CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 235T vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245T
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.
Good productivity performance with 14 cores, though the 35W PL1 limits sustained multi-threaded throughput compared to non-T models.
Gaming
Capable gaming performance with 5.0 GHz boost, though sustained PL1 may limit performance in long gaming sessions without adequate cooling headroom.
The 5.1 GHz boost and 14 cores provide strong gaming performance when paired with a discrete GPU. The 64EU iGPU can handle light gaming at 720p/1080p low, a significant step up from the 235T's 24EU.
Virtualization
Sufficient for a few VMs, but power constraints make it less ideal for heavy virtualization compared to higher-power alternatives.
Adequate for several VMs, with ECC memory adding reliability for data-sensitive virtualization workloads.
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 efficiency during sustained operation at 35W PL1, with the 3 nm process ensuring strong performance per watt.
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
- 29 TOPS total AI performance, second only to the 245K in Ultra 5
- 64EU iGPU contributes 8 TOPS, double the 235T's 4 TOPS GPU contribution
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for sustained AI tasks
- ECC memory adds reliability for AI workloads processing sensitive data
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 provides strong performance with a discrete GPU
- 64EU iGPU can handle eSports titles and older games at low settings
- E-cores boost to 4.5 GHz, the highest in the Ultra 5 family
- 35W PL1 may reduce performance in very long CPU-bound gaming sessions
- Ideal for SFF gaming builds with compact GPUs
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
- Only T-series processor with 64EU iGPU
- ECC memory support in a low-power package
- 35W PL1 enables genuine compact builds
- 5.1 GHz boost with 4.5 GHz E-core boost
- 29 TOPS total AI performance
- vPro support for enterprise management
- 114W PL2 provides strong burst capability
Cons
- Low 2.2 GHz base clock limits sustained performance
- Locked multiplier with no overclocking headroom
- A0 stepping may have early-silicon characteristics
- 35W PL1 significantly limits sustained multi-threaded workloads
- At $270, only $49 less than the fully unlocked 245K
- Power limit adjustments may be restricted by some motherboard BIOS implementations
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 245T
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Low-Power APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 245KRival
Enthusiast Alternative
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 235ARival
Mainstream Alternative
Save $23 if you can accept the smaller 24EU iGPU and don't need ECC memory.
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 uniquely positioned processor that combines premium features (64EU iGPU, ECC support) with T-series power efficiency, ideal for SFF builds that need strong integrated graphics and data integrity.
Best for: Small form factor or power-constrained builds that need the 64EU iGPU for light graphics work, multi-display support, or ECC memory for data integrity, but cannot accommodate K-series power levels.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 235T or Intel Core Ultra 5 245T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245T 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 235T or Intel Core Ultra 5 245T?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245T leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 235T and Intel Core Ultra 5 245T.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 235T and Intel Core Ultra 5 245T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.