SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 235A + NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

97 / 100
ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 3% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
94%
VS
GPU
99%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 5 235A

48,201 Benchmark Score
Top 6% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation

184,664 Benchmark Score
Top 1% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others
Budget
0-30
Mid-Range
30-60
High-End
60-85
Enthusiast
85-100
Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles
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Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready
70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High
50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med
30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports
0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

# Intel Core Ultra 5 235A + NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation

This desktop build pairs Intel's 14-core Arrow Lake processor with NVIDIA's top-tier workstation GPU, landing at the 94th percentile overall among all system configurations. The CPU holds a 90th percentile ranking across all processors, while the GPU sits in the 98th percentile, making this a high-end workstation combination oriented toward compute-intensive professional workloads rather than pure gaming. No measured FPS data exists for this exact pairing in the benchmark database, so all frame-rate figures presented here are estimates derived from the individual component scores and their relative positions against known rivals.

FAQ

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this build?

A: The combined system ranks at the 94th percentile across all tracked desktop configurations, indicating it outperforms approximately 94% of all recorded builds.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A scores an average benchmark of 48,201, placing it within 0.6% of the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 (47,918) and just 0.1% above the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 (48,171). It trails the AMD EPYC 4345P by 0.6% (48,470) and the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX by 0.2% (48,287).

Q: What is the GPU's memory configuration?

A: The NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation features 32 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 576.0 GB/s of bandwidth with an effective 18 Gbps memory speed.

Q: Does this build support PCIe Gen 5?

A: Yes, the CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, while the GPU itself uses a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, so the graphics card is not bandwidth-limited by the CPU's newer standard.

Q: What is the CPU's core and thread configuration?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A has 14 cores and 14 threads, meaning it does not support simultaneous multithreading — each core handles exactly one thread.

Q: What is the GPU's FP32 compute throughput?

A: The RTX 5000 Ada Generation delivers 65.28 TFLOPS of FP32 performance, with the same 65.28 TFLOPS figure for FP16 (1:1 ratio), indicating no half-precision penalty.

Q: Is the CPU multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not supported on this Intel Core Ultra 5 235A.

Balance and Bottleneck

The balance between CPU and GPU here is heavily skewed toward the graphics card in terms of raw compute capability. The GPU's 98th percentile ranking versus the CPU's 90th percentile means that in most workloads, the graphics card will be the performance ceiling for tasks that are not purely computational. However, the CPU's single-thread score of 4,607 in Cinebench R23 suggests it can feed the GPU adequately in most real-time applications, as this places it among the top 10% of all processors.

For gaming at high resolutions, the GPU will be the limiting factor — or rather, the dominant component — because the RTX 5000 Ada Generation's 65.28 TFLOPS FP32 throughput far exceeds what even a high-end CPU needs to drive frame generation. Conversely, in CPU-bound tasks like data compression (393,800 in Passmark) or integer math (88,626), the processor becomes the constraint, and the GPU sits idle. The 14-core/14-thread configuration without Hyper-Threading means heavily threaded workloads will see linear scaling up to 14 threads but no benefit beyond that point, so multi-threaded rendering tasks will be CPU-limited relative to GPUs with far more parallel execution units.

The memory subsystem presents another balance consideration: the CPU's dual-channel DDR5 support provides 102.4 GB/s of bandwidth, while the GPU accesses its own 576.0 GB/s pool. For workloads that stream large datasets between CPU and GPU, the PCIe 4.0 x16 interface (on the GPU side) will be the transfer bottleneck, not the CPU's memory bandwidth. The 65W TDP of the CPU versus the 250W TDP of the GPU also indicates that power delivery and cooling for the graphics card will dominate system requirements, with a 600W suggested PSU providing ample headroom for both components under simultaneous load.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A is built on Arrow Lake architecture, fabricated on a 3nm process by TSMC with 17,800 million transistors in a 243 mm² die. It operates with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz across all 14 cores and 14 threads, with no hyper-threading support. The cache hierarchy includes 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache — a design that favors single-thread responsiveness and reduces latency for frequently accessed data.

