Core Ultra 5 225T vs M2 Max
Core Ultra 5 225T
M2 Max
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 225T
Performance Per Dollar M2 Max
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225T | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 225T | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 225T and M2 Max
Core Ultra 5 225T
The Core Ultra 5 225T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2025 (recentemente). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 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: 26,874 points. Launch price was $299.
M2 Max
The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 225T packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the M2 Max has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225T versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 27.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225T is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 225T scores 26,874 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 0.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225T vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225T | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 12 / 12+20% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+32% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+3% | 2.424 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 48 MB+140% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 36 MB+1100% |
| Process | 3 nm-40% | 5 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | — |
| PassMark | 26,874 | 26,824 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,677 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,943 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 225T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 225T supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 225T) vs 4 (M2 Max). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 225T) vs 0 (M2 Max) — the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225T | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+167% | 96 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225T) vs Virtualization (M2 Max). Both include integrated graphics — Arc Graphics (16EU) (Core Ultra 5 225T) and Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 225T targets Budget, M2 Max targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225T rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 225T | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics (16EU) | Apple M2 Max GPU |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Virtualization |
| Target Use | Budget | Mobile |
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