Core Ultra 5 225 vs Core Ultra 5 225F

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 Ultra 5 225 vs Core Ultra 5 225F 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 Ultra 5 225 vs Core Ultra 5 225F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core Ultra 5 225

2025

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores), while Core Ultra 5 225F needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Laminar RM2), unlike Core Ultra 5 225F.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,020 vs 17,050).
❌
3.9% HIGHER MSRP
$240 MSRPvs$231 MSRP

Core Ultra 5 225F

2025

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅Costs $9 less on MSRP ($231 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 225 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core Ultra 5 225.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225F better than Core Ultra 5 225?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 225F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 1.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 5 225F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 10 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 225F is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 225F comes in $9 cheaper on MSRP at $231 MSRP versus $240 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% higher PassMark. It is also 5.2% better value on MSRP (136.5 vs 129.7 PassMark/$), 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 225F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 10 threads instead of 10/10. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 5 225 vs Core Ultra 5 225F Technical Specifications

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

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 Ultra 5 225F

The Core Ultra 5 225F 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: 31,541 points. Launch price was $231.

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Processing Power

Both the Core Ultra 5 225 and Core Ultra 5 225F share an identical 10-core/10-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture using a 3 nm process. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225 scores 31,137 against the Core Ultra 5 225F's 31,541 — a 1.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,020 vs 17,050 (0.2% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 2,653, a 0% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 13,028 (0% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F). Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225	Core Ultra 5 225F
Cores / Threads	10 / 10	10 / 10
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	4.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)	3 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm	3 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	31,137	31,541+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	17,020	17,050
Geekbench 6 Single	2,653	2,653
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,028	13,028

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1851 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. Both support up to 256 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225F).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225	Core Ultra 5 225F
Socket	LGA1851	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400	DDR5-6400
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	256 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	24	24

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core Ultra 5 225F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core Ultra 5 225) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225F). The Core Ultra 5 225 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores)), while the Core Ultra 5 225F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225	Core Ultra 5 225F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores)	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 225 was priced at $240, while the Core Ultra 5 225F came in at $231. On launch pricing ($240 vs $231), Core Ultra 5 225F was $9 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 225 delivers 129.7 pts/$ vs 136.5 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 225F — making the Core Ultra 5 225F the 5.1% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225	Core Ultra 5 225F
MSRP	$240	$231-4%
Performance per Dollar	129.7	136.5+5%
Release Date	2025	2025

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