Core i7-13790F vs Core Ultra 5 245K

Intel

Core i7-13790F

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Core family
·······
VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 245K

14 Cores14 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2024

Core i7-13790F vs Core Ultra 5 245K 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 i7-13790F vs Core Ultra 5 245K 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 i7-13790F vs Core Ultra 5 245K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13790F

2023

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +37.5% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 111.1 vs 136.1 PassMark/$ ($392 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 245K

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $73 less on MSRP ($319 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
  • Delivers 22.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 136.1 vs 111.1 PassMark/$ ($319 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores), while Core i7-13790F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (43,417 vs 43,549).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 33 MB).
  • 92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 245K better than Core i7-13790F?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 5 245K is ahead with a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13790F pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-13790F also has the bigger cache pool with 37.5% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 24 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-13790F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 37.5% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 24 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 5 245K is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245K comes in $73 cheaper on MSRP at $319 MSRP versus $392 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-13790F is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 22.5% better value on MSRP (136.1 vs 111.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13790F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap, but on MSRP alone you would want to find it meaningfully cheaper in real-world listings before that path becomes easy to justify.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 245K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-13790F vs Core Ultra 5 245K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-13790F

The Core i7-13790F 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 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: 43,549 points. Launch price was $441.

Intel

Core Ultra 5 245K

The Core Ultra 5 245K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,417 points. Launch price was $319.

Processing Power

The Core i7-13790F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245K offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i7-13790F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i7-13790F uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13790F scores 43,549 against the Core Ultra 5 245K's 43,417 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-13790F. L3 cache: 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K.

FeatureCore i7-13790FCore Ultra 5 245K
Cores / Threads
16 / 24+14%
14 / 14
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz
5.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
4.2 GHz+100%
L3 Cache
33 MB (total)+38%
24 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+50%
Process
10 nm
3 nm-70%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark
43,549
43,417
Cinebench R23 Multi
26,247
Geekbench 6 Single
2,815
Geekbench 6 Multi
13,673
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13790F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-13790F) vs 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) — the Core Ultra 5 245K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K).

FeatureCore i7-13790FCore Ultra 5 245K
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600
6400+14%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
192 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core Ultra 5 245K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13790F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 245K includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), while the Core i7-13790F requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

FeatureCore i7-13790FCore Ultra 5 245K
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-13790F was priced at $392, while the Core Ultra 5 245K came in at $319. On launch pricing ($392 vs $319), Core Ultra 5 245K was $73 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-13790F delivers 111.1 pts/$ vs 136.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245K — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 20.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-13790FCore Ultra 5 245K
MSRP
$392
$319-19%
Performance per Dollar
111.1
136.1+23%
Release Date
2023
2024

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