Intel Core i7-13700KF vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits these two processors into clear, distinct roles. The Intel Core i7-13700KF dominates in multi-threaded and heavily parallel workloads, taking 13 of the 17 recorded head-to-head tests. Its victories span rendering, compression, encryption, and general multithreaded scoring. The Core Ultra 5 235 wins only 4 tests, but those wins cluster in specific areas: prime number finding, floating-point math, and single-thread PassMark scores. This is not a balanced rivalry; it is a story of a high-core-count desktop part versus a more efficient, single-thread-focused successor.

For content creation and CPU-bound productivity, the i7-13700KF is the clear choice. Cinebench R23 multicore shows a 162.1% lead, and the PassMark multithread test shows a 21.2% advantage. The i7 also leads in integer math by 75.7%, data compression by 52.7%, and random string sorting by 28.1%. These are workloads that scale with core count and thread count, and the i7 has both: 16 cores and 24 threads versus 14 cores and 14 threads on the Ultra 5.

The Ultra 5 235 wins in more specialized scenarios. It posts a 49.9% advantage in the PassMark find prime numbers test, a 2.5% lead in floating-point math, and a 4% edge in single-thread PassMark scores. These results suggest the newer architecture handles certain instruction patterns more efficiently, even at lower clock speeds. The Ultra 5 also has a lower TDP of 65 watts versus 125 watts, which points to a different design philosophy: less raw power draw, more efficiency per watt.

The data also shows a notable gap in Cinebench single-core results, where the i7 leads by 162.1% in R23 single-core. This is surprising given the Ultra 5's PassMark single-thread win. The discrepancy likely stems from different benchmark methodologies, but the recorded scores are unambiguous: the i7 wins every Cinebench test by a wide margin, while the Ultra 5 only edges ahead in PassMark's single-thread metric.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different Intel architectures and manufacturing generations. The i7-13700KF is built on Raptor Lake, using a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The Ultra 5 235 uses Arrow Lake, manufactured on a 3 nm process at TSMC. This process shrink explains part of the efficiency difference: the Ultra 5 has a 65 watt TDP while delivering competitive single-thread performance, whereas the i7 needs 125 watts to hit its higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz versus 5.00 GHz on the Ultra 5.

Core and thread configurations differ significantly. The i7 has 16 cores, 24 threads, and a base clock of 3.40 GHz. The Ultra 5 has 14 cores, 14 threads, and the same 3.40 GHz base clock. The i7's hyper-threading support gives it 8 extra threads, which directly contributes to its multi-threaded dominance. The Ultra 5 does not support hyper-threading, so its 14 cores are all physical.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The i7 uses 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 5 has larger per-core caches: 192 KB of L1 and 3 MB of L2, but a smaller shared L3 at 24 MB. The larger L1 and L2 caches on the Ultra 5 may explain its edge in floating-point math and prime number finding, where data reuse within a core matters more than shared pool size.

Memory support differs as well. The i7 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 is DDR5-only. The Ultra 5 has a specified memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, a figure not listed for the i7. The i7 supports ECC memory, the Ultra 5 does not. Both use dual-channel memory buses and PCIe Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes.

The Ultra 5 includes integrated graphics, specifically Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 execution units. The i7 has no integrated graphics, as indicated by the KF suffix. This makes the Ultra 5 a more complete package for systems without a discrete GPU, though the i7 assumes a dedicated graphics card in its target use case.

Socket compatibility is another divider. The i7 uses Intel Socket 1700, the Ultra 5 uses Intel Socket 1851. These are not cross-compatible, so upgrading between these two requires a new motherboard. The i7 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ultra 5 is locked. The i7 launched at an MSRP of $384, the Ultra 5 at $257, though pricing is not a focus of this analysis.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows the largest gaps. In R15 multicore, the i7 scores 3901 against 1488 for the Ultra 5, a 162.2% advantage. R15 single-core is 550 versus 210, a 161.9% lead. R20 multicore is 16255 versus 6202, a 162.1% gap. R20 single-core is 2294 versus 875, another 162.2% lead. R23 multicore is 38704 versus 14769, a 162.1% difference. R23 single-core is 5464 versus 2085, also 162.1%. These are not marginal wins; the i7 more than doubles the Ultra 5's scores in every Cinebench test.

