smooth multitasking and productivity application performance.
Extremely responsive for everyday office tasks, multitasking, and web browsing.
Gaming
Handles casual and older games well at 1080p, but lacks the power for modern AAA titles at high settings.
Capable of running esports and older titles at 1080p, but not suited for demanding AAA games.
Virtualization
The large memory pool allows for comfortable running of multiple virtual machines or containers.
Can handle light virtualization, but the limited 16GB RAM restricts running multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
Industry-leading power efficiency ensures long battery life even under moderate workloads.
Industry-leading efficiency thanks to the 3nm process and on-package memory design.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables efficient local AI processing
- Fully supports Microsoft Copilot+ features
- Handles AI-enhanced creative tools smoothly
- 40 TOPS NPU enables local AI processing
- Meets Copilot+ PC standards
- Efficiently handles background AI blur and noise cancellation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 130V graphics provide smooth 1080p performance in esports titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not recommended for heavy 3D gaming
- Arc 130V graphics offer solid 1080p performance in older titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not intended for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Massive 32GB of fast on-package memory
- Exceptional power efficiency
- 40 TOPS NPU for AI workloads
- Strong integrated graphics
- Silent operation capability
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradable
- Lower boost clock than the 236V variant
- No Hyper-Threading limits peak multi-threading
- Limited PCIe lane expansion
Pros
- Industry-leading power efficiency
- On-package memory reduces latency
- 40 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI features
- Strong integrated Arc 130V graphics
- Silent operation in fanless designs
Cons
- Memory is capped at 16GB and cannot be upgraded
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded scaling
- Only 4 PCIe 5.0 lanes available
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 228V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 236VAlt
A cheaper alternative if 16GB of RAM is sufficient and slightly higher clocks are desired.
Offers higher core counts and faster clocks for premium performance.
Compare head-to-head- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
An alternative for users invested in the macOS ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X PlusAlt
A power-efficient ARM alternative for Windows laptops.
Intel Core Ultra 5 236V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 228VAlt
Offers 32GB of memory for users needing more RAM capacity.
Better performance and more graphics execution units for slightly higher budgets.
Compare head-to-head- Apple MacBook Air M2Alt
A strong alternative for users within the Apple ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X PlusAlt
A highly efficient ARM-based alternative for Windows on ARM.
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent choice for professionals needing a power-efficient laptop with a large pool of fast integrated memory, though its slightly lower clock speeds compared to the 236V are a fair trade-off.
Best for: Premium ultraportable for professionals needing large memory capacity
Read the full reviewA highly efficient processor that brings excellent battery life and integrated AI capabilities to premium ultraportables, though the fixed 16GB RAM might be a limitation for some power users.
Best for: Premium thin-and-light laptop for all-day battery life
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 228V or Intel Core Ultra 5 236V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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 228V or Intel Core Ultra 5 236V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 236V leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 5 236V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 5 236V use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2833 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.