CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 236V vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 236V represents a significant shift in Intel's mobile processor strategy, introducing the Lunar Lake architecture. Launched in September 2024, this mobile chip integrates 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, operating at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.7 GHz. What sets this processor apart is its use of TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process for the compute tile, delivering exceptional power efficiency. It features on-package LPDDR5x memory running at 8533 MT/s, available in a 16GB configuration, which reduces latency and saves physical motherboard space. Additionally, the integrated Arc 130V graphics and a dedicated NPU capable of 40 TOPS make it highly competent for modern AI workloads and casual gaming. With a modest 17W base TDP and a maximum power draw of 37W, it is engineered specifically for thin-and-light laptops where battery life and sustained performance are equally crucial. This marks a pivotal moment for Intel's competitive standing in the premium ultraportable segment.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Extremely responsive for everyday office tasks, multitasking, and web browsing.
32GB memory makes a real difference for productivity, allowing more browser tabs, larger documents, and light creative work without the constraints of the 16GB variants.
Gaming
Capable of running esports and older titles at 1080p, but not suited for demanding AAA games.
The higher 4.7 GHz boost and 32GB memory give it a small edge over lower V-series SKUs in gaming, but this remains a casual-gaming-at-best chip.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization, but the limited 16GB RAM restricts running multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
Industry-leading efficiency thanks to the 3nm process and on-package memory design.
Slightly less efficient than 16GB variants due to the additional memory power draw, but still exceptional by any standard.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables local AI processing
- Meets Copilot+ PC standards
- Efficiently handles background AI blur and noise cancellation
- 40 TOPS NPU 4 handles AI workloads efficiently
- 32GB memory allows running slightly larger AI models than 16GB variants
- Good for AI-enhanced photo editing and code assistance
- DLBoost 4.0 provides additional CPU-based AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 130V graphics offer solid 1080p performance in older titles
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not intended for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming
- 4.7 GHz boost helps in CPU-bound scenarios more than the 4.5 GHz variants
- 32GB memory prevents the bottlenecks that can occur with 16GB in some games
- Arc 130V handles eSports and older titles reasonably well
- Not a substitute for a gaming laptop with discrete graphics
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Industry-leading power efficiency
- On-package memory reduces latency
- 40 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI features
- Strong integrated Arc 130V graphics
- Silent operation in fanless designs
Cons
- Memory is capped at 16GB and cannot be upgraded
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded scaling
- Only 4 PCIe 5.0 lanes available
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
Pros
- Best single-thread performance in the Ultra 5 V-series
- 32GB memory provides meaningful multitasking headroom
- 40 TOPS NPU for AI workloads
- Excellent battery life despite higher clocks
- Premium thin-and-light performance
Cons
- 32GB memory is still soldered and not upgradeable
- Significant price premium over 16GB variants in some laptops
- Only 8 cores limit heavy workloads
- Limited PCIe lanes for storage expansion
- Cannot match Arrow Lake desktop performance
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 236V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 228VAlt
Offers 32GB of memory for users needing more RAM capacity.
Better performance and more graphics execution units for slightly higher budgets.
Compare head-to-head- Apple MacBook Air M2Alt
A strong alternative for users within the Apple ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X PlusAlt
A highly efficient ARM-based alternative for Windows on ARM.
Intel Core Ultra 5 238V
- Apple M3 (16GB/24GB)Rival
Premium Ultra-Portable
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 360Rival
Copilot+ PC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Same Platform, Higher Tier
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Traditional Thin & Light
Same 4.7 GHz boost but with 16GB memory, saving money if you don't need 32GB.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M3 MacBook AirAlt
Better battery life and ecosystem integration, though with a higher total cost of ownership.
Same 32GB memory but 4.5 GHz boost, if the price difference is substantial.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient processor that brings excellent battery life and integrated AI capabilities to premium ultraportables, though the fixed 16GB RAM might be a limitation for some power users.
Best for: Premium thin-and-light laptop for all-day battery life
Read the full reviewThe 238V is the optimal Lunar Lake Ultra 5 configuration, pairing the higher 4.7 GHz boost with 32GB of memory. It delivers the best balance of performance, battery life, and AI capability in the Ultra 5 V-series lineup.
Best for: Choosing a Lunar Lake laptop and wanting the best Ultra 5 experience with sufficient memory for productivity and light creative work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 236V or Intel Core Ultra 5 238V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 236V 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 236V or Intel Core Ultra 5 238V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 236V leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 236V: Intel BGA 2833, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 236V (0), Intel Core Ultra 5 238V (3,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.