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 i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 225 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 i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 225: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-13600

2023

Why buy it

✅+23.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,900 vs 2,653).
❌
6.3% HIGHER MSRP
$255 MSRPvs$240 MSRP

Core Ultra 5 225

2025

Why buy it

✅+39.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($240 MSRP vs $255 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,020 vs 21,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225 better than Core i5-13600?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 5 225 is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-13600 pulls ahead with 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i5-13600 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 i5-13600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 20 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 5 225 is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 225 comes in $15 cheaper on MSRP at $240 MSRP versus $255 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-13600 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 23.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 5.0% better value on MSRP (129.7 vs 123.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i5-13600 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 5 225 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 i5-13600 vs Core Ultra 5 225 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-13600 versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225 — the Core Ultra 5 225 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 225 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 i5-13600) 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+33%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	256 GB+33%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	24+20%

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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

At launch, the Core i5-13600 was priced at $255, while the Core Ultra 5 225 came in at $240. On launch pricing ($255 vs $240), Core Ultra 5 225 was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600 delivers 123.5 pts/$ vs 129.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225 — making the Core Ultra 5 225 the 4.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-13600	Core Ultra 5 225
MSRP	$255	$240-6%
Performance per Dollar	123.5	129.7+5%
Release Date	2023	2025

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