Core Ultra 5 225
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
Core Ultra 5 225 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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 Ultra 5 225 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core Ultra 5 225 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX: 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
2025Why buy it
- ✅Costs $1,059 less on MSRP ($240 MSRP vs $1,299 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 444.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 129.7 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($240 MSRP vs $1,299 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
- ✅Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores), while Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (17,020 vs 29,045).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 64 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
2018Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+220% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 20 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
- ✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 129.7 PassMark/$ ($1,299 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).
- ❌284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
- ❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 225 moves to LGA1851 and DDR5.
- ❌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 Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX better than Core Ultra 5 225?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 225 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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.
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,954 points. Launch price was $1,299.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225 packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225 scores 31,137 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX's 30,954 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,020 vs 29,045 (52.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 1,240, a 72.6% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 7,241 (57.1% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 24 / 48+140% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+17% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 64 MB+220% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+16967% |
| Process | 3 nm-75% | 12 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 31,137 | 30,954 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,020 | 29,045+71% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,653+114% | 1,240 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,028+80% | 7,241 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — the Core Ultra 5 225 supports 118.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 225) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860,H810 (Core Ultra 5 225) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+118% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 2048 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 64+167% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX 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 Threadripper 2970WX). The Core Ultra 5 225 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics (2 Xe-cores)), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 225 targets Mainstream Desktop / Efficiency, Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX targets Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G; Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX rivals Core i9-7940X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Extreme Multi-threaded Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core Ultra 5 225 was priced at $240, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX came in at $1299. On launch pricing ($240 vs $1299), Core Ultra 5 225 was $1059 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 225 delivers 129.7 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX — making the Core Ultra 5 225 the 137.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225 | Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $240-82% | $1299 |
| Performance per Dollar | 129.7+445% | 23.8 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2018 |
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