CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX is a 14-core unlocked mobile processor delivering high clock speeds and substantial PCIe Gen 5 connectivity for flagship gaming laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly lower base clock results in a minor drop in sustained multi-threaded tasks.
14 strong cores handle multi-threaded creator workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Delivers nearly identical gaming FPS to the 245HX due to the same 5.1 GHz boost clock.
Paired with a discrete GPU, the high clock speeds and fast DDR5 memory provide top-tier mobile gaming.
Virtualization
More than capable of handling local development environments.
Solid performance for local VMs, aided by 20 PCIe lanes for fast storage.
Efficiency
Shares the same poor battery life characteristics as other HX-class chips.
Poor battery life when unplugged due to the high 55W base power and lack of LP-E cores.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 13 TOPS NPU is insufficient for modern AI PC standards
- Requires a discrete GPU for meaningful AI workloads
- Only 13 TOPS NPU, falling short of Copilot+ requirements
- Relies on discrete GPU for serious AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference is capable but slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- 5.1 GHz boost clock ensures high frame rates
- Unlocked multiplier can optimize performance per specific game
- Best paired with an RTX 4070 or 4080 mobile GPU
- High base clock prevents significant frequency drops during gaming
- Ideal pairing for RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Unlocked multiplier can squeeze out extra FPS
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Same max boost clock as the 245HX
- Unlocked multiplier for tuning
- Excellent single-core speed
- Robust 20-lane PCIe layout
- Great value in the HX lineup
Cons
- Lower base clock hurts sustained workloads
- High power consumption
- Weak integrated graphics
- Lacks VT-rp instruction set
- Inadequate NPU for AI tasks
Pros
- Unlocked for enthusiast overclocking
- Massive 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- High 3.1 GHz base clock
- Strong single-core performance
- 24MB of L3 cache
Cons
- High power draw limits battery life
- Requires bulky laptop cooling solutions
- Weak 13 TOPS NPU
- Xe-LPG iGPU is outdated for gaming
- No Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSRival
High-End Mobile
Better if you frequently run sustained multi-threaded workloads and the price is similar.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSAlt
Much better battery life and AI performance if you don't need extreme PCIe lanes.
Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950HXRival
Next-Gen Enthusiast
Offers more cores and higher clocks if budget allows.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSAlt
Better battery life and AI performance if you don't need PCIe Gen 5.
Our Verdict on Each
Offering nearly identical specifications to the 245HX but with a slightly lower base clock, the 235HX is a potent unlocked mobile chip for gamers who prioritize single-core speed.
Best for: Buying an overclockable gaming laptop where the 245HX commands a price premium.
Read the full reviewThe 245HX brings desktop-class features like an unlocked multiplier and vast PCIe connectivity to the mobile space, making it a powerhouse for thick-and-heavy enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Enthusiasts buying a thick gaming laptop who want to manually overclock.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX or Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 235HX or Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX and Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX and Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2114 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.