Quick Verdict
A refined 14-core Arrow Lake-S processor with an updated stepping and reduced PL1 that serves OEM needs well, though DIY builders should consider whether the standard 235 better fits their use case.
Overview
Launch
2025
Status
ActiveGeneration
Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA is a 14-core mid-cycle refresh desktop processor on the B0 stepping of Arrow Lake-S, combining 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 8 Skymont E-cores with a 35W PL1 for OEM-focused power-efficient configurations.
The Core Ultra 5 235TA arrives six months after the initial Arrow Lake-S launch, bringing a B0 stepping revision and a 35W PL1 to the 14-core configuration that previously required 65W in the standard 235. At $269, it slots in as a mid-cycle refresh that gives OEMs more flexibility in thermal design while retaining the full core count, 24EU iGPU, and NPU 3 capabilities of the original.
Specifications
Performance
14 threads handle productivity workloads well, though sustained multi-core tasks run slower at 35W PL1 than at 65W.
14 threads provide reasonable VM capacity, but power constraints limit sustained multi-VM performance.
With a discrete GPU, delivers strong gaming performance. The 35W PL1 may slightly reduce 1% lows in CPU-heavy titles compared to the 65W 235.
Strong efficiency at the 35W PL1 level, making it appealing for systems that prioritize low sustained power draw.
- •Requires discrete GPU for meaningful gaming performance
- •Lion Cove IPC ensures strong per-frame performance
- •35W PL1 may cause minor performance dips in CPU-bound scenarios
- •5.0 GHz boost clock matches the standard 235
- •NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for sustained AI tasks
- •24EU Xe-LPG contributes 6 TOPS from the GPU
- •Total combined AI performance is 27 TOPS
- •Adequate for AI-assisted features but below the 40+ TOPS Copilot+ threshold
Architecture
3nm (TSMC)
Process Node
Arrow Lake-S
Codename
14C / 14T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The 235TA uses the same Arrow Lake-S disaggregated tile design as the original 235 but on the B0 stepping revision, which typically indicates yield improvements and errata corrections.
CPU Design
6 Lion Cove P-cores capable of 5.0 GHz boost paired with 8 Skymont E-cores boosting to 4.4 GHz. No Hyper-Threading on any core type.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR5-6400 native support, with the memory controller located on the IO tile.
PCIe & I/O
20 PCIe 5.0 lanes from the CPU for the primary GPU, plus 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the chipset for NVMe storage.
Overclocking
Multiplier is locked. Memory overclocking may be available depending on the motherboard chipset.
- B0 stepping likely improves silicon quality and yield
- 35W PL1 offers better sustained efficiency for OEM designs
- Includes vPro, TME, and SIPP features that were present on the 235 but absent on the 225T
- Retains full 24EU iGPU unlike lower-tier T variants
Key Highlights
- B0 stepping likely offers improved silicon quality over initial A0 release
- 14 cores at 35W PL1 provides excellent performance-per-watt at base power
- 24EU Xe-LPG is more capable than the 16EU in lower-tier models
- Full feature set including vPro, TME, SIPP, and Thread Director
- Official $269 pricing provides clear value positioning
- 35W PL1 limits sustained performance versus the standard 235
- Launches six months after the 235 with minimal architectural changes
- Primarily targeted at OEMs, so retail availability may be limited
- No Hyper-Threading reduces thread density
- At $269, it is more expensive than the original 235's $259 launch price
History
The Core Ultra 5 235TA is a mid-cycle refresh of the Arrow Lake-S desktop lineup, launched roughly six months after the initial January 2025 wave. Intel introduced the TA suffix to denote a revised stepping—B0 in this case—alongside adjusted power profiles that bring the PL1 down to 35 watts while maintaining the full 14-core configuration.</br></br>This approach suggests Intel identified an opportunity to serve OEMs and system integrators who wanted the core count of the 235 without the 65-watt base power requirement, particularly for pre-built systems where thermal solutions are often modest.
The B0 stepping likely incorporates minor silicon-level refinements that improve yield or address any errata discovered in the initial A0 production run.</br></br>By keeping the 24EU Xe-LPG graphics and full NPU 3 capability intact, the 235TA avoids the feature stripping that sometimes accompanies power-optimized SKUs, making it a more straightforward alternative to the standard 235 rather than a fundamentally different product.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- B0 stepping likely improves silicon quality and yield
- 35W PL1 offers better sustained efficiency for OEM designs
- Includes vPro, TME, and SIPP features that were present on the 235 but absent on the 225T
- Retains full 24EU iGPU unlike lower-tier T variants
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Found in an OEM pre-built system where the integrator has matched the 35W PL1 to an appropriate thermal solution
Avoid if…
- Building a DIY system where the standard 235 at 65W PL1 would perform better for the same price
- You need maximum sustained multi-core performance
- You plan to overclock or push the system hard
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The TA suffix is a new designation for Intel, combining the T (low power) concept with an A-series stepping indicator, creating a unique product identifier.
