SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 235T + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

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

Build Configuration

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PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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94 Score

Top 6% Ranking

94 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 6% 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

92%

GPU

97%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 5 235T

38,561 Benchmark Score

Top 8% Market Ranking

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GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

60,347 Benchmark Score

Top 3% 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

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 pairing is a study in contrast: a 65-watt, efficiency-focused desktop processor paired with a 450-watt, triple-slot flagship graphics card. The benchmark data shows a desktop-class build with a combined percentile of 87, indicating top-tier overall performance, yet the CPU and GPU occupy vastly different positions in their respective markets. The processor sits at the 86th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU holds an 88th percentile rank among all GPUs. No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination in the data, so all frame-rate discussion must be framed as an estimate derived from the individual benchmark scores rather than direct testing.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T is built on the Arrow Lake architecture, specifically the Arrow Lake-S die, manufactured on a 3 nm process at TSMC. This is a desktop part with 14 cores and 14 threads, meaning there is no hyper-threading here—each core handles a single thread. The base clock is 2.20 GHz, which can boost up to 5.00 GHz under load. This is a locked multiplier part (SRQES), so overclocking is not supported. The chip draws a 65 W TDP, which is notably low for a desktop processor with this core count, and it uses the Intel Socket 1851 platform.

The cache hierarchy is substantial: 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 24 MB L3 cache. Memory support is DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, providing a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG with 24 execution units, which is sufficient for basic display output but not for gaming. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. The CPU was released on 2025-01-06 with a launch MSRP of $247.

Benchmark scores reveal a processor that is strong in single-threaded work but more modest in multi-threaded throughput. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 26232 and the single-core score is 3703. The single-core result is the standout: it places the 235T in the upper echelon for lightly threaded tasks. The multi-core score, while respectable, is not class-leading. PassMark results echo this pattern. The single-thread score is 4339, which is very high, while the multi-thread score is 30918. The data compression score of 295100 indicates strong integer throughput for archiving and file operations. Floating-point math hits 106546, and integer math reaches 84244. Extended instructions score 23212, and encryption performance is 23457.

The average benchmark score is 38561, which places this CPU at the 86th percentile of all CPUs. The nearest rivals in the data are extremely close: the Intel Core i5-14500 has an average score of 38531 (0.1% delta), the Intel Xeon w3-2525 scores 38392 (0.4% delta), the Intel Core 9 270H scores 38335 (0.6% delta), and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H scores 38312 (0.7% delta). This means the 235T is statistically tied with these processors in overall average score, differing by less than one percent. However, the character of the performance differs: the 235T achieves this parity with a 65 W TDP, whereas the Xeon w3-2525 and the Intel Core 9 270H are typically higher-power parts. In real workloads, the 235T will excel in responsiveness and single-threaded applications like web browsing, office suites, and light code compilation, while its multi-threaded performance is adequate for mainstream content creation but not for heavy 3D rendering.

Usage Scenarios

For high-refresh gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T is a capable partner for the RTX 4090. The CPU's single-thread score of 4339 in PassMark and 3703 in Cinebench R23 single-core are among the highest in the data, which directly translates to high minimum frame rates in game engines that rely on a few fast cores. The 14-core, 14-thread configuration is sufficient to feed the GPU in most titles, though the lack of multi-threading may show up in heavily threaded game logic.

Streaming while gaming is a mixed scenario. The 235T has strong single-thread performance for the game itself, and the RTX 4090's NVENC encoder can offload the video encoding work entirely to the GPU. The CPU's multi-thread score of 30918 in PassMark is adequate for handling stream overlays, chat, and background tasks, but it is not a workstation-class chip. The data indicates the CPU is the weaker link here, but the GPU can compensate for the most demanding streaming workload.

Video editing benefits from the balanced profile. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 26232 provides solid performance for timeline scrubbing and export of 1080p and 1440p footage. The single-core strength accelerates effects processing and UI interaction. The PassMark data compression score of 295100 helps with media file handling. However, for 4K or high-bitrate exports, the CPU will be the limiting factor compared to a higher-core-count part.

3D rendering is not this CPU's primary strength. The multi-core scores place it in the mid-range; it will render scenes but slower than a dedicated workstation chip. The RTX 4090 can accelerate GPU-based renderers like those using CUDA, bypassing the CPU bottleneck. For CPU-based rendering, the 235T is serviceable for occasional use but not for professional deadlines.

Software development is a strong use case. The high single-thread score of 4339 accelerates compilation of individual files and IDE responsiveness. The 14 cores handle parallel builds well, and the 24 MB L3 cache reduces latency for frequently accessed code. The PassMark integer math score of 84244 indicates strong general-purpose compute for code execution.

