Core i9-13900HK vs Core Ultra 5 225T

Intel

Core i9-13900HK

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core Ultra 5 225T

10 Cores10 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
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Core i9-13900HK vs Core Ultra 5 225T 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 i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK

2023

Why buy it

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 16.7% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,629 vs 2,677).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 39.0 vs 112.0 PassMark/$ ($697 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).

Core Ultra 5 225T

2025

Why buy it

  • +1.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $457 less on MSRP ($240 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).
  • Delivers 186.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.0 vs 39.0 PassMark/$ ($240 MSRP vs $697 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (26,874 vs 27,217).
  • 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 i9-13900HK?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core Ultra 5 225T is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-13900HK pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark. Core i9-13900HK 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 i9-13900HK is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, 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 $457 cheaper on MSRP at $240 MSRP versus $697 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-13900HK is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.3% better PassMark. It is also 186.8% better value on MSRP (112.0 vs 39.0 PassMark/$), 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 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900HK vs Core Ultra 5 225T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-13900HK

The Core i9-13900HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 27,217 points. Launch price was $697.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core i9-13900HK packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Core i9-13900HK has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HK versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225T — a 9.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HK (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-13900HK uses the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 225T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900HK scores 27,217 against the Core Ultra 5 225T's 26,874 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-13900HK. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,629 vs 2,677, a 1.8% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900HK vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225T.

FeatureCore i9-13900HKCore Ultra 5 225T
Cores / Threads
14 / 20+40%
10 / 10
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz+10%
4.9 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+4%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)+20%
20 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
3 MB (per core)+50%
Process
Intel 7 nm
3 nm-57%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark
27,217+1%
26,874
Geekbench 6 Single
2,629
2,677+2%
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,943
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900HK 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 DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13900HK versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225T — the Core Ultra 5 225T supports 23.1% 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 96 GB 166.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i9-13900HK) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225T) — the Core i9-13900HK offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Mobile (Core i9-13900HK) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225T).

FeatureCore i9-13900HKCore Ultra 5 225T
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA1851
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200
DDR5-6400+23%
Max RAM Capacity
96 GB
256 GB+167%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
28+17%
24
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900HK has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-13900HK supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-13900HK) 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 Ultra 5 225T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225T rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

FeatureCore i9-13900HKCore Ultra 5 225T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Arc Graphics (16EU)
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13900HK was priced at $697, while the Core Ultra 5 225T came in at $240. On launch pricing ($697 vs $240), Core Ultra 5 225T was $457 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13900HK delivers 39.0 pts/$ vs 112.0 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225T — making the Core Ultra 5 225T the 96.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-13900HKCore Ultra 5 225T
MSRP
$697
$240-66%
Performance per Dollar
39.0
112.0+187%
Release Date
2023
2025

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