CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 228V vs Core Ultra 7 258V
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 of RAM ensures excellent multitasking capabilities.
Gaming
Handles casual and older games well at 1080p, but lacks the power for modern AAA titles at high settings.
Good for light gaming, though slightly lower clocks than 268V marginally impact FPS.
Virtualization
The large memory pool allows for comfortable running of multiple virtual machines or containers.
Sufficient memory and cores for light VM usage.
Efficiency
Industry-leading power efficiency ensures long battery life even under moderate workloads.
Top-tier power efficiency identical to other Lunar Lake chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables efficient local AI processing
- Fully supports Microsoft Copilot+ features
- Handles AI-enhanced creative tools smoothly
- 47 TOPS NPU is more than enough for Copilot+
- Total 115 TOPS platform performance
- 32GB RAM is highly beneficial for local AI models
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 130V graphics provide smooth 1080p performance in esports titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not recommended for heavy 3D gaming
- Arc 140V handles esports titles well
- Slightly lower dynamic GPU frequency (1950 MHz)
- Not intended for AAA gaming at high settings
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
- 32GB of integrated memory
- Excellent power efficiency
- 47 TOPS NPU for AI
- Great value compared to 268V
- Arc 140V graphics
Cons
- Slightly lower clocks than 268V
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Limited to 8 threads
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.
Core Ultra 7 258V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 228VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 268VAlt
For slightly higher clock speeds and 1 extra NPU TOP.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If 16GB of RAM is enough for your needs.
- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
For a different premium OS experience.
For a cheaper Lunar Lake option.
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 258V offers nearly identical performance to the 268V at a potentially lower price, making it a smart choice for 32GB ultrabooks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 7 258V is exclusively found in pre-built laptops and is a fantastic choice for users who need a highly portable machine with plenty of memory. If you want 32 GB of RAM for multitasking, coding, or light creative work, but don't necessarily need the absolute maximum clock speeds of the 268V, the 258V offers excellent value. It is perfect for students, professionals, and writers who want all-day battery life without worrying about running out of RAM. Just remember that neither the CPU nor the memory can be upgraded. If you find a laptop with the 258V at a good price, it is a highly recommended purchase for everyday productivity and AI tasks.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 228V or Core Ultra 7 258V?
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 Core Ultra 7 258V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V leads with a gaming performance score of 73/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Core Ultra 7 258V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Core Ultra 7 258V use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2833 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.