Benchmark results show a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,633 and a single-core score of 4,607, which positions this chip within 0.2% of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX (48,287 average) and 0.6% above the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 (47,918). The R20 multi-core score of 13,705 and single-core score of 1,934 reinforce the pattern: this is a processor that excels in lightly threaded workloads due to its high 5.00 GHz boost, but its lack of SMT means multi-threaded scores rely purely on physical core count rather than additional logical threads.

Passmark results provide further granularity: floating-point math at 118,778 and integer math at 88,626 indicate strong arithmetic throughput, while data encryption at 30,136 and extended instructions at 31,625 show capable SIMD and cryptographic processing. The data compression score of 393,800 is particularly notable, suggesting efficient memory access patterns for archive operations. The average benchmark score of 48,201 places the CPU at the 90th percentile overall, with nearest rivals clustering within ±0.6%, meaning this chip sits in a tightly competitive band where small architectural differences determine placement.

Memory support is limited to DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, delivering 102.4 GB/s of bandwidth — adequate for most desktop workloads but not exceptional. ECC memory is not supported, which may matter for certain workstation use cases. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 24 execution units provides basic display output but is not intended for gaming or compute tasks. The CPU uses Intel Socket 1851 and was released on 2025-07-28 with a launch MSRP of $269, though the multiplier is locked, preventing manual overclocking.

Who Should Build It

This desktop configuration targets professionals who need workstation-grade GPU compute without sacrificing CPU responsiveness. The 98th percentile GPU performance combined with a 90th percentile CPU makes it suitable for 3D rendering, scientific simulation, and AI inference tasks that leverage the RTX 5000 Ada Generation's 12,800 shading units and 400 tensor cores. The 14-core CPU with a 5.00 GHz boost handles interactive viewport manipulation and scene editing fluidly, while the 32 GB GPU memory accommodates large datasets and high-resolution textures without swapping.

For content creators working in video editing, the CPU's data compression score of 393,800 supports fast codec operations, while the GPU's 65.28 TFLOPS FP32 throughput accelerates effects rendering and color grading. Software developers will benefit from the 14 physical cores for parallel builds and the single-thread score of 4,607 for compile times, though the lack of SMT means 14 threads is the hard ceiling. Students and researchers working with machine learning frameworks will find the tensor cores and 576.0 GB/s memory bandwidth valuable for model training and inference, though the 250W GPU TDP requires a robust power supply and adequate cooling in a lab environment.

Small business workstations handling CAD, architectural visualization, or medical imaging will appreciate the GPU's 98th percentile ranking and the CPU's 90th percentile position, ensuring that neither component becomes an unexpected bottleneck in mixed workloads. The dual-slot GPU with 4x DisplayPort 1.4a outputs supports multi-monitor setups, and the PCIe 4.0 x16 interface provides stable data transfer for professional applications.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU achieves an average benchmark score of 48,201, placing it at the 90th percentile among all processors. Its nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380, scores 48,171 (0.1% slower), while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX scores 48,287 (0.2% faster) — effectively a statistical tie. The AMD EPYC 4345P leads by 0.6% with 48,470, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 trails by 0.6% with 47,918. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 32,633 and single-core score of 4,607 demonstrate balanced performance across thread counts, though the R15 scores (3,289 multi-core, 464 single-core) reveal that older rendering workloads still scale well.

The GPU's average benchmark score is 184,664, placing it at the 98th percentile. Its nearest rival, the NVIDIA A100 SXM4 80 GB, scores 183,725 (0.5% slower), while the A100 SXM4 40 GB leads by 1.3% with 187,147. The RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell trails by 1.4% with 182,109, and the GeForce RTX 4090 D is 3.7% behind with 178,050. Geekbench results show an OpenCL score of 175,286 and a Vulkan score of 194,041, indicating strong compute performance across both APIs.

