Core Ultra 5 225 vs Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
Core Ultra 5 225
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
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 Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+0%) |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
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.
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
The Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 September 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 31,251 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225 packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 — a 13% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225 scores 31,137 against the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900's 31,251 — a 0.4% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,020 vs 17,500 (2.8% advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 1,688, a 44.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 10,000 (26.3% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 12 / 24+20% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+14% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+6% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 64 MB+220% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 6 MB+100% |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 31,137 | 31,251 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,020 | 17,500+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,653+57% | 1,688 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,028+30% | 10,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 — the Core Ultra 5 225 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225) and X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core Ultra 5 225) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 PRO 3900). The Core Ultra 5 225 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores)), while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency, Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 targets Professional Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G; Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 rivals Core i9-10900.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores) | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency | Professional Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 225 launched at $240 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 debuted at $499. At current prices ($200 vs $200), the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 225 delivers 155.7 pts/$ vs 156.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 — making the Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 the 0.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $240-52% | $499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 155.7 | 156.3 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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