CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-5775C vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5775C is a rare and highly sought-after socketed desktop processor based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture. Unlike its BGA counterpart, the 5775R, this chip utilizes the LGA 1150 socket, offering a unique upgrade path for users on older Z97 motherboards. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base clock of 3.3 GHz with a turbo boost of 3.7 GHz. The defining feature is the inclusion of Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with 128 MB of embedded L4 cache (eDRAM). This eDRAM not only supercharges the integrated graphics but also acts as a low-latency memory buffer for the CPU cores, giving it an edge in certain CPU-bound gaming scenarios when paired with a discrete GPU. With a 65-watt TDP and an unlocked multiplier, it is a versatile chip. It represents a unique moment in Intel's history where high-end integrated graphics and eDRAM were brought to the standard DIY desktop market.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
4 cores handle office tasks effortlessly, but lack modern IPC.
10 threads handle everyday productivity and development well, but heavy multi-threaded workloads will be constrained by the 4 E-core limit.
Gaming
The eDRAM provides incredibly smooth frame times in older games.
The 6 P-cores with 4.9 GHz boost provide strong gaming performance when paired with a capable GPU, though the limited E-core count means less headroom for background tasks.
Virtualization
Capable of light VMs, but limited by 65W TDP.
10 threads support a couple of VMs, but the lack of SMT and limited E-cores make it less ideal for serious virtualization.
Efficiency
14nm process makes it incredibly power-efficient.
65W TDP for 10 modern cores represents good efficiency, particularly in single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM helps slightly with CPU inference
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for AI inference tasks
- 16EU Xe-LPG contributes only 4 TOPS from the GPU
- CPU contributes 6 TOPS for a total of 23 TOPS
- Lowest combined AI performance in the Arrow Lake-S desktop lineup
Content Creation
Gaming
- eDRAM reduces stutter in CPU-bound games
- Iris Pro 6200 good for older games
- Can be paired with a discrete GPU for better performance
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores deliver strong single-threaded gaming performance
- 4.9 GHz boost is competitive but 100 MHz below the 235's 5.0 GHz
- Limited E-cores mean less background task headroom during gaming
- Best paired with a mid-range discrete GPU to avoid CPU bottlenecks
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 128 MB L4 eDRAM
- Iris Pro 6200 graphics
- Drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Supports DDR3 only
- Expensive on the secondary market
- Older 14nm process
Pros
- Lowest entry price into the LGA 1851 ecosystem at $246
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores provide excellent single-threaded performance
- 65W TDP is easy to cool with affordable solutions
- Includes NPU 3 even at the entry price point
- Full PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-6400 platform features
Cons
- Only 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded performance significantly
- 20 MB L3 cache is 4 MB less than 14-core models
- 16EU iGPU is the weakest in the Arrow Lake-S lineup at just 4 GPU TOPS
- No Hyper-Threading means 10 threads total
- At $246, the $11 difference to the 235 buys you 4 more E-cores and 4 more MB L3
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-5775C
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5675CRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Modern APU with vastly superior integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with much better CPU performance.
Intel Core Ultra 5 225
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Budget 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Value 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 235Rival
Same Platform Step-Up
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Previous-Gen Value
Our Verdict on Each
A fantastic drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150 systems. The eDRAM gives it surprising legs in older games, though its CPU performance is outclassed by modern hardware.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1150 system for smooth retro gaming.
Read the full reviewThe cheapest way into the LGA 1851 platform with strong single-threaded performance, but the 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded workloads and the 16EU iGPU is purely functional.
Best for: Building a budget gaming PC with a discrete GPU where you want the newest platform features without paying for unnecessary E-cores
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-5775C or Intel Core Ultra 5 225?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-5775C comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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, Intel Core i7-5775C or Intel Core Ultra 5 225?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-5775C and Intel Core Ultra 5 225.
Do Intel Core i7-5775C and Intel Core Ultra 5 225 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5775C: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core Ultra 5 225: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-5775C (4 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 225 (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-5775C posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5775C (7,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.