CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is the most affordable entry point into the Arrow Lake-S desktop platform, launched at $231 on January 7, 2025. It features a reduced core configuration of 6 Lion Cove P-cores and 4 Skymont E-cores for a total of 10 cores and 10 threads, along with a smaller 20 MB L3 cache compared to the 24 MB found on higher-tier Ultra 5 models. As an F-series processor, the integrated graphics are completely disabled, making a discrete GPU mandatory for any display output. This cost reduction allows Intel to position the 225F as a budget-friendly option for gamers and productivity users who already own or plan to purchase a dedicated graphics card. Despite the reductions, the 225F retains the NPU 3 with 13 TOPS for AI workloads, PCIe 5.0 support, and DDR5-6400 native memory speeds. With a standard 65W TDP and PL1, and a 121W PL2 for boost, it delivers straightforward power characteristics that are easy to pair with mainstream cooling solutions. The processor is available in two part numbers corresponding to A0 and B0 steppings.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
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.
Solid multi-threaded performance from 14 cores, though the 65W power limit reduces sustained throughput compared to 125W siblings.
Gaming
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.
Handles 1080p gaming adequately when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU, but the lower clocks compared to K-series parts limit frame rates in CPU-bound titles.
Virtualization
Limited by 10 cores and 20 MB cache, making it adequate for 2-3 VMs but not ideal for heavy virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
The 3 nm process and 65W TDP deliver strong efficiency, comparable to other Arrow Lake-S models with similar power profiles.
Excellent performance-per-watt thanks to the TSMC 3nm compute tile and conservative power limits.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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
- 13 TOPS NPU 3 for lightweight AI tasks
- Combined 29 TOPS with CPU and GPU contributions
- Suitable for background AI features like noise cancellation and image enhancement
- Not designed for training or heavy inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- 5.1 GHz boost is lower than the 245KF's 5.2 GHz
- Pairs well with GPUs up to RTX 4060 class without bottlenecking
- E-Cores contribute meaningfully in modern game engines
- iGPU can handle older or less demanding titles at low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency at 65W TDP
- Modern 3nm architecture with strong IPC
- Capable Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- NPU 3 for AI features
- ECC memory support
- Lower cooling requirements than K-series
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Lower boost clock than 245KF limits peak performance
- 65W power limit reduces sustained multi-thread throughput
- No Hyper-Threading on P-Cores
- LGA 1851 is a new platform with early-adopter costs
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core Ultra 5 245
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Upper Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400Rival
Previous Generation
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop with iGPU
Unlocked multiplier and higher clocks for $24 more if you plan to overclock.
Compare head-to-headSignificantly more cores and higher clocks for $184 if you don't need integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA sensible locked Arrow Lake chip that trades peak frequency for a modest 65W power envelope, making it ideal for small form factor builds and users who prioritize efficiency over overclocking headroom.
Best for: Building a compact, quiet, power-efficient desktop with modern features like NPU and PCIe 5.0 without paying K-series prices.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 225F or Intel Core Ultra 5 245?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. 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 Ultra 5 225F or Intel Core Ultra 5 245?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 245.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 245 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 225F: Intel Socket 1851, Intel Core Ultra 5 245: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 225F (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (5,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.