Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235
72.2Single-core80.2
70.4Multi-core64.9
63.8Gamingspec-based57.2
9 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K10 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 5 235
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 67.5, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+6). Intel Core Ultra 5 235 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 65
- 99% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 121 W
- 71% higher threads: 24 vs 14
- 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
- 25% higher L3 cache: 30 MB vs 24 MB
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 5 235
- Stronger single-core score: 80 vs 72
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- 86% higher L2 cache: 26 MB vs 14 MB
- 70% lower process: 3 nm vs 10 nm
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Lower launch price: $247 vs $648
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2025 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 241 W+99% | 121 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | — |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16+14% | 14 |
| Performance cores | 8+33% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 24+71% | 14 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz+4% | 5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 14 MB | 26 MB+86% |
| L3 cache | 30 MB+25% | 24 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715Top 32% | 2,963+9%Top 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450Top 24% | 17,645+1%Top 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903Top 30% | 2,057+8%Top 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229+21%Top 19% | 21,677Top 28% |
| PassMark | 41,103+10%Top 24% | 37,396Top 31% |
Related comparisons
Intel Core i9-12900Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DVSIntel Core i9-12900Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 5950XVSIntel Core i9-12900Kvs Intel Core i5-14600KVSIntel Core i9-12900Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 9700XVSIntel Core Ultra 5 235vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700XVSIntel Core Ultra 5 235vs Intel Core i5-13600KVSIntel Core Ultra 5 235vs Intel Core i5-14600KVSIntel Core Ultra 5 235vs AMD Ryzen 5 9500FVS