Core Ultra 5 225T vs M2 Max

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 225T vs M2 Max 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 225T vs M2 Max: 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 225T

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $240 MSRP, while M2 Max mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌80.6% higher power demand at 65W vs 36W.

M2 Max

2023

Why buy it

✅+140% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 36W instead of 65W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 225T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (26,824 vs 26,874).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 225T better than M2 Max?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 225T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 225T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.3% 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 225T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 10 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 5 225T is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 225T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $240 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (112.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M2 Max can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 5 225T 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 12/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 225T vs M2 Max Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 — 166.7% 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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	24	0

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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.