Intel Core 5 315 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235A Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A wins every single head-to-head comparison, taking 17 of 17 recorded tests. The most decisive margins appear in multi-threaded and math-heavy workloads, where the Ultra 5 235A often doubles or triples the Core 5 315's output.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Ultra 5 235A scores 32633 against 12981 for the Core 5 315, a delta of -60.2% from the Core 5's perspective. The single-core result tells a similar story: 4607 versus 1832, again a -60.2% gap. The pattern repeats across all Cinebench versions. R15 multi-core shows 3289 against 1308 (-60.2%), and R20 multi-core shows 13705 against 5452 (-60.2%). Single-core tests in R15 (464 vs 184) and R20 (1934 vs 769) both land at -60.2% as well.

The PassMark suite reveals where the Ultra 5 235A stretches its lead even further. In PassMark find prime numbers, the Ultra 5 235A scores 392 against 112, a -71.4% delta, the largest single-test gap in the dataset. Data encryption shows 30136 versus 11119 (-63.1%), and random string sorting shows 49489 versus 17551 (-64.5%). Floating point math delivers 118778 versus 42441 (-64.3%), while integer math delivers 88626 versus 31690 (-64.2%). Data compression shows 393800 versus 146143 (-62.9%), and extended instructions show 31625 versus 13143 (-58.4%).

The closest contest appears in PassMark single-thread, where the Ultra 5 235A scores 4557 versus 4021, a -11.8% delta. This is still a clear win, but it is the only test where the Core 5 315 comes within roughly 12% of its rival. The PassMark multithread test shows 38392 versus 15272 (-60.2%), and physics shows 2437 versus 1163 (-52.3%).

Average benchmark scores confirm the overall picture. The Ultra 5 235A averages 48201, placing it in the 90th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 315 averages 18188, placing it in the 72nd percentile. The Ultra 5 235A's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 (delta 0.1%), the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX (delta -0.2%), and the AMD EPYC 4345P (delta -0.6%). The Core 5 315's nearest rivals include the AMD EPYC 9274F (delta 0%), the Intel Core i7-9700 (delta 0%), and the Intel Core i7-1365U (delta 0.1%).

Where Each One Wins

Given that the Ultra 5 235A wins every recorded benchmark, the use-case split is not about which processor wins a given task, but rather how decisive the margin is. The data indicates the Ultra 5 235A is the stronger choice for all measured workloads, with the largest advantages in compute-heavy scenarios.

The Ultra 5 235A's biggest wins come in prime number finding (-71.4%), random string sorting (-64.5%), and floating point math (-64.3%). These are workloads that scale with core count, memory bandwidth, and clock speed. The Ultra 5 235A pairs 14 cores with a 5.00 GHz boost clock and dual-channel DDR5 memory at 102.4 GB/s, which explains its dominance in these tests.

The Core 5 315's smallest deficit appears in single-thread performance (-11.8%). Its 4.40 GHz boost clock is only 0.60 GHz lower than the Ultra 5 235A's, and with 6 cores it cannot compete in multi-threaded tests. The data shows the Core 5 315 is competitive in lightly threaded scenarios, but it still loses that contest by a measurable margin.

For workloads that stress memory bandwidth, such as data compression and encryption, the Ultra 5 235A leads by about 63%. Its dual-channel memory subsystem delivers 102.4 GB/s, while the Core 5 315's single-channel bus delivers 59.7 GB/s. The gap is substantial and directly visible in the benchmark scores.

The Core 5 315 does not win a single category in the recorded data. Its role in the comparison is defined by the size of its losses, not by any victory. The closest it comes to parity is in PassMark single-thread, where the Ultra 5 235A leads by 536 points.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel lineages. The Core 5 315 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 generation. The Ultra 5 235A uses the Arrow Lake-S codename, belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 family, and is built on the Arrow Lake architecture.

