Intel Core Ultra 5 336H

Intel Core Ultra 5 336H is a mobile processor built on Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, aimed at thin-and-light laptops that still need substantial compute power. With 16 cores and 16 threads, a base clock of 1.90 GHz, and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, it sits in a performance tier that balances multi-core throughput with single-core responsiveness. This analysis draws strictly on the supplied data, focusing on how the chip behaves in single-thread and multi-thread workloads, its power envelope, and its positioning relative to the available benchmark context.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The 16 cores and 16 threads — note there is no hyperthreading here, as threads equal cores — mean the processor handles parallel tasks through physical cores alone. That design choice often yields consistent scaling in heavily threaded workloads, but it also means single-thread performance rests entirely on the 4.60 GHz boost clock and the Panther Lake core design. A base clock of 1.90 GHz is low relative to that boost, indicating the chip can idle aggressively to save power, then ramp up substantially when a single core is stressed. For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or light coding, the 4.60 GHz boost on a single core will deliver snappy responsiveness, though without rival scores in the FACT PACK, the absolute level cannot be quantified here.

In multi-threaded scenarios, the 16 physical cores provide a wide parallel foundation. The 18 MB shared L3 cache is a moderate pool for coordinating data across those cores, while 2.5 MB L2 per core (totaling 40 MB across all cores, though that aggregate is not stated directly in the pack) helps reduce latency for each core’s working set. The 1.90 GHz base clock suggests sustained all-core loads might settle below the boost frequency depending on thermal and power limits, which are not specified. Real-world multi-threaded performance — video rendering, 3D modeling, batch file compression — will benefit from the raw core count, but the lack of simultaneous multithreading means each thread gets a dedicated execution pipeline, which can be more efficient in some workloads but less flexible than designs with logical threads. The 50th percentile vs all CPUs indicates this chip is exactly average in the global CPU landscape, meaning it neither dominates nor lags in typical mixed-use benchmarks.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is rated at 45 watts, which classifies this as a mainstream mobile processor rather than an ultra-low-power part. This TDP level typically implies a laptop with a decent cooling solution — likely a dual-fan setup or a larger vapor chamber — rather than a fanless design. The 3 nm process node from Intel (foundry: Intel) suggests improved power efficiency over older nodes, but 45 watts still generates meaningful heat under sustained load. For cooling, a capable air cooler with heat pipes should suffice for most workloads; the data does not indicate whether extreme thermal solutions are necessary. The 45-watt class is common in performance ultrabooks and compact gaming laptops, where the chassis can dissipate heat without excessive noise. The integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics adds to the total system power draw, but the pack does not separate CPU-only versus integrated-GPU power budgets. Idle power should be low given the 1.90 GHz base clock, allowing the chip to drop into low-frequency states when the OS requests minimal activity. Under a sustained multi-core load, expect the boost clock to dip toward base if the thermal solution is undersized, though the exact behavior is not quantified in the data.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists nearestRivals as an empty array, so there are no direct rival comparisons available from the provided data. This means the analysis cannot cite specific competitor names or scores. However, the percentileVsAllCpus field places this processor at the 50th percentile, which indicates it performs exactly at the median of all CPUs tracked by the database. In practical terms, this means it will beat roughly half of all processors in aggregate benchmark scores and lose to the other half. Without rival names, the comparison must remain abstract: it is neither a top-tier flagship nor a low-end part. For a mobile chip with 16 cores, that median position suggests the 4.60 GHz boost helps in single-threaded tests, but the 45-watt TDP and lack of hyperthreading may hold back multi-threaded scaling compared to higher-end parts with more aggressive power budgets or logical threads. The architecture is Panther Lake, which is a current-generation design, so it likely includes modern instruction-set extensions, but those are not enumerated in the pack.

FAQ

Q: How many cores does the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H have?

A: It has 16 cores and 16 threads — no hyperthreading, so threads equal physical cores.

Q: What is the boost clock speed?

A: The maximum boost clock is 4.60 GHz, while the base clock is 1.90 GHz.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP)?

A: The TDP is rated at 45 watts, typical for a mainstream mobile processor.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; it uses DDR5 or LPDDR5X in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 2540 socket, which is soldered to the motherboard.

Q: What is its performance percentile?

A: It sits at the 50th percentile versus all CPUs, meaning it is exactly average in the database’s ranking.

Benchmark Performance

The avgBenchmarkScore is 0 and the benchmarks array is empty, so no specific synthetic or real-world scores are provided. The percentileVsAllCpus value of 50 is the only quantitative performance indicator. This percentile means the processor lands at the midpoint of the entire CPU distribution — a neutral position. In practical terms, if the database includes desktop and mobile chips, this mobile part matches the median of that broad set, which is notable for a 45-watt mobile processor. It suggests that in mixed workloads, the 16 cores and 4.60 GHz boost compensate for the power constraints. Without rival scores, exact percentage deltas cannot be computed. The data implies that in single-threaded tasks, the high boost clock should push performance above the median, while in multi-threaded tasks, the 16 physical cores provide solid throughput but may fall short of chips with higher TDPs or hyperthreading. The 18 MB shared L3 cache is moderate, helping with data reuse in cache-friendly workloads, but it is not enormous by modern standards. The memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s is a fixed figure for dual-channel DDR5/LPDDR5X, which supports memory-intensive applications adequately. Overall, the benchmark picture is one of a balanced, mid-pack performer — not a leader, not a laggard.

Who Should Consider It

This processor suits users who need a versatile mobile chip for mixed workloads. For gaming, the integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics provides a baseline for light or esports titles, but the lack of discrete GPU data means heavy gaming would rely on a separate graphics card in the laptop — the CPU alone cannot be judged for high-end gaming. The 16 cores and 4.60 GHz boost make it strong for content creation tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or software compilation, where multi-threaded performance matters. The 45-watt TDP means it fits in performance ultrabooks that are carried frequently but still deliver compute power when plugged in. For office productivity — spreadsheets, word processing, email, video conferencing — the high boost clock ensures fluid single-thread performance, and the 16 cores handle background tasks with ease. Users who run virtual machines or parallel simulations will appreciate the physical core count, though the absence of hyperthreading may limit certain heavily threaded server-like workloads. The 3 nm process node suggests better battery life than older chips at a similar TDP, making it a reasonable choice for all-day portable work. However, those needing extreme multi-threaded performance beyond the median should look at higher-percentile chips, while those valuing ultra-low power might prefer a lower TDP part. The median percentile means it is a safe, average choice for mainstream users — no surprises, no extremes.