Intel Core Ultra X9 388H VS Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

We are comparing the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (Intel) with the Intel Core Ultra 5 235U (Intel). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.

KEY DIFFERENCES OF Intel Core Ultra X9 388H AND Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

Here’s how Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and Intel Core Ultra 5 235U stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.

Intel Core Ultra X9 388H: 6 advantages Intel Core Ultra 5 235U: 1 advantage

Reasons to consider the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

6
  • 14% more CPU threads (16 vs 14)
  • 33% more CPU cores (16 vs 12)
  • 4% higher P-core turbo frequency (5100 MHz vs 4900 MHz)
  • 100% more performance cores (4 vs 2)
  • 20% more efficient-core threads (12 vs 10)
  • 20% more efficient cores (12 vs 10)

Reasons to consider the Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

1
  • 3% higher E-core turbo frequency (4100 MHz vs 4000 MHz)

SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra X9 388H AND Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

Below is the detailed specification table comparing Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and Intel Core Ultra 5 235U.

Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.

If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.

Specification Intel Core Ultra X9 388H Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
General Information
CPU Name: Intel Core Ultra X9 388H Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
Vendor: Intel Intel
Release Date: January 5, 2026 January 6, 2025
Type: Laptop Laptop
Instruction Set: x86-64 x86-64
Codename: Panther Lake Arrow Lake
Package and Thermals
Manufacturing Process: 2 nm 3 nm
TDP (PL1): 15-25 W 12-15 W
Max Boost TDP (PL2): 80 W 57 W
Socket: FCBGA2540 FCBGA-2049
Max Temp (TJMax): 100 C 110 C
CPU Cores
Total Cores
Total Cores 16 12
Total Threads 16 14
P-Cores
P-Cores 4 2
P-Threads 4 4
P-Core Base Frequency 2100 MHz 2000 MHz
P-Core Turbo Frequency 5100 MHz 4900 MHz
E-Cores
E-Cores 12 10
E-Threads 12 10
E-Core Base Frequency 1600 MHz 1600 MHz
E-Core Turbo Frequency 4000 MHz 4100 MHz
NPU
NPU
Cache and Bus
Multiplier Locked Locked
Bus Frequency 100 MHz 100 MHz
L1 Cache 192 KB 112 KB
L2 Cache 2.5 MB 2 MB
L3 Cache 18 MB 12 MB
Memory Support
Memory Types: LPDDR5X-9600 LPDDR5-8400, LPDDR5x-8400, DDR5-6400
Max Memory Size: 96 GB 128 GB
Memory Channels: 2 2
ECC Support:
Benchmarks
Geekbench V6
Multi-Core 17924 10570
Single-Core 3066 2442
File Compression 1490 975
Clang Compression 141 78
HTML5 Browser 477 270
PDF Renderer 540 281
Text Processing 323 258
Background Blur 62 48
Photo Processing 177 95
Ray Tracing 28 15
PassMark CPU
Multi-Core 39049 17255
Single-Core 4594 3574
Integer Math 90600 63200
Floating Point 112300 44400
Prime Numbers 381 61
String Sorting 48700 20600
Data Encryption 30000 12000
Data Compression 392300 189300
Physics 3460 1073
Extended Instructions 32900 10500
Cinebench 2024
Multi-Core 1324 531
Single-Core 130 100

Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.

PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra X9 388H AND Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

The charts below visualize how Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and Intel Core Ultra 5 235U stack up in key performance metrics.

Performance Radar Chart

Category scores overview (0 to 100)
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

Performance Benchmarks

Grey is the market top value. Colored bars show each CPU's relative benchmark reach.
Market Top
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

Release Timeline of Intel Core Ultra X9 388H and Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
364 days
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

Intel Core Ultra 5 235U was released 11 months, 30 days earlier than Intel Core Ultra X9 388H.

Value For Money Calculator

Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.

Intel Core Ultra X9 388H

16C/16T
$
Value Index
0.0

Intel Core Ultra 5 235U

12C/14T
$
Value Index
0.0
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
0%

Calculating...

Domain Score Summary

Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.

Intel Core Ultra X9 388H Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
ALL
Overall
Difference: 6
Leads
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
77
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
71
Single-Core Performance
Difference: 8
Leads
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
78
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
70
Multi-Core Performance
Difference: 9
Leads
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
69
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
60
CPU Architecture
Difference: 5
Leads
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
59
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
54
Memory Architecture
Difference: 0
Tie
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
64
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
64
Energy Efficiency
Difference: 7
Leads
Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
81
Intel Core Ultra 5 235U
74

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H is slightly better overall compared to the Intel Core Ultra 5 235U. Its strongest advantages are in Single-Core Performance, Multi-Core Performance, CPU Architecture and Energy Efficiency. They are still fairly close in Memory Architecture.

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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.