CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
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.
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Gaming
Delivers nearly identical gaming FPS to the 245HX due to the same 5.1 GHz boost clock.
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Virtualization
More than capable of handling local development environments.
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
Efficiency
Shares the same poor battery life characteristics as other HX-class chips.
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 13 TOPS NPU is insufficient for modern AI PC standards
- Requires a discrete GPU for meaningful AI workloads
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Sufficient for basic background AI tasks but not heavy local LLMs
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 single-core boost clocks minimize bottlenecks
- Best paired with RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Not intended for thin-and-light gaming
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
- Massive 20-core count
- Unlocked multiplier for mobile overclocking
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Excellent 5.2 GHz single-core boost
- Desktop-class performance
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Modest 13 TOPS NPU
- Requires massive cooling solution
- Poor battery life in laptops
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 7 255HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DRival
Mobile
Slightly higher base and boost clocks for similar price.
Compare head-to-headBetter choice for thin-and-light designs with good battery life.
Compare head-to-headPrevious generation, often available at a discount.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
More efficient alternative for moderate gaming.
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 reviewA powerhouse mobile CPU offering unlocked overclocking and massive multi-core throughput for desktop replacements.
Best for: Desktop replacement gaming laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 235HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX leads with a gaming performance score of 86/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2114 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (20 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.