Combined, these two components achieve a system percentile of 94, which places the build ahead of the vast majority of tracked configurations. The CPU's 90th percentile and GPU's 98th percentile create a system where the graphics card sets the overall ceiling, but the processor is strong enough to avoid becoming a significant drag in most workloads. The gap between the two percentiles (8 points) suggests that upgrading the CPU would yield diminishing returns for GPU-heavy tasks, while upgrading the GPU would provide more overall system performance headroom.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU-GPU combination in the benchmark database. All frame rate figures in this section are estimates derived from the component benchmark scores and their percentile positions relative to known rivals. The GPU's 98th percentile ranking and the CPU's 90th percentile position suggest that this system would deliver extremely high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p resolutions in most titles, with the GPU being the primary driver of performance.

At 4K resolution, the RTX 5000 Ada Generation's 65.28 TFLOPS FP32 throughput and 576.0 GB/s memory bandwidth would likely sustain playable frame rates in demanding titles, though the 32 GB VRAM is more than sufficient for ultra texture packs. The CPU's single-thread score of 4,607 in Cinebench R23 indicates that frame pacing at high refresh rates (144Hz+) would be smooth in most games, as the processor can handle the per-frame draw call overhead. However, games that rely heavily on multi-threaded physics or simulation could see lower performance due to the 14-thread limit without SMT.

For competitive shooters and esports titles at 1080p, the system would likely achieve very high frame rates, potentially exceeding 200 FPS in lighter titles, given the GPU's 98th percentile standing. At 1440p with ultra settings, most AAA games would run at 100+ FPS, while 4K ultra would see frame rates in the 60-100 FPS range depending on the title's optimization. These are directional estimates only — actual performance varies by game engine, driver maturity, and system configuration.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235A uses Socket 1851, which is the current platform for Arrow Lake desktop processors. The CPU supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth, and ECC memory is not available, so users requiring error-correcting memory would need to look at alternative platforms. The processor provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, while the GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x16 — a backward-compatible arrangement that does not bottleneck the graphics card.

The GPU's 250W TDP and the CPU's 65W TDP combine for a total of 315W of component power draw, which a 600W suggested PSU accommodates with substantial headroom for drives, fans, and peripherals. The GPU requires a single 16-pin power connector and occupies a dual-slot form factor at 267mm length, so cases must support full-length graphics cards. The 4x DisplayPort 1.4a outputs limit display connectivity to DisplayPort only, which may require adapters for HDMI monitors.

For a sensible next upgrade, the CPU could be swapped to a higher-tier Arrow Lake processor on the same socket, provided the motherboard supports it — though the locked multiplier on this chip means no overclocking gains are available. The GPU could be upgraded to a future workstation card, but the PCIe 4.0 x16 interface would remain the same, and the 600W PSU would need to be assessed for higher-TDP cards. Memory upgrades to higher-capacity DDR5 kits are the simplest path, as the dual-channel controller supports up to whatever the motherboard accommodates.

Build Overview

This is a desktop workstation-class build that pairs Intel's Arrow Lake mid-range processor — the Core Ultra 5 235A with 14 cores, 14 threads, and a 5.00 GHz boost — with NVIDIA's RTX 5000 Ada Generation workstation GPU featuring 32 GB GDDR6 memory and 65.28 TFLOPS FP32 compute. The CPU sits at the 90th percentile among all processors, while the GPU ranks at the 98th percentile, yielding a combined system percentile of 94. This places the build in the upper echelon of tracked configurations, though the CPU is the weaker link relative to the GPU.

The build class is desktop, meaning it is intended for stationary use with a dedicated power supply, case cooling, and expansion slots. The GPU's dual-slot design and 267mm length require a mid-tower or larger case, and the 250W TDP demands adequate airflow. The CPU's 65W TDP is modest, so a capable air cooler suffices for the processor. The combination of a workstation GPU with a mid-range desktop CPU indicates a focus on GPU-accelerated compute tasks rather than balanced gaming or general-purpose use, where the CPU would be underutilized.

