Core i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 225
Core i5-13600
Core Ultra 5 225
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 225
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+26%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($255) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-13600 and Core Ultra 5 225
Core i5-13600
The Core i5-13600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,499 points. Launch price was $255.
Core Ultra 5 225
The Core Ultra 5 225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 31,137 points. Launch price was $246.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600 packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225 offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Core i5-13600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i5-13600 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-13600 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 225 uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600 scores 31,499 against the Core Ultra 5 225's 31,137 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-13600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 17,020 (20.9% advantage for the Core i5-13600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,900 vs 2,653, a 33.1% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,000 vs 13,028 (8.2% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-13600 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225.
| Feature | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+40% | 10 / 10 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+2% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total)+20% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+140% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 31,499+1% | 31,137 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,000+23% | 17,020 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,900 | 2,653+40% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,000 | 13,028+9% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 225 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 225 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225) — the Core Ultra 5 225 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i5-13600) and Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225).
| Feature | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 256 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600) and Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 225) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600 targets High-end Productivity Desktop, Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency. Direct competitor: Core i5-13600 rivals Ryzen 7 7700; Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G.
| Feature | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | High-end Productivity Desktop | Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600 launched at $255 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 225 debuted at $240. At current prices ($255 vs $200), the Core Ultra 5 225 is $55 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 155.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225 — making the Core Ultra 5 225 the 23% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600 | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $255 | $240-6% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $255 | $200-22% |
| Performance per Dollar | 123.5 | 155.7+26% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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