Core i9-12900KS vs Core Ultra 5 245KF
Core i9-12900KS
Core Ultra 5 245KF
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 i9-12900KS
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 245KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($189) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($189) |
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 i9-12900KS and Core Ultra 5 245KF
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.
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 | — |
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 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% 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+127900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+69904967% | 192 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KS launched at $739 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF debuted at $294. At current prices ($385 vs $189), the Core Ultra 5 245KF is $196 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 229.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245KF — making the Core Ultra 5 245KF the 68.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739 | $294-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385 | $189-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1 | 229.8+103% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2024 |
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