The B0 stepping on the 235TA likely addresses any errata discovered during the first six months of Arrow Lake-S production.
Despite the lower PL1, the 235TA retains the same 5.0 GHz maximum boost as the standard 235, meaning peak single-thread performance is theoretically identical.
The 235TA's 8 E-cores represent 57% of its total core count, the highest E-core ratio in the Arrow Lake-S desktop lineup at this tier.
At $269, it is one of the few mid-cycle refresh CPUs to receive an official launch price rather than being an OEM-only unlisted SKU.
The 235TA includes VT-rp (Virtualization Redirect Protection), a security feature absent from some lower-tier Arrow Lake-S models.
Its 24EU Xe-LPG graphics run at 2000 MHz dynamic frequency, 200 MHz higher than the 16EU variant in the 225T.
The part number SRWPP follows Intel's standard MM number naming convention, confirming this as a formally tracked production SKU.
The 235TA launched in July 2025, making it a rare mid-year desktop CPU introduction outside of the typical CES/Computex launch window.
With 27 TOPS combined AI performance, the 235TA sits in an awkward middle ground between NPU-only metrics and the 40+ TOPS Copilot+ PC threshold.
People Also Ask
What does TA mean on the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA?
The TA suffix appears to combine the T (low-power, 35W PL1) designation with an A-series identifier, indicating a specific stepping and power configuration variant of the 235.
Is the Core Ultra 5 235TA the same as the 235?
They share the same 6P+8E core configuration and 5.0 GHz boost, but the 235TA has a 35W PL1 (vs 65W), uses the B0 stepping (vs A0), and has a higher launch price of $269 (vs $257).
What is the B0 stepping on the 235TA?
B0 is a revised silicon stepping that typically incorporates manufacturing refinements, yield improvements, and potential errata fixes discovered during initial production of the A0 stepping.
Can the 235TA run with a 35W cooler?
At 35W PL1, a modest cooler can handle sustained loads, but the 114W PL2 turbo means the cooler must handle brief power spikes well above the PL1 level.
Does the Core Ultra 5 235TA have better efficiency than the 235?
At sustained base loads, yes, because the 35W PL1 draws less power. Under turbo loads, both processors behave similarly since they share the same architecture and boost capabilities.
What is the launch price of the Core Ultra 5 235TA?
The official launch price is $269, which is $12 more than the original Core Ultra 5 235's $257 launch price.
Is the 235TA good for a home server?
The 14 cores and 35W PL1 make it a capable home server processor, though the lack of ECC memory support and desktop platform power draw may not be ideal for 24/7 operation.
How many PCIe lanes does the Core Ultra 5 235TA have?
20 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the CPU plus 4 PCIe 4.0 secondary lanes from the chipset, identical to other Arrow Lake-S desktop processors.
Does the 235TA support DDR5-6400 natively?
Yes, DDR5-6400 MT/s is the native supported speed on the Arrow Lake-S platform.
Is the Core Ultra 5 235TA an OEM-only processor?
While it has an official launch price suggesting retail availability, the TA suffix and mid-cycle launch timing suggest it may be primarily distributed through OEM channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the part number of the Core Ultra 5 235TA?
The Intel MM number is SRWPP.
Does the 235TA support Hyper-Threading?
No. All Arrow Lake-S processors, including the 235TA, have eliminated Hyper-Threading.
What is the L3 cache size?
24 MB of shared L3 cache.
What integrated graphics does the 235TA have?
Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 Execution Units, dynamic frequency up to 2000 MHz.
What chipsets are compatible with the 235TA?
Z890, B860, W880, Q870, and H810.
Does the 235TA support vPro?
Yes, vPro is listed among its supported features.
What is the base clock of the 235TA?
2.2 GHz for P-cores with E-cores at 1.6 GHz base.
Can the 235TA's PL1 be increased?
On supported motherboards, the PL1 power limit may be adjustable in BIOS, effectively converting it to behave like a standard 235.
What is the maximum memory capacity?
Up to 192 GB of DDR5 memory across two channels.
Does the 235TA have TME (Total Memory Encryption)?
Yes, TME is included in the feature set.