Core Ultra 5 235H vs M3 Pro
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Core Ultra 5 235H | M3 Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 122 | 143 | -14.7% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 979 | 1,059 | -7.6% |
| Cores | 14 (4P+8E) | 12 (6P+6E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 20 | 30 | — |
- Core Ultra 5 235H is slower than M3 Pro by 14.7% in single-core and slower by 7.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core Ultra 5 235H draws less power (20W vs 30W base TDP).
Verdict: Core Ultra 5 235H or M3 Pro?
Core Ultra 5 235H advantages
- Power efficiency (+33%)
M3 Pro advantages
- Single-core speed (+15%)
- Multi-core speed (+8%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Core Ultra 5 235H if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the M3 Pro if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Core Ultra 5 235H vs M3 Pro: which should you choose?
Core Ultra 5 235H — 14-core Intel processor (4P+8E) scoring 122 single-core and 979 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 20 W TDP.
M3 Pro — 12-core Apple processor (6P+6E) scoring 143 single-core and 1059 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 30 W TDP.
Core Ultra 5 235H vs M3 Pro: M3 Pro leads in multi-core performance. Core Ultra 5 235H is slower than M3 Pro by 14.7% in single-core and slower by 7.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core Ultra 5 235H draws less power (20W vs 30W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The M3 Pro leads there with a single-core score of 143 versus 122, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M3 Pro is stronger, posting 1,059 multi-core against 979 in Cinebench 2024. Its 12 cores (6 performance + 6 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core Ultra 5 235H is the more efficient chip at 20 W versus 30 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core Ultra 5 235H better than the M3 Pro?
M3 Pro is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Core Ultra 5 235H is slower than M3 Pro by 14.7% in single-core and slower by 7.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Core Ultra 5 235H and the M3 Pro?
Core Ultra 5 235H is slower than M3 Pro by 14.7% in single-core and slower by 7.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core Ultra 5 235H draws less power (20W vs 30W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Core Ultra 5 235H if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build. Choose the M3 Pro if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.