CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 238V vs Core Ultra 7 266V
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is the top-tier Ultra 5 Lunar Lake mobile processor, combining a 4.7 GHz boost clock with 32GB of on-package LPDDR5x-8533 memory and a 40 TOPS NPU for premium thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
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.
Snappy performance for everyday office and browsing tasks.
Gaming
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.
Capable of playing modern games at low settings and 1080p.
Virtualization
Limited by 8 threads but can handle light VMs.
Efficiency
Slightly less efficient than 16GB variants due to the additional memory power draw, but still exceptional by any standard.
Class-leading power efficiency for exceptional battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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
- 48 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ features
- Total 118 TOPS platform performance
- Excellent for local AI model execution
Content Creation
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
- Arc 140V is a massive step up from previous iGPUs
- Best for indie or esports titles
- Can run AAA games at low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Incredible power efficiency
- Integrated 16GB memory saves space
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI
- Strong Arc 140V integrated graphics
- Silent operation capabilities
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradeable
- Limited to 8 cores/8 threads
- Not intended for heavy rendering
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Core Ultra 7 266V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 268VAlt
If you need 32GB of integrated RAM instead of 16GB.
For a more budget-friendly Lunar Lake option.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Alt
For an alternative x86 AI PC with upgradeable RAM.
- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
For a different ecosystem with similar efficiency.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
For slightly different clock speeds and 32GB memory.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewAn incredibly efficient mobile processor that brings massive battery life improvements and integrated AI capabilities to premium ultrabooks.
Best for: You cannot buy the Core Ultra 7 266V as a standalone component; it is only available pre-installed in laptops. When shopping for a laptop, if you prioritize battery life above all else and want a device that handles everyday tasks, moderate creative work, and AI features seamlessly, a 266V-equipped laptop is an excellent choice. However, be aware that the 16 GB of RAM is integrated and cannot be upgraded. If you anticipate needing more memory for heavy workloads in the future, you should look for laptops featuring the 268V variant or consider traditional laptop architectures with upgradeable memory. For general users, 16 GB is sufficient.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V or Core Ultra 7 266V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core Ultra 7 266V comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 238V or Core Ultra 7 266V?
For gaming, the Core Ultra 7 266V leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 238V and Core Ultra 7 266V.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 238V and Core Ultra 7 266V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 238V: BGA 2833, Core Ultra 7 266V: Intel 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 238V (3,950), Core Ultra 7 266V (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.