Student and office work is where this CPU shines due to efficiency. The 65 W TDP means lower heat and power draw, making it suitable for compact desktop builds. The single-thread performance ensures snappy application launches and spreadsheet calculations. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics can drive multiple displays for productivity, though the discrete RTX 4090 will handle any graphical acceleration if needed.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU's average benchmark score is 38561, placing it at the 86th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-14500, scores 38531, a delta of just 0.1%. This effectively means performance parity with a well-known mid-range desktop chip, but the 235T achieves this with a lower TDP. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 11017 and single-core is 1555. In Cinebench R15, multi-core is 2644 and single-core is 373. The PassMark suite shows a multi-thread score of 30918 and a single-thread score of 4339.

The GPU, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, has an average benchmark score of 60347, placing it at the 88th percentile of all GPUs. Its 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score is 9223. Geekbench OpenCL scores 255416, and Vulkan scores 271631. PassMark G3D scores 38194, while G2D scores 1299. The GPU compute score is 26613. The nearest rivals include the Intel Arc Pro A60 with a score of 60326 (0% delta), the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 at 60140 (0.3% delta), the AMD Radeon Pro W6600M at 61896 (-2.5% delta), and the AMD Radeon PRO V710 at 58657 (2.9% delta). This indicates the RTX 4090 is at the very top of the GPU performance hierarchy, with no commercial rival in the data coming within 2.5% of its average score.

The combined picture is one of high overall capability. The CPU holds its own in the 86th percentile, but the GPU is a dominant force at the 88th percentile. The combined percentile for this build is 87, reflecting a system that is in the top 13% of all desktop configurations. However, the data shows a significant imbalance: the GPU is a flagship part operating at the edge of its performance envelope, while the CPU is a mid-range, efficiency-focused chip. This means the CPU will be the limiting factor in many GPU-bound workloads, particularly at lower resolutions where frame rates are high and CPU overhead matters more.

Who Should Build It

This build targets a specific user: a gamer or content creator who demands maximum GPU performance but does not require extreme multi-core CPU throughput. Gamers playing at 4K resolution will find the RTX 4090 to be the primary driver of frame rates, and the 235T's strong single-thread performance will support high frame rates without becoming a major bottleneck. At 1440p, the CPU's limitations will start to show in CPU-intensive titles, but the GPU will still deliver very high frame rates.

Content creators who work primarily in GPU-accelerated applications, such as video editors using CUDA-accelerated effects or 3D artists using GPU renderers, will benefit from the RTX 4090's massive compute throughput. The CPU's single-thread strength ensures smooth timeline interaction, while the multi-core scores are sufficient for background tasks. Software developers who compile large codebases will appreciate the fast single-thread performance for build orchestration and the 14 cores for parallel compilation, though they may want more threads for massive projects.

Students and small business workstations will find this build overkill for their needs, but the efficiency of the 65 W CPU means it can be housed in a smaller chassis with adequate cooling. The integrated graphics provide a fallback if the discrete GPU is removed. However, the 450 W TDP of the GPU and the 850 W suggested PSU make this a power-hungry system overall. The target user is someone who wants the best possible gaming or GPU compute experience and is willing to pair it with a modest, efficient CPU to keep overall system power in check.

FAQ

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this CPU and GPU pairing?

A: The combined percentile is 87, indicating the build performs better than 87% of all desktop configurations in the database.

Q: How does the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T compare to its closest rival, the Intel Core i5-14500?

A: The 235T has an average benchmark score of 38561, which is 0.1% higher than the i5-14500's score of 38531. This places the two processors at statistical parity in overall performance.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T?

A: The CPU supports DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, providing a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s.

Q: Does the RTX 4090 support modern graphics APIs like DirectX 12 Ultimate and Vulkan?

A: Yes, the RTX 4090 supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

Q: What is the process node and transistor count of the RTX 4090?

A: The RTX 4090 is built on a 5 nm process at TSMC and contains 76,300 million transistors.

Q: Is the CPU's clock multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked (unlocked: false), so the CPU cannot be overclocked.

Q: What is the release date and launch MSRP of the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T?

A: The CPU was released on 2025-01-06 with a launch MSRP of $247.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the flagship of the GeForce 40-series, built on the Ada Lovelace architecture with the AD102 chip. It is manufactured on a 5 nm process at TSMC, containing 76,300 million transistors on a 609 mm² die, yielding a transistor density of 125.3M per mm². The GPU has a base clock of 2235 MHz and a boost clock of 2520 MHz. The memory clock is 1313 MHz, translating to 21 Gbps effective. It features 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, providing a massive bandwidth of 1.01 TB/s.

