Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
72.2Single-core74.4
70.4Multi-core54.7
63.8Gamingspec-based52.1
12 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K8 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 60, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+16). Intel Core Ultra 5 225F still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 55
- 140% higher threads: 24 vs 10
- 100% higher Efficiency cores: 8 vs 4
- 99% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 121 W
- 60% higher cores: 16 vs 10
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- 70% lower process: 3 nm vs 10 nm
- 57% higher L2 cache: 22 MB vs 14 MB
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- 20% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 24 vs 20
- Lower launch price: $165 vs $648
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2025 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 241 W+99% | 121 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16+60% | 10 |
| Performance cores | 8+33% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 8+100% | 4 |
| Threads | 24+140% | 10 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.3 GHz+3% |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz+6% | 4.9 GHz |
| L2 cache | 14 MB | 22 MB+57% |
| L3 cache | 30 MB+50% | 20 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715Top 32% | 2,848+5%Top 29% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450+22%Top 24% | 14,361Top 35% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903+1%Top 30% | 1,893Top 34% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229+59%Top 19% | 16,467Top 38% |
| PassMark | 41,103+33%Top 24% | 31,008Top 37% |
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