OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core Ultra 5 238V review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,610PassMark multi-core score:18325N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:4.7 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA2833TDP (Thermal design power):17 W

Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

40%

7.3

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 71% of processors
5.7

Value for money

Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

2.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

60%

7.2

Performance

18%

8.0

Architecture

10%

6.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.0

Platform

1%

7.7

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 74%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,610
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 5 238V

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

60%

7.2

Performance

18%

8.0

Architecture

10%

6.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.0

Platform

1%

7.7

Integrated graphics

7.3
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

2.0

Price

5.7
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
CPU socket
FCBGA2833
This processor uses the FCBGA2833 CPU socket, which is older than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES
This processor supports MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 82.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
8
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 61.2% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
CPU threads
8
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 33.4% of processors and equal to 18.8% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.7 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.7 GHz which is higher than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
4x 2.1 GHz & 4x 2.1 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 4x2.1 GHz & 4x2.1 GHz which is higher than that of 58% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
18,325
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 18,325 in PassMark, which is higher than 65.2% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
3 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 94.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 3 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 95.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L3 cache
8 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is smaller than that of 50.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.5% of processors.
L2 cache
14 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.3% of processors.
L1 cache
?
Show more
DDR memory version
LPDDR5X
This processor supports DDR LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 88.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
8,533 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 8,533 MHz, which is higher than that of 98% of processors and equal to 1.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5X-8533 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-8533 MHz, which is higher than that of 98.5% of processors and equal to 1.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 73% of processors and equal to 18.9% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel Arc Graphics 130V
This processor uses the Intel Arc Graphics 130V integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 86.5% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
7
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 7 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 81.1% of processors and equal to 2.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
600 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 600 MHz which is higher than that of 79.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
?
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
17 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 17 W which is lower than that of 77.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
17 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 17 W which is lower than that of 76.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
37 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 37 W which is lower than that of 75% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
cTDP: 17-37 W
Show more

Intel Core Ultra 5 238V vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 75.7% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,697 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,697 vs 1,535
  • 98.3% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,332 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    10,332 vs 5,209
  • 49.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,826 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,826 vs 2,558
  • 5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    E-core module: 4 MB shared
    2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 4.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    14 MB vs 3 MB
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5 vs 3
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    3 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
    September 2024
    2024 vs 2020
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 75.7% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,697 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,697 vs 1,535
  • 98.3% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,332 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    10,332 vs 5,209
  • 49.6% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,826 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,826 vs 2,558
  • 59.8% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,325 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,325 vs 11,469
  • 2 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 6.8% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x2.1 GHz & 4x2.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    4x2.1 GHz & 4x2.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    E-core module: 4 MB shared
    2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 4.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    14 MB vs 3 MB
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    3 nm vs 12 nm
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
    P-cores + E-cores
  • 31.1% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    122 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5 vs 3
  • 2.67x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,533 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    8,533 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-8533 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5X-8533 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Arc Graphics 130V vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel Arc Graphics 130V vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 71.4% higher GPU clock speed
    This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (600 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    600 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • 62.2% lower base power
    This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    17 W vs 45 W
  • 42.2% lower boost power
    This processor has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (37 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    37 W vs 64 W
  • 62.2% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    17 W vs 45 W
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    This processor has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    8 vs 16
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 6.44x more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is more expensive than the average processor (£1,610 vs £250).
    £1,610 vs £250
  • 27.5% worse value for money
    Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has worse value for money than the average processor (5.71 vs 7.3).
    5.71 vs 7.29
  • 50% less memory capacity
    This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 6.44x more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is more expensive than the average processor (£1,610 vs £250).
    £1,610 vs £250
  • 27.5% worse value for money
    Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has worse value for money than the average processor (5.71 vs 7.3).
    5.71 vs 7.29
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 7 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (21 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    21 vs 28
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    This processor has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    8 vs 16
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 50% less memory capacity
    This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 70.8% fewer GPU execution units
    This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (7 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    7 vs 24

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 5 238V

  • Excellent power efficiency with a low 17W base TDP, leading to significantly improved battery life in laptops.
  • Integrated 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory provides high bandwidth and reduces latency for the mobile platform.
  • Strong integrated graphics (Arc 130V) that performs competitively for light to moderate gaming.
  • Dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for accelerating modern AI-driven tasks and workloads.
  • Compact 'Lunar Lake' architecture design, ideal for thin-and-light ultraportable devices.
  • Support for modern standards including PCIe Gen 5 and high-speed memory.

What customers don't like about Intel Core Ultra 5 238V

  • Soldered, on-package RAM prevents any future memory upgrades for the user.
  • Removal of hyperthreading leads to a lower thread count (8 threads) compared to previous mobile generations.
  • Performance is bottlenecked in heavy multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering or professional video editing.
  • Integrated graphics, while improved, is still not powerful enough for smooth 1080p gaming in many AAA 2024+ titles.
  • Locked multiplier prevents any overclocking to boost performance.
  • Maximum memory capacity is hard-capped at 32GB, which may not satisfy power users.

Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is a mid-range mobile SoC from the Lunar Lake series, designed for thin-and-light laptops and tablets with 8 cores (4 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores) and 8 threads. It features a base clock of 2.1 GHz, a max turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz, and 8 MB of L3 cache, alongside integrated 32 GB LPDDR5x-8533 RAM on-package and an Arc 130V iGPU. Main pros include high energy efficiency with a 17W base TDP, a 40 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration, and support for PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 7. Cons include non-replaceable integrated RAM, a relatively small L3 cache compared to higher-tier models, and the lack of hyper-threading, which may limit performance in intensive multi-threaded workloads.

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