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

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

Core i9-12900KS

2022

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 58.9 vs 147.7 PassMark/$ ($739 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌20% higher power demand at 150W vs 125W.

Core Ultra 5 245KF

2024

Why buy it

✅Costs $445 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Delivers 150.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 147.7 vs 58.9 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 150W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (43,424 vs 43,528).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core i9-12900KS is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900KS is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i9-12900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 i9-12900KS is still the faster CPU overall, but Core Ultra 5 245KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12900KS comes in 151.4% more expensive on MSRP at $739 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 245KF is also 150.8% better value on MSRP (147.7 vs 58.9 PassMark/$), 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 245KF 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 245KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

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

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

Core i9-12900KS

The Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,528 points. Launch price was $499.

Core Ultra 5 245KF

The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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: 43,424 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the Core Ultra 5 245KF's 43,424 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245KF.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Cores / Threads	16 / 24+14%	14 / 14
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+2%	5.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	4.2 GHz+24%
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-S (2022)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	43,528	43,424
Cinebench R23 Multi	27,796	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,082	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — the Core Ultra 5 245KF supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245KF).

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900KS supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) and Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245KF) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245KF rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD 770	Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900KS was priced at $739, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF came in at $294. On launch pricing ($739 vs $294), Core Ultra 5 245KF was $445 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 58.9 pts/$ vs 147.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245KF — making the Core Ultra 5 245KF the 86% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP	$739	$294-60%
Performance per Dollar	58.9	147.7+151%
Release Date	2022	2024

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