Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 366H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive overall victory for the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX, which wins 16 of the 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons. The only exception is the PassMark physics test, where the Core Ultra 7 366H comes out ahead by 11.5%.

The largest margins appear in compression and encryption workloads. In PassMark data compression, the Ultra 5 235HX scores 426417 against 327455 for the Ultra 7 366H, a lead of 30.2%. Data encryption shows a 26.5% advantage, with scores of 32697 versus 25845. Extended instruction workloads favor the Ultra 5 by 29.4%, and random string sorting shows a 27.9% gap.

Cinebench results are consistent across the board. Every Cinebench test, from R15 through R23, shows the Ultra 5 235HX ahead by exactly 22%. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Ultra 5 scores 34731 against 28477. Single-core performance in R23 shows 4903 versus 4020, also a 22% delta. The R20 results follow the same pattern: 14587 versus 11960 in multicore, and 2059 versus 1688 in single-core.

PassMark math workloads also favor the Ultra 5. Floating point math scores 129819 versus 103615, a 25.3% advantage. Integer math shows a smaller 16.1% gap, with 97177 against 83695. Prime number finding is the closest test aside from physics, with the Ultra 5 ahead by 10.7% (361 versus 326).

Single-thread performance in PassMark gives the Ultra 5 a 15.8% lead, scoring 4683 versus 4043. The multithread PassMark result shows a 22.2% advantage for the Ultra 5 at 40849 points.

The average benchmark score reflects this overall dominance. The Ultra 5 235HX sits at 52073, while the Ultra 7 366H manages 41263. The database places the Ultra 5 in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 87th percentile for the Ultra 7. The Ultra 5's nearest rivals include the AMD EPYC 8124P at 52121 (0.1% behind), the Intel Core i7-14700 at 52301 (0.4% ahead), and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X at 51947. The Ultra 7 366H sits alongside the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H at 41215 and the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 at 41208.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different generations and use different internal designs. The Core Ultra 5 235HX is part of the Core Ultra Series 2, built on the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-HX codename. The Core Ultra 7 366H belongs to Core Ultra Series 3, using the Panther Lake architecture with the Panther Lake-H codename.

Both chips are manufactured on a 3 nm process, but they use different foundries. The Ultra 5 235HX comes from TSMC, while the Ultra 7 366H is fabricated by Intel. The Ultra 5 has a documented transistor count of 17,800 million and a die size of 243 mm². No transistor count or die size is recorded for the Ultra 7.

Core counts and thread counts differ. The Ultra 5 235HX has 14 cores and 14 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. The Ultra 7 366H has 16 cores and 16 threads, also without hyperthreading. Despite having two fewer cores, the Ultra 5 delivers higher benchmark scores across nearly all tests, which points to clock speed and architectural efficiency playing a larger role than raw core count.

Clock speeds strongly favor the Ultra 5. Its base clock is 2.90 GHz with a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The Ultra 7 runs at a 2.00 GHz base and tops out at 4.80 GHz boost. That higher boost ceiling on the Ultra 5 explains much of its single-thread advantage.

Cache layouts differ between the two. Both use 192 KB of L1 cache per core. The L2 cache is 3 MB per core on the Ultra 5, while the Ultra 7 uses 2.5 MB per core. Shared L3 cache is 24 MB on the Ultra 5 and 18 MB on the Ultra 7.

Memory support shows a notable difference. The Ultra 5 supports DDR5 only, through a dual-channel memory bus with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Ultra 7 supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X, also dual-channel, with a higher recorded bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

PCIe lane counts diverge as well. The Ultra 5 provides Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 7 provides Gen 5 with 12 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: the Ultra 5 uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 48 execution units, while the Ultra 7 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics.

The power envelope is a major differentiator. The Ultra 5 has a 55 W TDP, while the Ultra 7 is rated at 25 W. That lower power target likely explains why the Ultra 7 falls behind in most sustained workloads despite having more cores. The Ultra 5 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ultra 7 does not.

