Core Ultra 5 225F vs Xeon w5-2445

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 225F vs Xeon w5-2445 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 225F vs Xeon w5-2445: 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 225F

2025

Why buy it

✅+45.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 65W instead of 175W, a 110W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 26 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-2445, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $231 MSRP, while Xeon w5-2445 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon w5-2445

2023

Why buy it

✅+31.3% larger total L3 cache (26 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,822 vs 2,653).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,500 vs 17,050).
❌169.2% higher power demand at 175W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225F better than Xeon w5-2445?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-2445 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 225F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 225F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 10% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $231 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (136.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 10 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 225F vs Xeon w5-2445 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon w5-2445

The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 225F packs 10 cores / 10 threads, matching the Xeon w5-2445's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225F uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225F scores 31,541 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 2.1% lead for the Xeon w5-2445. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,050 vs 15,500 (9.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,653 vs 1,822, a 37.1% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,028 vs 10,719 (19.4% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225F). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225F vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225F	Xeon w5-2445
Cores / Threads	10 / 10	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+7%	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+6%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	26.25 MB+31%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+50%	2 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	31,541	32,213+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	17,050+10%	15,500
Geekbench 6 Single	2,653+46%	1,822
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,028+22%	10,719

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 225F uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 225F versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-2445 — the Core Ultra 5 225F supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2445 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2445). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2445) — the Xeon w5-2445 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 225F) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 225F	Xeon w5-2445
Socket	LGA1851	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+33%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	2048 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	64+167%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w5-2445). Primary use case: Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.