Core Ultra 5 225 vs Core i9-12950HX
Core Ultra 5 225
Core i9-12950HX
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 Ultra 5 225
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12950HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225 | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225 | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Ultra 5 225 and Core i9-12950HX
Core Ultra 5 225
The Core Ultra 5 225 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 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 31,137 points. Launch price was $246.
Core i9-12950HX
The Core i9-12950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,494 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225 packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Core i9-12950HX offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12950HX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12950HX — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12950HX (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i9-12950HX uses Alder Lake-HX (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225 scores 31,137 against the Core i9-12950HX's 31,494 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i9-12950HX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,020 vs 23,113 (30.4% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 2,349, a 12.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 15,711 (18.7% advantage for the Core i9-12950HX). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12950HX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 16 / 24+60% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 5 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+43% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+140% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Alder Lake-HX (2022) |
| PassMark | 31,137 | 31,494+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,020 | 23,113+36% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,653+13% | 2,349 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,028 | 15,711+21% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12950HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 225 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225) vs 20 (Core i9-12950HX) — the Core Ultra 5 225 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12950HX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12950HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 225) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12950HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency, Core i9-12950HX targets Mobile Workstation Flagship. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G; Core i9-12950HX rivals Ryzen 9 6980HX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Core i9-12950HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency | Mobile Workstation Flagship |
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