CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 236V vs Core Ultra 7 258V
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 of RAM ensures excellent multitasking capabilities.
Gaming
Capable of running esports and older titles at 1080p, but not suited for demanding AAA games.
Good for light gaming, though slightly lower clocks than 268V marginally impact FPS.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization, but the limited 16GB RAM restricts running multiple heavy VMs.
Sufficient memory and cores for light VM usage.
Efficiency
Industry-leading efficiency thanks to the 3nm process and on-package memory design.
Top-tier power efficiency identical to other Lunar Lake chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables local AI processing
- Meets Copilot+ PC standards
- Efficiently handles background AI blur and noise cancellation
- 47 TOPS NPU is more than enough for Copilot+
- Total 115 TOPS platform performance
- 32GB RAM is highly beneficial for local AI models
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
- Arc 140V handles esports titles well
- Slightly lower dynamic GPU frequency (1950 MHz)
- Not intended for AAA gaming at high settings
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
- 32GB of integrated memory
- Excellent power efficiency
- 47 TOPS NPU for AI
- Great value compared to 268V
- Arc 140V graphics
Cons
- Slightly lower clocks than 268V
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Limited to 8 threads
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.
Core Ultra 7 258V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 228VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 268VAlt
For slightly higher clock speeds and 1 extra NPU TOP.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If 16GB of RAM is enough for your needs.
- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
For a different premium OS experience.
For a cheaper Lunar Lake option.
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 258V offers nearly identical performance to the 268V at a potentially lower price, making it a smart choice for 32GB ultrabooks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 7 258V is exclusively found in pre-built laptops and is a fantastic choice for users who need a highly portable machine with plenty of memory. If you want 32 GB of RAM for multitasking, coding, or light creative work, but don't necessarily need the absolute maximum clock speeds of the 268V, the 258V offers excellent value. It is perfect for students, professionals, and writers who want all-day battery life without worrying about running out of RAM. Just remember that neither the CPU nor the memory can be upgraded. If you find a laptop with the 258V at a good price, it is a highly recommended purchase for everyday productivity and AI tasks.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 5 236V or Core Ultra 7 258V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 236V leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Core Ultra 7 258V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Core Ultra 7 258V use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2833 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.