
Core Ultra 5 225F

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
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 Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+721%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,247) |
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 Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 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: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225F packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 22 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 15.4% 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 Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225F scores 31,541 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 1.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,050 vs 33,213 (64.3% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 1,206, a 75% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 7,612 (52.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225F vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 32 / 64+220% |
| 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)+500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-75% | 12 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 31,541 | 31,945+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,050 | 33,213+95% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,653+120% | 1,206 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,028+71% | 7,612 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225F uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core Ultra 5 225F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225F) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | 2048 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 64+167% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core Ultra 5 225F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Extreme Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 225F launched at $231 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX debuted at $1799. At current prices ($150 vs $1247), the Core Ultra 5 225F is $1097 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 225F delivers 210.3 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core Ultra 5 225F the 156.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225F | Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $231-87% | $1799 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-88% | $1247 |
| Performance per Dollar | 210.3+721% | 25.6 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2018 |
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