CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 235T vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T is a 14-core Arrow Lake-S processor designed for users who prioritize low power consumption without sacrificing core count. Built on TSMC's 3 nm process, it features 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 8 Skymont E-cores, delivering a hybrid architecture that balances single-threaded responsiveness with multi-threaded throughput. What sets the 235T apart is its T-series power profile: while the labeled TDP sits at 65 W, the PL1 sustained power limit is just 35 W, making it exceptionally well-suited for small form factor builds, mini-ITX systems, and thermally constrained environments. Despite the low sustained power, the PL2 turbo limit of 114 W allows the processor to burst up to 5.0 GHz when headroom is available. It includes a 24 EU Arc Xe-LPG integrated GPU for basic display duties and light workloads, along with an NPU 3 rated at 13 TOPS for local AI inference tasks. Launched on January 7, 2025, at $247, the 235T occupies a specific niche for builders who want modern Arrow Lake features in a power-efficient package.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
14 cores handle productivity tasks well, but the low PL1 can reduce throughput in sustained multi-threaded workloads compared to non-T models.
Solid multi-threaded performance from 14 cores, though the 65W power limit reduces sustained throughput compared to 125W siblings.
Gaming
Capable gaming performance with 5.0 GHz boost, though sustained PL1 may limit performance in long gaming sessions without adequate cooling headroom.
Handles 1080p gaming adequately when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU, but the lower clocks compared to K-series parts limit frame rates in CPU-bound titles.
Virtualization
Sufficient for a few VMs, but power constraints make it less ideal for heavy virtualization compared to higher-power alternatives.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency during sustained workloads due to the low 35W PL1, making it one of the most power-frugal 14-core desktop processors available.
Excellent performance-per-watt thanks to the TSMC 3nm compute tile and conservative power limits.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 delivers 13 TOPS for sustained AI tasks
- Total of 27 TOPS when combining CPU, GPU, and NPU
- Suitable for background blur, noise cancellation, and local LLM inference
- Not intended for training or heavy AI workloads
- 13 TOPS NPU 3 for lightweight AI tasks
- Combined 29 TOPS with CPU and GPU contributions
- Suitable for background AI features like noise cancellation and image enhancement
- Not designed for training or heavy inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- 5.0 GHz maximum boost provides strong single-threaded performance
- 114W PL2 burst allows good frame rates in short sessions
- 24EU iGPU is only suitable for very light gaming or older titles
- A discrete GPU is recommended for any serious gaming
- 5.1 GHz boost is lower than the 245KF's 5.2 GHz
- Pairs well with GPUs up to RTX 4060 class without bottlenecking
- E-Cores contribute meaningfully in modern game engines
- iGPU can handle older or less demanding titles at low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W PL1 for SFF compatibility
- 14 cores provide strong multi-threaded capability
- NPU 3 enables local AI workloads
- 3 nm process delivers excellent efficiency
- Integrated graphics eliminate the need for a basic discrete GPU
- 114W PL2 allows strong burst performance
Cons
- Low 2.2 GHz base clock affects sustained performance
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Small 24EU iGPU limits graphics capability
- No ECC memory support
- A0 stepping may have early-silicon quirks
- PL1 of 35W can throttle in poorly ventilated SFF cases during sustained loads
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency at 65W TDP
- Modern 3nm architecture with strong IPC
- Capable Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- NPU 3 for AI features
- ECC memory support
- Lower cooling requirements than K-series
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Lower boost clock than 245KF limits peak performance
- 65W power limit reduces sustained multi-thread throughput
- No Hyper-Threading on P-Cores
- LGA 1851 is a new platform with early-adopter costs
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 235T
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Budget Mainstream
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 225FRival
Budget Arrow Lake
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
APU Desktop
Offers a larger 64EU iGPU, ECC support, and higher boost clock for $23 more.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 245
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Upper Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400Rival
Previous Generation
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop with iGPU
Unlocked multiplier and higher clocks for $24 more if you plan to overclock.
Compare head-to-headSignificantly more cores and higher clocks for $184 if you don't need integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 14-core Arrow Lake processor with an aggressive power-saving profile, best suited for SFF builders who want modern features without high power draw.
Best for: Building a small form factor PC where low sustained power draw is a priority but you still want 14 cores and modern Arrow Lake features.
Read the full reviewA sensible locked Arrow Lake chip that trades peak frequency for a modest 65W power envelope, making it ideal for small form factor builds and users who prioritize efficiency over overclocking headroom.
Best for: Building a compact, quiet, power-efficient desktop with modern features like NPU and PCIe 5.0 without paying K-series prices.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 235T or Intel Core Ultra 5 245?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. 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 235T or Intel Core Ultra 5 245?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 235T and Intel Core Ultra 5 245.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 235T and Intel Core Ultra 5 245 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 235T: Intel Socket 1851, Intel Core Ultra 5 245: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (5,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.