Intel Core 5 223PE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between the Intel Core 5 223PE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235H across 17 benchmark comparisons. The Core 5 223PE takes 11 wins, while the Core Ultra 5 235H claims 6. The margins, however, vary dramatically depending on the workload.

In Cinebench tests, the Core 5 223PE holds a consistent advantage. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 2666 against 2580, a 3.3% lead. The single-core result in R15 shows the same 3.3% gap (376 vs 364). Moving to R20, the multi-core score is 11111 versus 10751, again a 3.3% edge, while single-core is 1568 vs 1517, a 3.4% margin. The R23 results follow the same pattern: 26455 vs 25598 multi-core and 3734 vs 3613 single-core, both 3.3% in favor of the Core 5 223PE. These are narrow but consistent wins across every rendering workload.

The PassMark suite reveals where each chip excels. The Core 5 223PE dominates integer math with a score of 99819 versus 74247, a substantial 34.4% advantage. It also leads in physics tests by 25.6% (2493 vs 1985), in data compression by 14.8% (346623 vs 301979), and in extended instructions by 5.6% (24672 vs 23354). The multi-thread PassMark score goes to the Core 5 223PE as well, 31124 vs 30091, a 3.4% margin.

The Core Ultra 5 235H counters in specific floating-point and encryption workloads. Its floating-point math score of 93509 beats 76468, an 18.2% lead. Data encryption is another strong point: 23121 vs 18448, a 20.2% advantage. The find prime numbers test shows the largest single delta of the entire comparison, with the Core Ultra 5 235H scoring 239 against 159, a 33.5% lead. It also wins random string sorting by a slim 1.1% (36208 vs 35798) and edges out the Core 5 223PE in single-thread PassMark, 4359 vs 4219, a 3.2% margin.

The average benchmark score for the Core 5 223PE is 40585, placing it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs. The Core Ultra 5 235H averages 37522, sitting in the 85th percentile. The nearest rivals for the Core 5 223PE include the Intel Core 7 253PE at 40557 (0.1% delta) and the Intel Xeon 6357P at 40630 (-0.1% delta). The Core Ultra 5 235H sits close to the Intel Core i9-13900HK at 37425 (0.3% delta) and the Intel Core i5-13600K at 37685 (-0.4% delta).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The Intel Core 5 223PE is a desktop part built on Intel's 10 nm process, using the Bartlett Lake codename and fitting the Intel Socket 1700. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. Its thermal design power is 65 watts. Cache is organized as 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. Memory support includes DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. It supports ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730. The launch MSRP is $232.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235H is a mobile processor built on TSMC's 3 nm process, using the Arrow Lake-H codename and the Arrow Lake architecture. It belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and fits the Intel BGA 2049 socket. It has 14 cores and 14 threads, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Its thermal design power is 28 watts. Cache is organized as 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. Memory support is DDR5 and LPDDR5X in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics are Arc Graphics 140T.

The process node difference is significant: 10 nm for the Core 5 223PE versus 3 nm for the Core Ultra 5 235H. The Core Ultra 5 235H also uses a larger L1 and L2 per core, but the Core 5 223PE has a larger shared L3 (24 MB vs 18 MB). The Core 5 223PE offers higher boost clock (5.20 GHz vs 5.00 GHz) and a higher base clock (2.90 GHz vs 2.40 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235H has more physical cores (14 vs 8) but equal thread count (14 vs 16), meaning the Core 5 223PE has hyperthreading while the Core Ultra 5 235H does not. The Core 5 223PE also has more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) and supports ECC, while the Core Ultra 5 235H has higher memory bandwidth (102.4 GB/s vs 89.6 GB/s).

The Verdict

The data presents a nuanced picture. The Intel Core 5 223PE is ahead in the majority of benchmark tests, particularly in integer math, physics, data compression, and all Cinebench iterations. Its 34.4% lead in integer math and 25.6% lead in physics are the standout margins. The average benchmark score of 40585 versus 37522 confirms a 7.5% overall advantage for the Core 5 223PE.

The Core Ultra 5 235H is not without merit. It wins in floating-point math, data encryption, prime number finding, random string sorting, and single-thread PassMark. Its 33.5% lead in find prime numbers and 20.2% lead in data encryption show a specialized capability set. The higher memory bandwidth and the 3 nm process from TSMC indicate a different design target, but in raw benchmark terms, the Core 5 223PE delivers more aggregate performance.

The percentile rankings reflect this: the Core 5 223PE sits at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 5 235H sits at the 85th. Neither chip is close to the top of the chart, but the Core 5 223PE has a measurable edge. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core 7 253PE, is within 0.1%, while the Core Ultra 5 235H's nearest rival, the Intel Core i9-13900HK, is within 0.3%.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PE has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235H has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: How many cores does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235H has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235H has a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the Intel Core 5 223PE has 89.6 GB/s.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PE supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235H does not.

Q: What are the process nodes for each?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PE uses Intel's 10 nm process. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235H uses TSMC's 3 nm process.

Q: Which processor has the larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, compared to 18 MB on the Intel Core Ultra 5 235H.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 223PE wins in multi-threaded rendering workloads. The Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests all go to the Core 5 223PE by 3.3% margins. The PassMark multi-thread test also favors it by 3.4%. For integer-heavy tasks, the Core 5 223PE is the clear choice, with a 34.4% lead in integer math and a 14.8% lead in data compression. Physics simulation is another strong area, with a 25.6% advantage. Extended instruction workloads see a 5.6% edge.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235H wins in specific floating-point and cryptographic workloads. Floating-point math shows an 18.2% lead. Data encryption is 20.2% faster. The find prime numbers test shows a 33.5% advantage, the largest of any benchmark in the comparison. Random string sorting is nearly tied at 1.1% in its favor. Single-thread PassMark performance also goes to the Core Ultra 5 235H by 3.2%.

For general desktop and productivity workloads, the data suggests the Core 5 223PE is the stronger performer. Its wins cover more benchmark categories and its average score is higher. The Core Ultra 5 235H is a mobile processor with a 28-watt TDP, versus 65 watts for the Core 5 223PE, which explains its lower power envelope but also its narrower set of benchmark victories. Users prioritizing encryption, floating-point calculations, or prime-number generation would favor the Core Ultra 5 235H, while those looking at integer math, physics, compression, or rendering should choose the Core 5 223PE.