Intel Core 3 305 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive overall performance advantage for the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V, which wins 15 of the 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The Intel Core 3 305 manages only 2 wins, both in the same PassMark single-thread test. The margin of victory for the Core Ultra 5 238V is consistent across most workloads, typically landing in the 16% to 20% range.

In Cinebench testing, the Core Ultra 5 238V leads by nearly identical margins across all six subtests. The Cinebench R23 multicore score shows 15645 for the Core Ultra 5 238V versus 13123 for the Core 3 305, a 16.1% difference. The single-core R23 result follows the same pattern, with 2208 against 1852, also a 16.1% gap. The R20 and R15 tests mirror this behavior, with the Core Ultra 5 238V ahead by 16.1% in multicore and 16.2% in single-core for both versions. This consistency suggests a uniform clock and architecture advantage rather than workload-specific strengths.

PassMark testing reveals a wider spread of results. The largest gap appears in the prime number search test, where the Core Ultra 5 238V scores 174 against 115 for the Core 3 305, a 33.9% advantage. Floating point math shows a 20.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V, with scores of 53160 and 42284 respectively. Physics simulation follows closely at 20.2%, with 1546 versus 1233. Random string sorting shows an 18.4% edge for the Core Ultra 5 238V, scoring 21585 against 17623. Integer math, multithread, data compression, and data encryption all fall in the 15.7% to 17% range.

The extended instructions test produces the narrowest Core Ultra 5 238V victory, with 15377 against 13543, an 11.9% difference. This smaller gap indicates that the instruction set extensions of both processors are relatively comparable, even though the overall execution speed favors the Core Ultra 5 238V.

The single exception to the Core Ultra 5 238V sweep comes in the PassMark single-thread test. Here the Core 3 305 scores 3977 against 3890 for the Core Ultra 5 238V, a 2.2% advantage. This is the only test where the Core 3 305 leads, and the margin is modest. The same result appears under both the `passmark_single_thread` and `passmark_singlethread` labels, confirming the finding.

The average benchmark score places the Core Ultra 5 238V at 21981, compared to 18302 for the Core 3 305. This places the Core Ultra 5 238V in the 75th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 305 sits in the 72nd percentile. The nearest rivals for the Core Ultra 5 238V include the Intel Core i7-11700F and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, both with identical 21988 and 21992 average scores respectively, showing zero delta. The Core 3 305 sits closest to the Intel Core i3-14100, which scores 18318, just 0.1% higher.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates that the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is the stronger processor in nearly every measured workload. The 16.1% lead across Cinebench multicore tests and the 20.5% lead in floating point math demonstrate a substantial performance margin. The Core Ultra 5 238V also posts a higher average benchmark score, 21981 versus 18302, and a higher percentile ranking at 75 versus 72.

The Core 3 305 does hold a narrow 2.2% advantage in PassMark single-thread performance, which could matter for lightly threaded applications. However, this single win does not offset the consistent losses elsewhere. The Core Ultra 5 238V leads by double digits in all other tests, with the smallest gap being 11.9% in extended instructions.

For users prioritizing raw throughput, the Core Ultra 5 238V is the clear choice based on the recorded data. Its 8 cores and 8 threads provide a structural advantage over the 6 cores and 6 threads of the Core 3 305. The higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz against 4.30 GHz also contributes to the performance gap.

The Core 3 305 remains a viable option in scenarios where the measured single-thread advantage matters, but the data does not support choosing it for multi-threaded or compute-heavy tasks. The Core Ultra 5 238V delivers stronger results in Cinebench, PassMark math operations, data compression, encryption, and physics simulation. For any workload that can use multiple cores or that relies on floating point or integer throughput, the Core Ultra 5 238V is the better option.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families. The Core 3 305 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and belongs to the Core 3 generation. The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the Lunar Lake architecture and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2. Both are manufactured on a 3 nm process node, but the foundry differs. The Core 3 305 uses Intel as the foundry, while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses TSMC.

Core counts differ significantly. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning no hyper-threading. The Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads, also without hyper-threading. Both processors are locked, with no unlocked multiplier available.

Cache configurations show substantial differences. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 238V has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The per-core L2 allocation on the Core Ultra 5 238V means that with 8 cores, the total L2 capacity reaches 20 MB, though the database records it as a per-core figure.

