Core i7-10700KF vs Core Ultra 5 226V
Core i7-10700KF
Core Ultra 5 226V
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 i7-10700KF
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 226V
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($160) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+87%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($160) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
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 i7-10700KF and Core Ultra 5 226V
Core i7-10700KF
The Core i7-10700KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 18,380 points. Launch price was $299.
Core Ultra 5 226V
The Core Ultra 5 226V 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,400 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i7-10700KF packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core Ultra 5 226V's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i7-10700KF versus 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 226V — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-10700KF (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-10700KF uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 226V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-10700KF scores 18,380 against the Core Ultra 5 226V's 18,400 — a 0.1% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-10700KF vs 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 226V.
| Feature | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+13% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+81% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total)+100% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core)+900% |
| Process | 14 nm | 3 nm-79% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Lunar Lake (2024) |
| PassMark | 18,380 | 18,400 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,041 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,962 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-10700KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 226V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | FCBGA2833 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | LPDDR5X-8533 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-10700KF) / VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 226V). The Core Ultra 5 226V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Core i7-10700KF requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc 130V |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-10700KF launched at $405 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 226V debuted at $300. At current prices ($160 vs $300), the Core i7-10700KF is $140 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-10700KF delivers 114.9 pts/$ vs 61.3 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 226V — making the Core i7-10700KF the 60.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-10700KF | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $405 | $300-26% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $160-47% | $300 |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.9+87% | 61.3 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2024 |
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