Intel Core Ultra 5 238V

Name: Intel Core Ultra 5 238V
Brand: Intel
SKU: 3661

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is a laptop-class processor designed around efficiency and compact thermal constraints, with a 17W Thermal Design Power that makes it well-suited for thin and light portable systems. Built on a 3nm semiconductor process, it employs big.LITTLE technology across its 8-thread configuration, blending two sets of cores each clocked at a base of 2.1 GHz, with a turbo ceiling of 4.7 GHz. PCIe 5 support and 64-bit compatibility round out the core platform foundation.

On the graphics side, the integrated Arc Graphics 130V runs at up to 1850 MHz and supports up to three displays simultaneously, with full DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3 compatibility. Memory support extends to DDR5 at up to 8533 MHz across two channels, with a maximum capacity of 32GB. The processor carries 8MB of L3 cache and a PassMark multi-core score of 18,462, with a single-core result of 3,854. Supported instruction sets include AVX2, FMA3, AES, and SSE 4.2, among others, while the NX bit is present for hardware-level memory protection.

Pros

The 3nm semiconductor process contributes to an efficient design within a 17W thermal envelope, suitable for slim laptop form factors
DDR5 memory support with speeds up to 8533 MHz across two channels offers substantial memory bandwidth for a mobile processor
PCIe 5 connectivity provides access to modern high-speed storage and peripheral interfaces
The integrated Arc Graphics 130V supports up to three displays simultaneously, adding flexibility for multi-monitor setups
A broad set of instruction sets including AVX2, AES, and FMA3 enables hardware-accelerated encryption and advanced vector processing
The NX bit provides a layer of hardware-based memory protection against certain classes of exploits

Cons

Maximum memory capacity is capped at 32GB, which may be limiting for memory-intensive workloads
ECC memory is not supported, ruling out use cases that require error-correcting RAM
Multithreading is not supported, which can limit throughput in applications that rely on simultaneous multi-thread execution per core
The integrated GPU has only 7 execution units, which restricts its capability for graphically demanding tasks
The unlocked multiplier is absent, meaning there is no option to adjust clock speeds beyond factory settings

Who is this for?

This processor is well-suited for users seeking a thin and light laptop that balances everyday computing with modern connectivity. Its 17W TDP and 3nm design make it a practical fit for portable machines where thermal management is a priority. The DDR5 support at up to 8533 MHz, combined with PCIe 5, means it also serves users who need fast storage and memory throughput in a mobile context. The Arc Graphics 130V with three-display output makes it a reasonable choice for multi-monitor productivity setups, such as office work, light content creation, or general business use.

Who is this NOT for?

Users with demanding workloads will find this processor limiting in several respects. The 32GB memory ceiling and lack of ECC support make it unsuitable for memory-intensive or error-sensitive professional applications such as virtualization, data science, or server-adjacent tasks. The absence of multithreading and the relatively modest 7 execution units in the integrated GPU mean it is not well-matched for heavily threaded software or GPU-accelerated workloads. Similarly, users who require overclocking flexibility will find no avenue to pursue it, as the multiplier is locked with no supported adjustment mechanism.

General info:

Type	Laptop
Has integrated graphics	✓
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	17W
semiconductor size	3 nm
CPU temperature	100 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version	5
Supports 64-bit	✓

The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is a laptop processor built on a compact 3nm semiconductor process, with a Thermal Design Power of 17W that reflects its efficiency-oriented design for mobile use. It includes integrated graphics, supports 64-bit computing, and is compatible with PCIe 5, bringing modern connectivity to the platform. The processor has a maximum operating temperature of 100°C.

Performance:

CPU speed	4 x 2.1 & 4 x 2.1 GHz
CPU threads	8 threads
turbo clock speed	4.7GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier	✕
L3 cache	8 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology	✓
clock multiplier	21

The processor runs across 8 threads using big.LITTLE technology, with all cores operating at a base speed of 2.1 GHz and a turbo clock speed reaching up to 4.7 GHz when conditions allow. It carries a clock multiplier of 21 and 8 MB of L3 cache, which helps maintain data throughput during sustained workloads. The multiplier is locked, meaning clock speed adjustments through overclocking are not supported.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result	18462
PassMark result (single)	3854
PassMark result (overclocked)	19664

In PassMark testing, the processor achieves a multi-core score of 18,462 and a single-core result of 3,854, reflecting its per-thread output under standard conditions. An overclocked PassMark result of 19,664 is also recorded, representing a modest uplift over the baseline multi-core figure.

Integrated graphics:

GPU name	Arc Graphics 130V
GPU turbo	1850 MHz
GPU execution units	7
DirectX version	DirectX 12 Ultimate
supported displays	3
OpenGL version	4.6
OpenCL version	3

The integrated Arc Graphics 130V features 7 execution units and a turbo clock of 1850 MHz, with support for up to three displays simultaneously. It is compatible with DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3, covering a broad range of graphics and compute workloads within a laptop platform.

Memory:

RAM speed (max)	8533 MHz
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
maximum memory amount	32GB
Supports ECC memory	✕

The processor supports DDR5 memory across two channels, with a maximum RAM speed of 8533 MHz and a ceiling of 32GB total capacity. ECC memory is not supported, which is typical for this class of mobile processor.

Features:

instruction sets	MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
uses multithreading	✕
Has NX bit	✓

The processor supports a range of instruction sets including AVX2, FMA3, AES, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2, AVX, F16C, and MMX, covering vector operations, encryption acceleration, and floating-point workloads. The NX bit is present, enabling hardware-level protection against certain memory-based exploits. Multithreading is not supported on this processor.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V is a well-defined mobile processor built around efficiency and modern platform support rather than raw computational ceiling. Its 3nm architecture with a 17W TDP positions it firmly within the thin-and-light laptop segment, where thermal discipline and battery-conscious design matter most. DDR5 memory at speeds up to 8533 MHz, PCIe 5 connectivity, and a capable Arc Graphics 130V with three-display support give it a well-rounded feature set for productivity-oriented users. Those requiring deep multithreading, expandable memory beyond 32GB, or serious GPU performance will need to look elsewhere, but for users whose priorities align with portable everyday computing and modern connectivity, this processor delivers a coherent and technically current package.