PassMark results are more varied. The i7 wins data compression 596493 to 390711, a 52.7% margin. Data encryption goes to the i7 at 33314 versus 29293, a 13.7% lead. Extended instructions favor the i7 by 12.1%, 36700 to 32752. Integer math is a major i7 win at 154507 versus 87948, a 75.7% gap. Multithread scoring gives the i7 45817 versus 37816, a 21.2% edge. Physics is close, with the i7 at 2650 and the Ultra 5 at 2570, a 3.1% difference. Random string sorting goes to the i7 at 62726 versus 48980, a 28.1% margin.

The Ultra 5's wins are narrower in percentage terms but still notable. Find prime numbers is its biggest victory: 371 versus 186, a 49.9% lead for the Ultra 5. Floating-point math is a slim 2.5% win, 117951 versus 114997. PassMark single-thread and singlethread both show the Ultra 5 at 4516 versus 4336, a 4% edge. These wins indicate that the Arrow Lake architecture handles certain algorithmic patterns better, even with fewer threads and a lower boost clock.

The aggregate benchmark scores tell a similar story. The i7 has an average benchmark score of 47330, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs. The Ultra 5 averages 46062, also in the 89th percentile. The i7's nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H at 47468 (0.3% higher) and the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 at 47527 (0.4% higher). The Ultra 5's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 at 46030 (0.1% lower) and the Intel Core i9-13900HX at 46098 (0.1% higher). Both CPUs sit in a crowded performance band, but the i7 sits slightly higher overall.

The Verdict

The data points to the i7-13700KF for multi-threaded workloads. It wins every Cinebench test by over 160%, leads PassMark multithread by 21.2%, and dominates integer math by 75.7%. For rendering, video encoding, compilation, or any workload that uses many threads, the i7 is the stronger choice. Its 24 threads versus 14 threads is the deciding factor, and the benchmark scores confirm it.

The Ultra 5 235 is the better pick for single-thread efficiency and specific math workloads. It wins PassMark single-thread by 4%, find prime numbers by 49.9%, and floating-point math by 2.5%. Its 65 watt TDP and 3 nm process make it a more power-conscious option. The integrated graphics also mean a system can run without a discrete GPU, a capability the i7 lacks entirely.

For most general-purpose use, the i7's 89th percentile average score of 47330 versus the Ultra 5's 46062 gives it the overall edge. The Cinebench gaps are so large that they outweigh the Ultra 5's narrower wins. However, if the workload is dominated by single-thread performance or the efficiency requirements are strict, the Ultra 5's data makes a compelling case.

The socket difference matters for upgrades. Socket 1700 versus Socket 1851 means no drop-in replacement between these two. The i7's unlocked multiplier appeals to overclockers, while the Ultra 5's locked multiplier simplifies power management. The i7 also supports ECC memory and DDR4, which may matter for specific professional or legacy compatibility scenarios.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700KF scores 38704 versus 14769 for the Core Ultra 5 235, a 162.1% advantage for the i7.

Q: Does the Core Ultra 5 235 win any benchmark tests?

A: Yes, it wins 4 tests: PassMark find prime numbers by 49.9%, floating-point math by 2.5%, and both PassMark single-thread and singlethread by 4%.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The i7-13700KF has 16 cores and 24 threads. The Core Ultra 5 235 has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Do these CPUs support the same memory types?

A: No. The i7 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 supports DDR5 only. The i7 also supports ECC memory; the Ultra 5 does not.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Core Ultra 5 235, with Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU. The i7-13700KF has no integrated graphics.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-13700KF averages 47330, and the Core Ultra 5 235 averages 46062, both in the 89th percentile of all CPUs.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-13700KF | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |

|---------------|----------------------|------------------------|

| Series | Core 13th Gen | Core Ultra Series 2 |

| Cores | 16 | 14 |

| Threads | 24 | 14 |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Arrow Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not listed | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | 243 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 30 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 102.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Release Date | 2022-09-26 | 2025-01-06 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | $257 |

| Part Number | SRMB9 | SRQAS |