CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 235 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 is a 14-core mainstream desktop processor built on Arrow Lake-S architecture, combining 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 8 Skymont E-cores with 24 MB L3 cache, 24EU integrated graphics, and NPU 3 at a $257 launch price.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
14 threads with strong IPC handle productivity workloads effectively, from office applications to moderate content creation tasks.
14 threads handle productivity workloads well, though sustained multi-core tasks run slower at 35W PL1 than at 65W.
Gaming
Delivers strong gaming performance when paired with a capable discrete GPU. The 3.4 GHz base clock and 5.0 GHz boost provide excellent frame consistency.
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
14 threads support several VMs, though the lack of Hyper-Threading means each VM gets fewer logical threads compared to SMT-equipped competitors.
14 threads provide reasonable VM capacity, but power constraints limit sustained multi-VM performance.
Efficiency
65W base TDP is reasonable for 14 cores, and the Skymont E-cores contribute to good efficiency during multi-threaded loads.
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 dedicated AI inference
- 24EU Xe-LPG GPU contributes 6 TOPS
- CPU contributes 8 TOPS for a total of 27 TOPS
- Below the 40 TOPS Copilot+ PC threshold but useful for AI-assisted features
- 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
- Strong Lion Cove IPC provides excellent per-core gaming performance
- 5.0 GHz boost clock is competitive with AMD's Zen 5
- 14 cores ensure background tasks do not impact gaming framerates
- Best paired with a mid-range to high-end discrete GPU
- 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
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio at $257
- 14 modern cores with strong single-threaded and multi-threaded capability
- 3.4 GHz base clock ensures consistent performance without turbo dependency
- 24 MB L3 cache benefits both gaming and productivity
- Complete platform with PCIe 5.0, NPU 3, and vPro support
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading reduces thread-level parallelism versus AMD's SMT approach
- DDR5-only means no upgrade path from DDR4 systems
- 27 TOPS combined AI falls short of the 40 TOPS Copilot+ PC requirement
- New LGA 1851 platform limits upgrade options to future Arrow Lake refreshes
- 24EU iGPU is adequate only for display output and basic acceleration
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 5 235
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700Rival
Value 8-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Budget 6-Core Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 7 265Rival
Upper Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Previous-Gen Value
Save $11 if you do not need the extra 4 E-cores for your workload.
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
The best-value Arrow Lake-S processor for most users, offering 14 modern cores with strong single-threaded and multi-threaded performance at a competitive price point.
Best for: Building a new mid-range desktop that needs to balance gaming, productivity, and future AI features without overspending on the CPU
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 5 235 or Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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 5 235 or Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 leads with a gaming performance score of 82/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 235 and Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 235 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.