CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 236V vs Intel Core Ultra 9 288V
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.
Excellent single-core performance for office tasks and web apps.
Gaming
Capable of running esports and older titles at 1080p, but not suited for demanding AAA games.
Arc 140V is a massive leap, allowing 1080p gaming in thin-and-lights.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization, but the limited 16GB RAM restricts running multiple heavy VMs.
Limited by 8 threads and 32GB max memory, but capable of light VMs.
Efficiency
Industry-leading efficiency thanks to the 3nm process and on-package memory design.
Industry-leading performance-per-watt for x86 laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 40 TOPS NPU enables local AI processing
- Meets Copilot+ PC standards
- Efficiently handles background AI blur and noise cancellation
- 48 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ PC features like Recall
- Can run small LLMs locally
- NPU offloads CPU/GPU for better battery during AI tasks
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 iGPU can play modern titles at 1080p Low/Medium
- Massive improvement over previous Intel iGPUs
- Not a replacement for discrete laptop GPUs
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
- Exceptional power efficiency
- 32GB RAM integrated on package
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI
- Powerful Arc 140V integrated graphics
- Silent operation in slim chassis
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradable (soldered to CPU)
- Only 8 threads limits heavy multi-threading
- Expensive, only found in premium laptops
- Low PCIe lane count for expansion
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 9 288V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Alt
Best alternative if you are open to macOS for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
Slightly lower clocked Lunar Lake chip for a better price.
Meteor Lake alternative if you need more cores and discrete GPU.
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 reviewAn engineering marvel that combines memory, CPU, GPU, and NPU into a highly efficient package, redefining laptop battery life and AI capabilities.
Best for: Buying a premium ultrabook for all-day battery life and AI features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 236V or Intel Core Ultra 9 288V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 236V or Intel Core Ultra 9 288V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 236V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 236V (17 W), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (30 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 236V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 236V: Intel BGA 2833, Intel Core Ultra 9 288V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 236V (0), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.