Core Ultra 5 225F vs Core i9-10980XE
Core Ultra 5 225F
Core i9-10980XE
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 225F
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+305%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
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 225F and Core i9-10980XE
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.
Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225F packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Core i9-10980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225F uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i9-10980XE uses Cascade Lake-X (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225F scores 31,541 against the Core i9-10980XE's 32,187 — a 2% lead for the Core i9-10980XE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,050 vs 24,309 (35.1% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 1,242, a 72.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 16,275 (22.2% advantage for the Core i9-10980XE). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225F vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 18 / 36+80% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+2% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 24.75 MB (total)+24% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+200% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Cascade Lake-X (2019) |
| PassMark | 31,541 | 32,187+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,050 | 24,309+43% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,653+114% | 1,242 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,028 | 16,275+25% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225F uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10980XE — the Core Ultra 5 225F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 256 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 4 (Core i9-10980XE). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 48 (Core i9-10980XE) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225F) and X299 (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 48+100% |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs Yes (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 225F launched at $231 MSRP, while the Core i9-10980XE debuted at $979. At current prices ($150 vs $620), the Core Ultra 5 225F is $470 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 225F delivers 210.3 pts/$ vs 51.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-10980XE — making the Core Ultra 5 225F the 120.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $231-76% | $979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-76% | $620 |
| Performance per Dollar | 210.3+305% | 51.9 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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