CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF is a 14-core unlocked desktop processor based on the Arrow Lake-S architecture, featuring 6 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores with a 5.2 GHz boost clock and no integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
14 cores provide good multi-threaded performance, though the 8 E-Cores are outpaced by the 250KF Plus's 12 E-Cores in heavily parallel workloads.
18 cores provide impressive multi-threaded performance for the price, handling video encoding, compilation, and multitasking workloads effectively.
Gaming
Strong 1080p and 1440p gaming performance with the 5.2 GHz boost. Pairs well with GPUs up to RTX 4070 class without significant bottlenecks.
The 5.3 GHz boost and strong IPC deliver excellent gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p. Pairs well with mid-to-high-end GPUs without creating bottlenecks.
Efficiency
Better idle and light-load efficiency than 13th/14th Gen due to the 3nm compute tile, but 125W/159W power limits are substantial.
The 3nm compute tile helps, but 125W base and 159W PL2 are substantial for a budget chip. Still more efficient than comparable AMD offerings at full load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 13 TOPS NPU 3 for lightweight AI tasks
- 22 TOPS total without iGPU contribution
- Adequate for Windows Copilot+ features and basic local inference
- Not competitive with dedicated AI accelerators or AMD's newer NPU implementations
- 13 TOPS NPU 3 retained from original Arrow Lake
- Combined 22 TOPS without iGPU contribution
- Suitable for Windows AI features and light local inference
- Serious AI workloads require a discrete GPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- 5.2 GHz boost provides strong single-thread performance for gaming
- 14 threads handle modern game engines well with background tasks
- No iGPU means discrete GPU is mandatory
- Slightly behind the 250KF Plus due to lower boost and fewer cores
- 5.3 GHz boost matches or exceeds most gaming-focused CPUs in its price range
- 18 threads ensure background tasks don't impact gaming performance
- No iGPU means a discrete GPU is mandatory
- Matches or beats Ryzen 5 9600X in most gaming titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong 5.2 GHz single-thread performance
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- New Arrow Lake architecture with improved IPC
- Good gaming performance
- NPU 3 for AI features
Cons
- Dramatically overpriced at $294 compared to the 250KF Plus at $184
- Fewer cores than the cheaper 250KF Plus
- Lower DDR5-6400 native speed vs 250KF Plus's DDR5-7200
- No integrated graphics
- No Hyper-Threading
Pros
- Exceptional value at $184 for 18 cores
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- 5.3 GHz boost clock is competitive with much pricier CPUs
- DDR5-7200 native support
- B0 stepping with potential refinements
- 30MB L3 cache is larger than the original 245KF's 24MB
Cons
- No integrated graphics — discrete GPU required
- 125W TDP requires adequate cooling
- LGA 1851 platform is still relatively new with limited budget motherboard options
- No Hyper-Threading
- ECC memory support on this specific SKU needs verification
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XRival
Value Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 250KF PlusRival
Same Platform, Better Value
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XRival
Upper Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 245Rival
Same Cores, Lower Power
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XAlt
8 full P-Cores provide better mixed workload performance, though at a higher price.
For $15 more than the 250KF Plus ($199), you get iGPU and more cores — still far cheaper than the 245KF.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Budget-friendly AM5 option that delivers solid gaming performance for significantly less total system cost.
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Value Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Upper Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 250K PlusRival
Same Class with iGPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Rival
AM5 Value
Only consider if found at a significant discount, as the 250KF Plus is strictly better for less money.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Lower total platform cost if you find a good AM5 motherboard deal, though the 250KF Plus outperforms it.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid Arrow Lake processor that was reasonably priced at launch but has been made largely redundant by the 250KF Plus, which offers more cores, higher clocks, and faster memory support for $110 less.
Best for: Only if found at a significant discount (under $200) compared to its $294 MSRP.
Read the full reviewAn extraordinary value proposition that packs 18 Arrow Lake Refresh cores with an unlocked multiplier into a $184 package. The lack of integrated graphics is a non-issue for most discrete GPU buyers, making this one of the best budget desktop CPUs available.
Best for: Building a new gaming or productivity PC on a budget where every dollar counts and you already plan to use a discrete GPU.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF or Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 245KF or Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF and Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF and Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus (18 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (5,500), Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus (6,550). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.