The sockets are not interchangeable. The Ultra 5 uses Intel BGA 2114, and the Ultra 7 uses Intel BGA 2540. Release dates also differ, with the Ultra 5 released in January 2025 and the Ultra 7 released in January 2026.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX scores 34731, which is 22% higher than the Core Ultra 7 366H at 28477.

Q: Does the Core Ultra 7 366H win any benchmark tests?

A: Yes. The PassMark physics test is the only recorded win, with the Ultra 7 scoring 2880 against 2550 for the Ultra 5, an 11.5% advantage.

Q: How do the core counts compare?

A: The Ultra 7 366H has 16 cores and 16 threads, while the Ultra 5 235HX has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Ultra 7 has two more cores, yet loses most benchmark comparisons.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: The Ultra 7 366H has a higher recorded memory bandwidth at 115.2 GB/s, compared to 102.4 GB/s for the Ultra 5 235HX. The Ultra 7 also supports LPDDR5X in addition to DDR5, while the Ultra 5 supports DDR5 only.

Q: Which chip has the higher boost clock?

A: The Ultra 5 235HX boosts to 5.10 GHz, while the Ultra 7 366H reaches 4.80 GHz. The Ultra 5 also has a higher base clock at 2.90 GHz versus 2.00 GHz.

Q: Are both processors produced on the same manufacturing node?

A: Both use a 3 nm process, but the Ultra 5 235HX is built by TSMC, while the Ultra 7 366H is built by Intel.

Q: Which chip has the larger L3 cache?

A: The Ultra 5 235HX has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Ultra 7 366H has 18 MB. The Ultra 5 also has 3 MB of L2 per core versus 2.5 MB per core on the Ultra 7.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX as the stronger performer in nearly every measurable category. It wins all Cinebench tests by a consistent 22% margin, and it dominates PassMark workloads with advantages ranging from 10.7% to 30.2%. Its higher boost clock, larger caches, and higher TDP give it a clear performance edge over the Ultra 7 366H despite having two fewer cores.

The Ultra 7 366H is not without merits. It wins the PassMark physics test, draws less power at 25 W versus 55 W, supports LPDDR5X memory, and has a higher memory bandwidth figure. It also has two additional cores, which may matter in specific contexts. However, those advantages do not translate into benchmark victories in the recorded data.

For buyers who prioritize raw compute performance, the Ultra 5 235HX is the obvious choice based on the database results. Its percentile ranking of 91 versus 87 for the Ultra 7 reinforces that position. The Ultra 7 366H may appeal in scenarios where power efficiency and lower thermal output are primary concerns, but the benchmark scores favor the Ultra 5 across the board.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 366H |

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

| Series | Core Ultra Series 2 | Core Ultra Series 3 |

| Architecture | Arrow Lake | Panther Lake |

| Codename | Arrow Lake-HX | Panther Lake |

| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 17,800 million | Not recorded |

| Die size | 243 mm² | Not recorded |

| Cores | 14 | 16 |

| Threads | 14 | 16 |

| Base clock | 2.90 GHz | 2.00 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.10 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 25 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2114 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| L2 cache | 3 MB per core | 2.5 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 24 MB shared | 18 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory bandwidth | 102.4 GB/s | 115.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 lanes | Gen 5, 12 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | Arc Xe-LPG 48EU | Intel Xe3 Graphics |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Release date | January 2025 | January 2026 |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX wins in all Cinebench rendering tests, all PassMark math workloads, compression, encryption, extended instructions, random string sorting, and single-thread performance. It is the faster chip for CPU-heavy compute tasks such as 3D rendering, video encoding, data compression, and general productivity workloads. Its higher boost clock and larger cache configuration give it an edge in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 366H wins the PassMark physics test. It also carries advantages in power consumption, memory flexibility, and memory bandwidth. The 25 W TDP makes it a more suitable option for thinner, cooler-running mobile systems. Its support for LPDDR5X memory and higher bandwidth figure could benefit memory-sensitive tasks, though the benchmark data does not show this translating into overall performance wins. The extra two cores provide theoretical headroom for highly parallel workloads, but the recorded benchmarks do not demonstrate a practical benefit.