AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235
54.4Single-core80.2
62.1Multi-core64.9
79.6Gamingspec-based57.2
8 spec wins — AMD Ryzen 9 5900X12 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 5 235
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 5 235 wins this desktop processor face-off, 67.5 to 64.1, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+26) and multi-core (+3). AMD Ryzen 9 5900X still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- 167% higher L3 cache: 64 MB vs 24 MB
- 100% higher Performance cores: 12 vs 6
- 71% higher threads: 24 vs 14
- 17% higher Max turbo power: 142 W vs 121 W
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 5 235
- Stronger single-core score: 80 vs 54
- 333% higher L2 cache: 26 MB vs 6 MB
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- 57% lower process: 3 nm vs 7 nm
- 41% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 2,963 vs 2,100
- Lower launch price: $247 vs $549
General
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020 | 2025 |
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 7 nm | 3 nm+57% |
| Base TDP | 105 W | 65 W+38% |
| Max turbo power | 142 W+17% | 121 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | — |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12 | 14+17% |
| Performance cores | 12+100% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 24+71% | 14 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+9% | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.8 GHz | 5 GHz+4% |
| L2 cache | 6 MB | 26 MB+333% |
| L3 cache | 64 MB+167% | 24 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | — | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 4 | 5+25% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 24 | 24 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,100Top 45% | 2,963+41%Top 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 13,500Top 37% | 17,645+31%Top 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,600Bottom 51% | 2,057+29%Top 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 21,700Top 27% | 21,677Top 28% |
| PassMark | 39,000+4%Top 27% | 37,396Top 31% |
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