CPU Comparison
AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE is a 35W eco-friendly desktop APU featuring a hybrid Zen 5 architecture, integrated Radeon 860M graphics, and a dedicated 50 TOPS NPU for on-device AI processing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 cores provide ample performance for office tasks and moderate multitasking, though the 35W limit caps sustained multi-thread speeds.
10 cores handle light to moderate productivity well, but the reduced E-core count and smaller L3 cache limit performance in heavily multi-threaded applications.
Gaming
The Radeon 860M provides playable frame rates in e-sports titles at 1080p, but struggles with AAA games at high settings.
With a capable discrete GPU, the 6 P-cores provide sufficient performance for most gaming scenarios. The 4.9 GHz boost keeps frame rates competitive, though fewer E-cores slightly impact heavily threaded titles.
Virtualization
Good for light virtualization, but the reduced TDP and core count compared to HX parts limit performance in heavy VM workloads.
Limited by 10 cores and 20 MB cache, making it adequate for 2-3 VMs but not ideal for heavy virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Industry-leading performance per watt for a desktop socketed CPU.
The 3 nm process and 65W TDP deliver strong efficiency, comparable to other Arrow Lake-S models with similar power profiles.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 50 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ PC experiences
- Efficient local execution of AI assistants
- Hardware acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS, same as higher-tier Ultra 5 models
- Total AI performance reduced to 19 TOPS due to lack of iGPU contribution
- Still useful for background AI tasks like noise cancellation and blur
- CPU-based AI inference benefits from Lion Cove P-core architecture
Content Creation
Gaming
- Radeon 860M (8 CUs) is a step up from previous 780M designs
- Best suited for 1080p Low-Medium settings
- Benefits from AMD FSR technology
- 6 P-cores with 4.9 GHz boost handle most games well when paired with a mid-range GPU
- No iGPU means a discrete GPU is absolutely required
- Performance is largely GPU-bound at 1440p and above
- Fewer E-cores may reduce 1% low frame rates in CPU-heavy titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Exceptional power efficiency
- Integrated 50 TOPS NPU
- Strong integrated graphics for 1080p
- AM5 platform longevity
- Hybrid core efficiency
Cons
- Lower base clock than G-models
- Not ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Performance dependent on cooling limits
Pros
- Lowest price for Arrow Lake-S at $231
- Same Lion Cove P-cores as more expensive Ultra 5 models
- NPU 3 included despite budget positioning
- Disabled iGPU frees all PCIe resources for discrete devices
- Standard 65W power profile is easy to cool
- Modern platform with DDR5-6400 and PCIe 5.0
Cons
- No integrated graphics at all, discrete GPU required
- Only 4 E-cores reduce multi-threaded performance significantly
- 20 MB L3 cache is smaller than 24 MB on 14-core models
- Lower 4.9 GHz boost than other Ultra 5 processors
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Total AI TOPS reduced to 19 without iGPU contribution
Competitors & Alternatives
AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 245KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 225FRival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700GERival
Eco Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Budget APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
If you want the same chip but with a 65W TDP for higher sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475GAlt
If you need more CPU and GPU power and can afford a higher TDP.
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value AM5
- AMD Ryzen 5 7500FRival
Budget AM5
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400FRival
Previous Generation
For $16 more, get 4 additional E-cores, 4 MB more L3 cache, and integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient desktop processor that brings Copilot+ capabilities and strong multi-threaded performance to the 35W power envelope, ideal for compact or silent builds.
Best for: Building a compact, quiet, or eco-friendly PC where low power consumption is more important than peak gaming performance.
Read the full reviewA sensible budget entry into the Arrow Lake platform for users with a discrete GPU, offering modern architecture and AI features at the lowest price point in the Ultra 5 lineup.
Best for: Budget gaming builds where you already have or are buying a discrete GPU, and want the newest Arrow Lake platform at the lowest entry price.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE or Intel Core Ultra 5 225F?
Based on our editorial ratings, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE or Intel Core Ultra 5 225F?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE and Intel Core Ultra 5 225F.
Which uses less power?
The AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE (35 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (65 W).
Do AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE and Intel Core Ultra 5 225F use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE: AM5, Intel Core Ultra 5 225F: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F has the most cores. Core counts: AMD Ryzen AI 7 450GE (8 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores).