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 i9-12900H 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 i9-12900H 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 i9-12900H

2022

Why buy it

✅+44.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,400 vs 2,677).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 43.9 vs 112.0 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).

Core Ultra 5 225T

2025

Why buy it

✅+11.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $377 less on MSRP ($240 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
✅Delivers 155.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.0 vs 43.9 PassMark/$ ($240 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (8,943 vs 12,900).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225T better than Core i9-12900H?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 5 225T is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-12900H pulls ahead with 44.2% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i9-12900H 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 i9-12900H is the stronger fit. You are getting 44.2% better Geekbench 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 225T is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 225T comes in $377 cheaper on MSRP at $240 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-12900H is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 44.2% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 155.1% better value on MSRP (112.0 vs 43.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900H vs Core Ultra 5 225T Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900H

The Core i9-12900H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 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: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,079 points. Launch price was $299.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900H packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Core i9-12900H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900H versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225T — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900H uses the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 225T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900H scores 27,079 against the Core Ultra 5 225T's 26,874 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-12900H. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,400 vs 2,677, a 10.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,900 vs 8,943 (36.2% advantage for the Core i9-12900H). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900H vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225T.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core Ultra 5 225T
Cores / Threads	14 / 20+40%	10 / 10
Boost Clock	5 GHz+2%	4.9 GHz
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	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Alder Lake-H (2022)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	27,079	26,874
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,400	2,677+12%
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,900+44%	8,943

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900H uses the FCBGA1744 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 i9-12900H 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 64 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900H) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225T) — the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 Series (Mobile) (Core i9-12900H) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225T).

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core Ultra 5 225T
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	256 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	24+20%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900H has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i9-12900H) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225T). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-12900H) and Arc Graphics (16EU) (Core Ultra 5 225T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900H targets Mobile, Core Ultra 5 225T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225T rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core Ultra 5 225T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	Arc Graphics (16EU)
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900H was priced at $617, while the Core Ultra 5 225T came in at $240. On launch pricing ($617 vs $240), Core Ultra 5 225T was $377 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900H delivers 43.9 pts/$ vs 112.0 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225T — making the Core Ultra 5 225T the 87.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900H	Core Ultra 5 225T
MSRP	$617	$240-61%
Performance per Dollar	43.9	112.0+155%
Release Date	2022	2025

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