CPU
GPU
Core Ultra 5 245
Core i9-12900KF
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 5 245
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($220) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+43%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($220) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) |
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 5 245 and Core i9-12900KF
Core Ultra 5 245
The Core Ultra 5 245 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 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 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: 40,165 points. Launch price was $270.
Core i9-12900KF
The Core i9-12900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,858 points. Launch price was $564.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245 packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core i9-12900KF offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900KF has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KF (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i9-12900KF uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245 scores 40,165 against the Core i9-12900KF's 40,858 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i9-12900KF. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KF.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 16 / 24+14% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | 5.2 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+9% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+140% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 40,165 | 40,858+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,472 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,585 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,300 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900KF uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900KF — the Core Ultra 5 245 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245 supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245) and Z690,Z790,B660,B760 (Core i9-12900KF).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+127900% | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 | 128 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900KF). The Core Ultra 5 245 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the Core i9-12900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900KF targets Extreme Gaming / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245 rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Core i9-12900KF rivals Ryzen 9 5950X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Extreme Gaming / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 245 launched at $319 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KF debuted at $564. At current prices ($220 vs $320), the Core Ultra 5 245 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245 delivers 182.6 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KF — making the Core Ultra 5 245 the 35.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319-43% | $564 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $220-31% | $320 |
| Performance per Dollar | 182.6+43% | 127.7 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2021 |
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