Both processors are fabricated on a 3 nm process node, but they use different foundries. The Core 5 315 is built by Intel, while the Ultra 5 235A is built by TSMC. The Ultra 5 235A's die measures 243 mm² and contains 17,800 million transistors. The database does not list transistor count or die size for the Core 5 315.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Core 5 315 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 5 235A has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 5 235A's larger L3 cache aligns with its higher core count and desktop positioning.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 5 315 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores. The Ultra 5 235A uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 execution units. The database does not provide benchmark scores for either integrated GPU, so the comparison is limited to their specifications.

Memory support also diverges. The Core 5 315 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the Ultra 5 235A supports DDR5 only. The Core 5 315 uses a single-channel memory bus, and the Ultra 5 235A uses a dual-channel bus. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most obvious difference. The Core 5 315 has 6 cores and 6 threads. The Ultra 5 235A has 14 cores and 14 threads. Neither processor uses simultaneous multithreading, so threads equal cores in both cases.

Base clock speeds differ significantly. The Core 5 315 runs at 1.50 GHz, while the Ultra 5 235A runs at 3.40 GHz. Boost clocks also differ: 4.40 GHz for the Core 5 315 and 5.00 GHz for the Ultra 5 235A.

Thermal design power shows the Ultra 5 235A is rated for 65 watts, while the Core 5 315 is rated for 15 watts. This reflects their different market segments: the Core 5 315 is a mobile processor, and the Ultra 5 235A is a desktop processor.

The socket types are different. The Core 5 315 uses Intel BGA 1516, a socket designed for mobile integration. The Ultra 5 235A uses Intel Socket 1851, a desktop socket. PCIe support also differs: the Core 5 315 provides Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 5 235A provides Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes.

Memory bandwidth is another differentiator. The Core 5 315 delivers 59.7 GB/s, and the Ultra 5 235A delivers 102.4 GB/s. Both processors have locked multipliers.

Release dates and launch MSRPs are recorded. The Core 5 315 launched on 2026-04-15 with a launch MSRP of $340. The Ultra 5 235A launched on 2025-07-28 with a launch MSRP of $269. Part numbers are SAEFC for the Core 5 315 and SRWPN for the Ultra 5 235A.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Intel Core 5 315 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: In PassMark single-thread, the Ultra 5 235A scores 4557, and the Core 5 315 scores 4021. The Ultra 5 235A leads by 11.8%.

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 multi-core scores compare?

A: The Ultra 5 235A scores 32633, and the Core 5 315 scores 12981. The Ultra 5 235A leads by 60.2%.

Q: Do both processors use the same process node?

A: Yes, both use a 3 nm process node. However, the Core 5 315 is fabricated by Intel, and the Ultra 5 235A is fabricated by TSMC.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The Core 5 315 supports single-channel memory with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Ultra 5 235A supports dual-channel memory with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Ultra 5 235A boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the Core 5 315 boosts to 4.40 GHz.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a single conclusion: the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A outperforms the Intel Core 5 315 in every measured benchmark. The Ultra 5 235A holds the 90th percentile ranking among all CPUs, while the Core 5 315 sits at the 72nd percentile. Its average benchmark score of 48201 is more than 2.6 times the Core 5 315's 18188.

The Ultra 5 235A is the appropriate choice for workloads that demand multi-core throughput, memory bandwidth, and high clock speeds. Its 14 cores, 5.00 GHz boost clock, and dual-channel DDR5 memory at 102.4 GB/s deliver decisive wins in Cinebench multi-core tests, PassMark compression, encryption, and math workloads. The smallest margin, 11.8% in PassMark single-thread, still favors the Ultra 5 235A.

The Core 5 315 is a mobile processor with a 15-watt TDP, which explains its lower performance envelope. Its 6 cores and single-channel memory limit its multi-core and bandwidth-sensitive performance. It loses every recorded test by margins ranging from 11.8% to 71.4%. Its strongest result is in single-thread performance, where it comes closest to the Ultra 5 235A, but it does not win that test either.

For desktop workloads where performance is the priority, the Ultra 5 235A is the clear choice based on the data. For mobile applications where the 15-watt TDP and BGA 1516 socket are relevant, the Core 5 315 is the only one of the two that fits that form factor. The benchmark scores do not change that physical constraint. Within the confines of the recorded measurements, the Ultra 5 235A wins every comparison.