Core i5-13490F vs Core Ultra 5 225T

Intel

Core i5-13490F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 225T

10 Cores10 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
·······

Core i5-13490F vs Core Ultra 5 225T Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-13490F vs Core Ultra 5 225T 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 i5-13490F vs Core Ultra 5 225T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13490F

2023

Why buy it

  • +25.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($235 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core Ultra 5 225T.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,844 vs 2,677).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 225T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 225T

2025

Why buy it

  • +45.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics (16EU), while Core i5-13490F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (8,943 vs 11,200).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
  • 2.1% HIGHER MSRP
    $240 MSRPvs$235 MSRP
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-13490F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225T better than Core i5-13490F?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 5 225T is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13490F pulls ahead with 25.2% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-13490F also has the bigger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13490F is the stronger fit. You are getting 25.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 5 225T is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-13490F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 5 225T comes in 2.1% more expensive on MSRP at $240 MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-13490F is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 25.2% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-13490F is also 1.4% better value on MSRP (113.5 vs 112.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i5-13490F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 225T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-13490F vs Core Ultra 5 225T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-13490F

The Core i5-13490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 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: 26,670 points. Launch price was $235.

Intel

Core Ultra 5 225T

The Core Ultra 5 225T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2025 (recentemente). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 26,874 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i5-13490F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core Ultra 5 225T's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-13490F versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225T — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-13490F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 225T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13490F scores 26,670 against the Core Ultra 5 225T's 26,874 — a 0.8% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,844 vs 2,677, a 36.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,200 vs 8,943 (22.4% advantage for the Core i5-13490F). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13490F vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225T.

FeatureCore i5-13490FCore Ultra 5 225T
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
10 / 10
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz
4.9 GHz+2%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)+20%
20 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+140%
Process
10 nm
3 nm-70%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark
26,670
26,874
Cinebench R23 Multi
16,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,844
2,677+45%
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,200+25%
8,943
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-13490F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 225T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13490F versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225T — the Core Ultra 5 225T supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 225T supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13490F) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225T) — the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B660,B760,H610,H670,Z690,Z790 (Core i5-13490F) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225T).

FeatureCore i5-13490FCore Ultra 5 225T
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
DDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
256 GB+33%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13490F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225T). The Core Ultra 5 225T includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics (16EU)), while the Core i5-13490F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13490F targets Gaming, Core Ultra 5 225T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225T rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

FeatureCore i5-13490FCore Ultra 5 225T
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Arc Graphics (16EU)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-13490F was priced at $235, while the Core Ultra 5 225T came in at $240. On launch pricing ($235 vs $240), Core i5-13490F was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13490F delivers 113.5 pts/$ vs 112.0 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225T — making the Core i5-13490F the 1.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-13490FCore Ultra 5 225T
MSRP
$235-2%
$240
Performance per Dollar
113.5+1%
112.0
Release Date
2023
2025

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.