CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 228V vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V
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.
32GB memory makes a real difference for productivity, allowing more browser tabs, larger documents, and light creative work without the constraints of the 16GB variants.
Gaming
Handles casual and older games well at 1080p, but lacks the power for modern AAA titles at high settings.
The higher 4.7 GHz boost and 32GB memory give it a small edge over lower V-series SKUs in gaming, but this remains a casual-gaming-at-best chip.
Virtualization
The large memory pool allows for comfortable running of multiple virtual machines or containers.
Efficiency
Industry-leading power efficiency ensures long battery life even under moderate workloads.
Slightly less efficient than 16GB variants due to the additional memory power draw, but still exceptional by any standard.
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 4 handles AI workloads efficiently
- 32GB memory allows running slightly larger AI models than 16GB variants
- Good for AI-enhanced photo editing and code assistance
- DLBoost 4.0 provides additional CPU-based AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 130V graphics provide smooth 1080p performance in esports titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not recommended for heavy 3D gaming
- 4.7 GHz boost helps in CPU-bound scenarios more than the 4.5 GHz variants
- 32GB memory prevents the bottlenecks that can occur with 16GB in some games
- Arc 130V handles eSports and older titles reasonably well
- Not a substitute for a gaming laptop with discrete graphics
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
- Best single-thread performance in the Ultra 5 V-series
- 32GB memory provides meaningful multitasking headroom
- 40 TOPS NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent battery life despite higher clocks
- Premium thin-and-light performance
Cons
- 32GB memory is still soldered and not upgradeable
- Significant price premium over 16GB variants in some laptops
- Only 8 cores limit heavy workloads
- Limited PCIe lanes for storage expansion
- Cannot match Arrow Lake desktop performance
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 238V
- Apple M3 (16GB/24GB)Rival
Premium Ultra-Portable
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 360Rival
Copilot+ PC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Same Platform, Higher Tier
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Traditional Thin & Light
Same 4.7 GHz boost but with 16GB memory, saving money if you don't need 32GB.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M3 MacBook AirAlt
Better battery life and ecosystem integration, though with a higher total cost of ownership.
Same 32GB memory but 4.5 GHz boost, if the price difference is substantial.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewThe 238V is the optimal Lunar Lake Ultra 5 configuration, pairing the higher 4.7 GHz boost with 32GB of memory. It delivers the best balance of performance, battery life, and AI capability in the Ultra 5 V-series lineup.
Best for: Choosing a Lunar Lake laptop and wanting the best Ultra 5 experience with sufficient memory for productivity and light creative work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 228V or Intel Core Ultra 5 238V?
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 238V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V leads with a gaming performance score of 73/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 228V: Intel BGA 2833, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 228V (0), Intel Core Ultra 5 238V (3,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.