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 i9-12900KF vs Core Ultra 5 245 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 i9-12900KF vs Core Ultra 5 245: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900KF

2021

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 72.4 vs 125.9 PassMark/$ ($564 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 245

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $245 less on MSRP ($319 MSRP vs $564 MSRP).
✅Delivers 73.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 125.9 vs 72.4 PassMark/$ ($319 MSRP vs $564 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics, while Core i9-12900KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (40,165 vs 40,858).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900KF better than Core Ultra 5 245?

Yes. Core i9-12900KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-12900KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-12900KF is still the faster CPU overall, but Core Ultra 5 245 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12900KF comes in 76.8% more expensive on MSRP at $564 MSRP versus $319 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 245 is also 73.8% better value on MSRP (125.9 vs 72.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1851 + DDR5 setup, Core Ultra 5 245 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 5 245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2021). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900KF vs Core Ultra 5 245 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900KF

The Core i9-12900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,858 points. Launch price was $564.

Core Ultra 5 245

The Core Ultra 5 245 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 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 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: 40,165 points. Launch price was $270.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900KF packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245 offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i9-12900KF has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245 — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KF (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900KF uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245 uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KF scores 40,858 against the Core Ultra 5 245's 40,165 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i9-12900KF. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KF vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Core Ultra 5 245
Cores / Threads	16 / 24+14%	14 / 14
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+2%	5.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)+25%	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	3 MB (per core)+140%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	40,858+2%	40,165
Cinebench R23 Multi	27,472	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,585	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	15,300	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900KF versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245 — the Core Ultra 5 245 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,Z790,B660,B760 (Core i9-12900KF) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245).

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Core Ultra 5 245
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	256 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245). The Core Ultra 5 245 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the Core i9-12900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900KF targets Extreme Gaming / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900KF rivals Ryzen 9 5950X; Core Ultra 5 245 rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Core Ultra 5 245
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Extreme Gaming / Content Creation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900KF was priced at $564, while the Core Ultra 5 245 came in at $319. On launch pricing ($564 vs $319), Core Ultra 5 245 was $245 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KF delivers 72.4 pts/$ vs 125.9 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245 — making the Core Ultra 5 245 the 53.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Core Ultra 5 245
MSRP	$564	$319-43%
Performance per Dollar	72.4	125.9+74%
Release Date	2021	2025

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