The compute resources are extensive: 16384 shading units, 512 texture mapping units, and 176 render output units. The RT cores number 128, and the tensor cores number 512. The pixel rate is 443.5 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 1,290.2 GTexel/s. The FP32 performance is 82.58 TFLOPS, with FP16 also at 82.58 TFLOPS (1:1). The GPU has a TDP of 450 W and requires a single 16-pin power connector. It is a triple-slot card measuring 304 mm in length, 137 mm in height, and 61 mm in width. The suggested PSU is 850 W. The bus interface is PCIe 4.0 x16, and display outputs include 1x HDMI 2.1 and 3x DisplayPort 1.4a. The GPU was released on 2022-09-19 with a launch MSRP of 1,599 USD, and it is now end-of-life, with the GeForce 50-series as its successor.

Benchmark scores show a GPU that is at the top of its class. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 9223 is a strong indicator of modern DirectX 12 gaming performance. Geekbench OpenCL scores 255416 and Vulkan scores 271631, showing excellent compute and API versatility. PassMark G3D scores 38194, with a G2D score of 1299. The GPU compute score is 26613. The average benchmark score is 60347, placing it at the 88th percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rival, the Intel Arc Pro A60, scores 60326, a delta of 0%. The AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 scores 60140 (0.3% delta), and the AMD Radeon PRO V710 scores 58657 (2.9% delta), meaning the RTX 4090 leads the closest competitor by nearly 3%. This performance translates to rendering at 4K with high settings, real-time ray tracing with the dedicated RT cores, and compute workloads like machine learning inference and video processing that leverage the 512 tensor cores.

Balance and Bottleneck

In this pairing, the RTX 4090 is the dominant component, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T is the bottleneck in most scenarios. The GPU's average benchmark score of 60347 is far higher than the CPU's 38561, and the GPU sits at the 88th percentile versus the CPU's 86th. However, the bottleneck is not uniform across all workloads. In GPU-bound scenarios at high resolutions like 4K, the RTX 4090 will be the limiting factor, and the CPU will have enough headroom to keep up. The CPU's strong single-thread performance (4339 in PassMark) helps maintain high frame rates in games that are not heavily multi-threaded.

In CPU-bound scenarios, such as competitive gaming at 1080p with low graphics settings, the 235T will limit the RTX 4090. The GPU will be underutilized, waiting for the CPU to process game logic and physics. The 14 threads may not be enough for the most demanding simulation games or for streaming while gaming at high frame rates. The data suggests that the CPU's multi-thread score of 30918 is the limiting factor here, as it is significantly lower than what a higher-core-count CPU would achieve.

The FPS scaling is estimated from the benchmark scores, as no measured FPS data exists for this combination. The RTX 4090's 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 9223 indicates it can deliver very high frame rates at 4K in most titles. The CPU's single-thread score is sufficient to support these frame rates, but at lower resolutions, the CPU will cap the maximum FPS. The balance is skewed toward the GPU, making this a system where the GPU is the star and the CPU is a supporting actor that must be paired with a high-refresh monitor to see any benefit from the GPU's full potential.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T uses the Intel Socket 1851 platform, which is a current-generation desktop socket. The CPU supports DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, and the platform supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. This provides a solid foundation for future upgrades. The CPU has a 65 W TDP, which is low, so the power delivery and cooling requirements are modest. The RTX 4090 has a 450 W TDP, and the suggested PSU is 850 W, which is the primary power consideration for the system.

A sensible next upgrade would be to a higher-core-count CPU on the same socket, such as a Core Ultra 9 series part, to better match the GPU's performance. The data shows the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H has a similar average score (38312) to the 235T, but a desktop Core Ultra 9 with more cores would likely provide a significant multi-thread boost. The PCIe Gen 5 support ensures that storage and future GPUs will have bandwidth headroom. The memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s is a potential limitation for CPU-bound workloads, so upgrading to higher-speed DDR5 could help. The platform is not end-of-life, as the CPU's production status is Active, so there is room for future processor releases on this socket.

Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build that pairs a mainstream, efficiency-focused CPU with a flagship enthusiast GPU. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T is a 14-core, 14-thread processor with a 65 W TDP, positioned for balanced everyday performance and light content creation. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is a 450 W, triple-slot behemoth designed for maximum gaming and compute performance. The combined percentile of 87 places this build in the top 13% of all systems in the database. The CPU's 86th percentile and the GPU's 88th percentile are close, but the GPU's raw performance is far higher, making this a GPU-centric system. The data shows a build that is overkill for office work and student use, but ideal for 4K gaming and GPU-accelerated workloads where the RTX 4090 can flex its muscle. The CPU is a capable partner, but it is not a perfect match for the GPU's immense power, making this a system for users who prioritize graphics performance above all else.

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 235T + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core Ultra 5 235T

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Optimal Performance

4K Gaming Ready

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

Usage Scenarios

Benchmark Performance

Who Should Build It

FAQ

GPU Analysis

Balance and Bottleneck

Upgrade Path and Platform

Build Overview

4K Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1440p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1080p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

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