Intel has officially introduced the Core Ultra 5 230F, a China-exclusive desktop processor built on the Arrow Lake-S architecture. Marketed under the familiar “Black Box” branding, the 230F is designed as a high-value successor to the i5-14490F, delivering better performance-per-watt, modern AI capabilities, and a forward-looking platform—while intentionally omitting integrated graphics to keep costs down.
This processor reflects Intel’s continued strategy of offering region-specific SKUs tailored to the Chinese DIY and gaming market.
🧠 Key Specifications: 10 Cores, Modern by Design #
The Core Ultra 5 230F adopts a hybrid 10-core configuration, combining Intel’s latest Lion Cove and Skymont cores—bringing Arrow Lake features into the mid-range desktop segment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (TSMC N3B) |
| Core Configuration | 6 P-cores (Lion Cove) + 4 E-cores (Skymont) |
| Threads | 10 |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 5.0 GHz (P-core) / 4.4 GHz (E-core) |
| Cache | 24 MB L3 + 22 MB L2 |
| Power | 65W Base / 121W Max Turbo |
| Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Chipsets Required | Z890 / B860 |
Notable Design Choices #
- No Integrated Graphics:
As an “F” series processor, the 230F requires a discrete GPU—an intentional choice for gaming-focused systems. - Integrated NPU:
Includes Intel AI Boost, delivering up to 13 TOPS for on-device AI tasks such as inference, background noise reduction, and future Windows AI features.
This makes the 230F one of the lowest-priced Arrow Lake CPUs with a built-in NPU.
📊 Performance Benchmarks: Clear Gains Over Raptor Lake #
Compared directly with its predecessor, the Core i5-14490F, the Ultra 5 230F shows a meaningful generational uplift—especially in efficiency-sensitive workloads.
Synthetic Performance Highlights #
- Cinebench R23
- Single-core: ~14% improvement
- Multi-core: ~27.6% improvement
- 3DMark CPU Profile
- Single-thread: ~23% lead
- Multi-thread: ~19.7% lead
Power Efficiency #
Despite the performance increase, Arrow Lake’s newer cores and process node allow the 230F to run cooler and more efficiently:
- Ultra 5 230F: ~73.6W under sustained load
- i5-14490F: ~81.2W under similar conditions
This efficiency advantage translates into lower thermals, quieter cooling, and better sustained performance in compact builds.
🏷️ Market Positioning and Physical Design #
The Core Ultra 5 230F follows Intel’s long-standing “China Special” playbook.
Black Box Identity #
- Ships in the distinctive black retail packaging, visually separating it from global SKUs.
- Reinforces its positioning as a value-focused enthusiast part.
Unique IHS Design #
- Features a slightly contracted IHS bulge, unlike mainstream Arrow Lake-S CPUs.
- Likely reflects the use of a smaller compute tile, potentially derived from mobile Arrow Lake designs, helping reduce manufacturing cost.
Pricing #
- MSRP: 1,999 RMB
- Approx. $275 USD, placing it firmly in the competitive mid-range desktop segment.
At this price point, it competes directly with older high-end Raptor Lake parts and AMD’s mainstream Ryzen offerings.
🏆 Final Assessment: A Purpose-Built Mid-Range Arrow Lake #
The Core Ultra 5 230F is not designed to be flashy—it is designed to be efficient, modern, and cost-effective. By removing the iGPU and focusing on CPU performance, power efficiency, and AI acceleration, Intel has created a compelling Arrow Lake entry point for the Chinese DIY market.
For gamers and creators pairing their system with a discrete GPU, the 230F represents one of the best-balanced Arrow Lake options currently available—especially for those looking to move onto the LGA 1851 platform without paying flagship prices.