Core Ultra 5 245K
EPYC 9124
Core Ultra 5 245K vs EPYC 9124 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 245K vs EPYC 9124 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 245K vs EPYC 9124: 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 245K
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +15.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $764 less on MSRP ($319 MSRP vs $1,083 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 237.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 136.1 vs 40.3 PassMark/$ ($319 MSRP vs $1,083 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 125W instead of 200W, a 75W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores), while EPYC 9124 needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Lower PassMark (43,417 vs 43,638).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9124, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
EPYC 9124
2022Why buy it
- ✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
- ✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
- ✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 40.3 vs 136.1 PassMark/$ ($1,083 MSRP vs $319 MSRP).
- ❌60% higher power demand at 200W vs 125W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Core Ultra 5 245K better than EPYC 9124?
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 245K vs EPYC 9124 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
EPYC 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245K packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the EPYC 9124 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the EPYC 9124 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 9124 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 43,417 against the EPYC 9124's 43,638 — a 0.5% lead for the EPYC 9124. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+41% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+40% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+200% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-40% | 5 nm, 6 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 43,417 | 43,638 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,770 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9124 uses SP5 (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 EPYC 9124 — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 12 (EPYC 9124). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 128 (EPYC 9124) — the EPYC 9124 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K) and SP5 (EPYC 9124).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 6144 GB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 12+500% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 5 245K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9124 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs AMD-V (EPYC 9124). The Core Ultra 5 245K includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245K was priced at $319, while the EPYC 9124 came in at $1083. On launch pricing ($319 vs $1083), Core Ultra 5 245K was $764 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245K delivers 136.1 pts/$ vs 40.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9124 — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 108.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319-71% | $1083 |
| Performance per Dollar | 136.1+238% | 40.3 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
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