Intel
Intel Core Ultra 5 235A vs Intel Core i9-12900KF
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Intel
Core i9-12900KF
Aggregate performance score
We've compared Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗Core i9-12900KF outperforms Core Ultra 5 235A by 7% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+7%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Intel Core Ultra 5 235A vs Intel Core i9-12900KF: key takeaway
The comparison of Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF shows a 8% advantage for Core i9-12900KF in gaming performance, while Core Ultra 5 235A may still be stronger in value for money. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
IntelPerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
2527
8387
4354
01
2614
COMPARISON RESULT
Core Ultra 5 235A is the best overall choice
Core Ultra 5 235A leads in overall performance, while Core Ultra 5 235A offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
Core Ultra 5 235A leads in the combined performance index
Core i9-12900KF costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
25
27Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
24
26Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
22
23Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
26Better
14
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
25Better
24
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Release date20242021
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark3839241193Better
PBP / MTP65 / 121 W125 / 241 WBetter
Cores / Threads6P+8E / 148P+8E / 24Better
Clock speedP 3,4 - 5 GHz / E 2,9 - 4,4 GHzBetterP 3,2 - 5,2 GHz / E 2,4 - 3,9 GHz
Base clock3400 MHzBetter3200 MHz
Boost clock5000 MHz5200 MHzBetter
L1 cache112 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetter80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core
L2 cache3 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache24 MB30 MBBetter
SocketLGA1851BetterLGA1700
ArchitectureArrow LakeAlder Lake
Integrated graphicsArc Xe2 24 2 GHz—
Power consumption65 / 121 WBetter125 / 241 W
Process node3 nmBetter10 nm (Intel 7)
Memory supportDDR5-6400DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 10083875%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100435423%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100495613%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100354321%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares Core Ultra 5 235A and Core i9-12900KF with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 10018195%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 10020215%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10015166%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100202210%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 10019205%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: Core Ultra 5 235A or Core i9-12900KF?+
Core Ultra 5 235A has the higher overall gaming score, while Core Ultra 5 235A offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
Core Ultra 5 235A offers more overall performance, while Core Ultra 5 235A offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
Core Ultra 5 235A leads in combined 1440p performance. Core Ultra 5 235A can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
Core Ultra 5 235A is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to Core Ultra 5 235A if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.