Memory support diverges as well. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory through a single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core Ultra 5 238V uses a dual-channel memory bus, but the database lists its memory support as dependent on the motherboard and does not record a bandwidth figure. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

PCI Express connectivity differs by generation and lane count. The Core 3 305 uses Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes. The Core Ultra 5 238V uses Gen 5 with 4 CPU lanes. The integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 3 305 featuring Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses Arc 130V.

The sockets are not interchangeable. The Core 3 305 uses Intel BGA 1516, while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses Intel BGA 2833. Release dates also differ, with the Core Ultra 5 238V released on 2024-09-23 and the Core 3 305 on 2026-04-15. The Core 3 305 has a launch MSRP of $309, while the Core Ultra 5 238V has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What is the clock speed difference?

A: The Core 3 305 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 238V has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Q: Which processor performs better in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Core Ultra 5 238V scores 15645 in Cinebench R23 multicore, while the Core 3 305 scores 13123. This gives the Core Ultra 5 238V a 16.1% advantage.

Q: Is there any test where the Core 3 305 wins?

A: Yes, the Core 3 305 wins the PassMark single-thread test with a score of 3977 against 3890 for the Core Ultra 5 238V, a 2.2% difference.

Q: What are the cache differences between the two?

A: The Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 238V has 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Core Ultra 5 238V has an average benchmark score of 21981, compared to 18302 for the Core 3 305.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 238V dominates multi-threaded and compute-intensive workloads. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, it leads by 16.1% or 16.2% in both single-core and multicore tests. This makes it the stronger option for rendering, video encoding, and any application that scales with core count. The 8-core configuration provides a clear structural advantage over the 6-core Core 3 305.

PassMark math tests favor the Core Ultra 5 238V substantially. Floating point math shows a 20.5% advantage, while integer math shows a 17% advantage. The prime number test shows the largest gap at 33.9%. Physics simulation follows at 20.2%. These results indicate that the Core Ultra 5 238V is better suited for scientific computing, simulation, and number-crunching tasks.

Data handling workloads also favor the Core Ultra 5 238V. Data compression scores 176532 against 146857, an 16.8% advantage. Data encryption scores 13072 against 11019, a 15.7% advantage. Random string sorting shows an 18.4% gap. These results point to better performance in database operations, file compression, and encryption tasks.

The Core 3 305 has a single measured advantage in PassMark single-thread performance, with a 2.2% lead. This could translate to slightly faster response in applications that are strictly single-threaded and cannot use additional cores. However, the margin is small, and the Core Ultra 5 238V still beats the Core 3 305 in Cinebench single-core tests by over 16%.

For users who need maximum multi-core throughput, the Core Ultra 5 238V is the clear winner. For users whose workloads are dominated by a single thread and who prioritize that specific PassMark metric, the Core 3 305 offers a modest edge. The overall data, however, consistently favors the Core Ultra 5 238V across the majority of tested scenarios.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 305 and 2.10 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 238V. Boost clocks are 4.30 GHz and 4.70 GHz respectively. Thermal design power is 15 watts for the Core 3 305 and 17 watts for the Core Ultra 5 238V.

Socket types differ, with the Core 3 305 using Intel BGA 1516 and the Core Ultra 5 238V using Intel BGA 2833. The codenames are Wildcat Lake for the Core 3 305 and Lunar Lake for the Core Ultra 5 238V. The foundry differs, with Intel producing the Core 3 305 and TSMC producing the Core Ultra 5 238V.

Cache allocations differ in structure. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 238V has 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory bus width differs, with the Core 3 305 using single-channel and the Core Ultra 5 238V using dual-channel. Memory bandwidth is recorded only for the Core 3 305 at 59.7 GB/s.

PCI Express support differs, with Gen 4 and 6 lanes for the Core 3 305 versus Gen 5 and 4 lanes for the Core Ultra 5 238V. Integrated graphics differ, with Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) on the Core 3 305 and Arc 130V on the Core Ultra 5 238V. Release dates differ, with the Core Ultra 5 238V launching on 2024-09-23 and the Core 3 305 on 2026-04-15. The Core 3 305 has a launch MSRP of $309, while the Core Ultra 5 238V has no recorded launch MSRP.