Core Ultra 5 245K vs Core i9-12900KS
Core Ultra 5 245K
Core i9-12900KS
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 245K
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+92%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
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 245K and Core i9-12900KS
Core Ultra 5 245K
The Core Ultra 5 245K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,417 points. Launch price was $319.
Core i9-12900KS
The Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,528 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245K packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core i9-12900KS offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 43,417 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 16 / 24+14% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.3 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+24% | 3.4 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-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 43,417 | 43,528 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,796 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,082 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900KS uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245K supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% 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 245K) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+127900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 128 GB+69904967% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900KS supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245K) and UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) | UHD 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 245K launched at $319 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($200 vs $385), the Core Ultra 5 245K is $185 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245K delivers 217.1 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 63% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319-57% | $739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-48% | $385 |
| Performance per Dollar | 217.1+92% | 113.1 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
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