CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 228V vs Intel Core Ultra 9 288V
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.
Excellent single-core performance for office tasks and web apps.
Gaming
Handles casual and older games well at 1080p, but lacks the power for modern AAA titles at high settings.
Arc 140V is a massive leap, allowing 1080p gaming in thin-and-lights.
Virtualization
The large memory pool allows for comfortable running of multiple virtual machines or containers.
Limited by 8 threads and 32GB max memory, but capable of light VMs.
Efficiency
Industry-leading power efficiency ensures long battery life even under moderate workloads.
Industry-leading performance-per-watt for x86 laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables efficient local AI processing
- Fully supports Microsoft Copilot+ features
- Handles AI-enhanced creative tools smoothly
- 48 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ PC features like Recall
- Can run small LLMs locally
- NPU offloads CPU/GPU for better battery during AI tasks
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 iGPU can play modern titles at 1080p Low/Medium
- Massive improvement over previous Intel iGPUs
- Not a replacement for discrete laptop GPUs
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
- Exceptional power efficiency
- 32GB RAM integrated on package
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI
- Powerful Arc 140V integrated graphics
- Silent operation in slim chassis
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradable (soldered to CPU)
- Only 8 threads limits heavy multi-threading
- Expensive, only found in premium laptops
- Low PCIe lane count for expansion
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 9 288V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Alt
Best alternative if you are open to macOS for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
Slightly lower clocked Lunar Lake chip for a better price.
Meteor Lake alternative if you need more cores and discrete GPU.
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 reviewAn engineering marvel that combines memory, CPU, GPU, and NPU into a highly efficient package, redefining laptop battery life and AI capabilities.
Best for: Buying a premium ultrabook for all-day battery life and AI features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 228V or Intel Core Ultra 9 288V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 9 288V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 228V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 228V (17 W), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (30 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 228V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 228V: Intel BGA 2833, Intel Core Ultra 9 288V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 228V (0), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.