Core Ultra 5 245
Ryzen 5 3600
Core Ultra 5 245 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum
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.
Core Ultra 5 245 vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core Ultra 5 245 vs Ryzen 5 3600: 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 5 245
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +21.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Delivers 41.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 125.9 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($319 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
- ✅Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 32 MB).
- ❌60.3% HIGHER MSRP$319 MSRPvs$199 MSRP
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.
Ryzen 5 3600
2019Why buy it
- ✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 24 MB).
- ✅Costs $120 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
- ✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core Ultra 5 245.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 40,165).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 88.9 vs 125.9 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
- ❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 245 moves to LGA1851 and DDR5.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Core Ultra 5 245 better than Ryzen 5 3600?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 245 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245 packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245 scores 40,165 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 77.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14+133% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+21% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 512K (per core)+16967% |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 40,165+127% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Core Ultra 5 245 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+100% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | Yes | No |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 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 Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core Ultra 5 245 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245 rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245 was priced at $319, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($319 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $120 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245 delivers 125.9 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Core Ultra 5 245 the 34.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319 | $199-38% |
| Performance per Dollar | 125.9+42% | 88.9 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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