Intel Core Ultra 5 228V: the same as 226V, but with 32 GB of memory

Intel Core Ultra 5 228V is nearly identical to the lower-tier Core Ultra 5 226V in terms of computing power. The cores, frequencies, graphics, and NPU are the same for both models. The main difference is the amount of RAM: 32 GB instead of 16 GB.

Typically, the amount of memory depends on the laptop's configuration, but with Lunar Lake, it is tied to the specific model of the processor. The LPDDR5X chips are placed on the same substrate as the CPU-this arrangement is called Memory on Package, or MOP. Therefore, upgrading to the 228V does not yield a faster processor but instead provides 32 GB of non-removable memory instead of 16 GB.

What the eight Lunar Lake cores can do

The Core Ultra 5 228V belongs to the Lunar Lake family, introduced in the Core Ultra 200V lineup. The processor features four performance cores (Lion Cove) and four efficiency cores (Skymont). Hyper-Threading is not supported, which limits the processor to eight threads.

The maximum frequency of the performance cores reaches 4.5 GHz, the base power is 17 W, and the short-term limit is 37 W. These parameters are primarily designed for thin laptops with long battery life.

In everyday tasks, eight threads are usually sufficient. The performance is adequate for office work, development, photo processing, and simple video projects. In prolonged rendering and compiling large projects, eight threads may be insufficient. In such tasks, models with a larger number of cores are significantly faster.

Core Ultra 5 228V relies not on multi-threaded power but on a combination of moderate power consumption and 32 GB of memory.

MOP: memory on the same substrate as the processor

In most laptops, the RAM is installed separately from the processor. This can be in the form of replaceable SO-DIMM modules or LPDDR chips soldered to the motherboard.

For Lunar Lake, Intel used the Memory on Package configuration. Two groups of LPDDR5X chips are placed on a common substrate next to the processor chiplets. The memory is not part of the computing die but is housed within the same package.

This construction reduces the length of connections, lowers memory interface power consumption, and frees up space on the motherboard. The freed space can be used for a larger battery or cooling system.

The downside of MOP is that memory cannot be replaced or upgraded. Lunar Lake does not have an external interface for additional RAM. The Core Ultra 5 228V always comes with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533, while the Core Ultra 5 226V comes with 16 GB.

In the Core Ultra 200V series, the model index also indicates the installed amount of memory.

What 32 GB provides in practice

For office work, browsing, and video calls, 16 GB is usually sufficient. However, for a laptop without the possibility of upgrading, it's important to have enough for several years ahead. Additionally, not only applications use available memory, but also integrated graphics.

The advantage of 32 GB is especially noticeable in the following scenarios:

• Processing large photos and video editing;
• Virtual machines and containers;
• Large projects in development environments;
• Local machine learning models;
• Gaming on integrated graphics while running background applications.

Additional memory does not make CPU cores faster and does not increase frame rates by itself. Instead, open programs are less likely to be unloaded into the swap file, and switching between them remains quick even under high memory load.

For a laptop without the possibility of upgrading, this memory headroom is more beneficial than a slight increase in processing power.

Why Arc 130V benefits from 32 GB

The Core Ultra 5 228V is equipped with integrated Intel Arc 130V graphics with seven Xe cores based on the Xe2 architecture and a frequency of up to 1.85 GHz. It supports DirectX 12.2, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, modern video codecs, and XeSS scaling.

Arc 130V allows for gaming without a discrete graphics card, although its capabilities depend on settings and the specific laptop. The performance is sufficient for esports titles, AAA projects from previous years, and some modern releases at low settings. In demanding games, it may be necessary to lower detail, enable XeSS, or reduce the resolution.

Arc 130V does not have its own video memory. It uses system LPDDR5X along with Windows and applications. With 16 GB, games and background programs can quickly exhaust available memory.

The Arc 130V in the 226V and 228V is the same, but in a system with 32 GB, it is easier for it to share memory with the operating system and other applications. Even after allocating some memory for graphics, the system retains enough headroom for background processes.

NPU with 40 TOPS

Intel's AI Boost NPU achieves up to 40 TOPS and meets Microsoft's requirements for Copilot+ PC. It is designed for local processing of compatible AI tasks: camera effects, noise suppression, speech recognition, and image processing.

When choosing between 226V, 228V, and 238V, the NPU does not play a decisive role: its performance is identical among these models. Programs that do not support NPU do not benefit from it.

How 228V differs from 226V

In terms of core specifications, the processors are the same. Both models feature eight cores, up to 4.5 GHz frequency, Arc 130V graphics, 40 TOPS NPU, and a base power of 17 W.

The only difference is the amount of MOP memory:

• Core Ultra 5 226V - 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533;
• Core Ultra 5 228V - 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533.

There is no significant difference in processing performance between them. The price difference essentially relates to the additional 16 GB of memory.

The 226V remains a sensible choice for an affordable office laptop. For development, photo processing, and active multitasking, it is better to choose the 228V from the outset, especially if the laptop is intended for long-term use.

Is Core Ultra 5 238V needed?

The Core Ultra 5 238V also comes with 32 GB of memory and uses the same Arc 130V graphics. Its maximum frequency is increased from 4.5 to 4.7 GHz, and some laptops may come equipped with Intel vPro corporate features.

The 200 MHz difference does not change the performance class. The real speed can be more significantly affected by the power limits and cooling system of the particular laptop.

Typically, it isn't worthwhile to pay extra for the 238V simply for a higher frequency. The higher model is only more interesting when the price difference is small or if it is part of a better-equipped laptop.

Who is Core Ultra 5 228V suitable for?

The Core Ultra 5 228V is primarily designed for thin mobile laptops. Its capabilities are sufficient for office work, development, photo processing, basic video editing, and casual gaming without discrete graphics.

For regular rendering, complex video editing, and modern gaming at high settings, a more powerful processor or discrete graphics card is required. In such scenarios, the limitations will be the eight threads and the Arc 130V, rather than the memory.

However, the same 228V can perform differently across various laptops. Battery life, noise, consistent performance, and overall usability are more affected by the battery, cooling, screen, and power settings.

Conclusion

Intel Core Ultra 5 228V is not an accelerated version of the 226V. Its computing components, graphics, and NPU are identical. The main distinction is 32 GB of LPDDR5X instead of 16 GB.

The memory is housed within the processor package, so the manufacturer cannot release a 228V configuration with a different amount, nor can the user upgrade it after purchase. The choice between 226V and 228V is primarily a choice between 16 and 32 GB of memory for the laptop's entire lifespan.

Versions with 226V are sufficient for an affordable office laptop. For active multitasking, gaming on Arc 130V, and long-term purchases, it's best to opt for the Core Ultra 5 228V.