PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-12490F vs Core Ultra 9 288V FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-12490F vs Core Ultra 9 288V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-12490F

2022

Why buy it

✅+34.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $350 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).
✅Delivers 141.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 81.5 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 9 288V across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌116.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 30W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 288V can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 9 288V

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 30W instead of 65W, a 35W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc 140V, while Core i5-12490F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (9,300 vs 12,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 33.8 vs 81.5 PassMark/$ ($600 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12490F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 288V better than Core i5-12490F?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 9 288V is ahead with a 16.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12490F pulls ahead with 34.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i5-12490F also has the bigger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12490F is the stronger fit. You are getting 34.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 9 288V is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-12490F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 9 288V comes in 140.0% more expensive on MSRP at $600 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-12490F is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 34.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i5-12490F is also 141.0% better value on MSRP (81.5 vs 33.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 9 288V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12490F vs Core Ultra 9 288V Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-12490F

The Core i5-12490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 20,366 points. Launch price was $299.

Core Ultra 9 288V

The Core Ultra 9 288V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 20,280 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12490F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core Ultra 9 288V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12490F versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 288V — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 288V (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-12490F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12490F scores 20,366 against the Core Ultra 9 288V's 20,280 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-12490F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,500 vs 9,300 (29.4% advantage for the Core i5-12490F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,800 vs 2,800, a 43.5% lead for the Core Ultra 9 288V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,800 vs 10,000 (12.8% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 288V). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12490F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 288V.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core Ultra 9 288V
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	5.1 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+67%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)+100%
Process	10 nm	3 nm-70%
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	20,366	20,280
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,500+34%	9,300
Geekbench 6 Single	1,800	2,800+56%
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,800	10,000+14%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12490F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12490F versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 9 288V — the Core Ultra 9 288V supports 77.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12490F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12490F) vs 8 (Core Ultra 9 288V) — the Core i5-12490F offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B660,H610,H670,Z690,B760 (Core i5-12490F) and SoC (Core Ultra 9 288V).

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core Ultra 9 288V
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	LPDDR5X-8533+78%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+150%	8

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12490F) vs true (Core Ultra 9 288V). The Core Ultra 9 288V includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc 140V), while the Core i5-12490F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12490F targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12490F rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core Ultra 9 288V
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	Intel Arc 140V
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	true
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12490F was priced at $250, while the Core Ultra 9 288V came in at $600. On launch pricing ($250 vs $600), Core i5-12490F was $350 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12490F delivers 81.5 pts/$ vs 33.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 288V — making the Core i5-12490F the 82.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12490F	Core Ultra 9 288V
MSRP	$250-58%	$600
Performance per Dollar	81.5+141%	33.8
Release Date	2022	2024

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