Usage Scenarios

High-Refresh Gaming: The GPU's 98th percentile ranking suggests frame rates well above 144Hz at 1080p and 1440p in most titles, though the CPU's single-thread score of 4,607 in Cinebench R23 ensures minimal bottleneck at high refresh rates. The 32 GB VRAM eliminates texture streaming concerns, and the 576.0 GB/s bandwidth supports high-resolution assets without stutter.

Streaming: The GPU's NVENC capabilities (implied by its workstation positioning) would handle encoding offload, while the CPU's 14 physical cores provide headroom for game capture and overlay software. The data compression score of 393,800 indicates efficient handling of stream data, though the lack of SMT may limit simultaneous gameplay and encoding on the CPU alone.

Video Editing: The GPU's 65.28 TFLOPS FP32 and 400 tensor cores accelerate effects, color grading, and AI-assisted tools, while the CPU's multi-core score of 32,633 in Cinebench R23 supports timeline scrubbing and export encoding. The 32 GB GPU memory handles 4K and 8K timelines with multiple layers without spilling to system RAM.

3D Rendering: The GPU's 12,800 shading units and 100 RT cores provide substantial ray tracing and rasterization throughput, while the CPU's 14 threads handle scene preparation and physics simulation. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,633 suggests CPU-based rendering in Blender or similar tools would be competent, though the GPU would be the preferred render device.

Software Development: The CPU's 14 physical cores compile parallel projects efficiently, and the single-thread score of 4,607 ensures fast interactive builds. The floating-point math score of 118,778 supports scientific computing, and the extended instructions score of 31,625 aids in SIMD-optimized code development. The GPU can be used for CUDA-based testing and validation.

Student and Office Work: The CPU's 90th percentile ranking handles office productivity, spreadsheet analysis, and coding assignments with ease, while the GPU is vastly overkill for typical student workloads. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics provide display output without needing the discrete GPU active, potentially saving power for light tasks. The 65W CPU TDP keeps energy costs low for always-on workstations.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation is built on the AD102 chip using TSMC's 5nm process, packing 76,300 million transistors into a 609 mm² die with a transistor density of 125.3 million per mm². It operates at a base clock of 1155 MHz and boosts to 2550 MHz, with memory running at 2250 MHz (18 Gbps effective). The 32 GB GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus delivers 576.0 GB/s of bandwidth, which is substantial for a workstation card but not exceptional compared to higher-end 384-bit designs.

The compute configuration includes 12,800 shading units, 400 texture mapping units, and 176 ROPs, producing a pixel rate of 448.8 GPixel/s and a texture rate of 1,020.0 GTexel/s. The 100 RT cores handle ray tracing workloads, while the 400 tensor cores accelerate AI and deep learning inference. FP32 throughput is 65.28 TFLOPS, with FP16 at the same 65.28 TFLOPS (1:1 ratio), meaning no half-precision penalty for workloads that benefit from reduced precision.

The GPU's average benchmark score of 184,664 places it at the 98th percentile, with nearest rivals including the NVIDIA A100 SXM4 80 GB (183,725, 0.5% slower), the A100 SXM4 40 GB (187,147, 1.3% faster), the RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell (182,109, 1.4% slower), and the GeForce RTX 4090 D (178,050, 3.7% slower). Geekbench scores of 175,286 in OpenCL and 194,041 in Vulkan indicate strong cross-API performance. The GPU's 250W TDP with a 600W suggested PSU and 1x 16-pin power connector make it power-hungry but manageable, and its dual-slot 267mm length fits standard workstation cases. The 4x DisplayPort 1.4a outputs support multi-monitor professional setups, while API support includes DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, ensuring compatibility with modern graphics stacks.