Core Ultra 5 245K vs Ryzen AI Max 390

Core Ultra 5 245K vs Ryzen AI Max 390 Performance Spectrum

Core Ultra 5 245K

14 / 14

43,417

+3.8%

41,834

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

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 Ryzen AI Max 390 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 245K vs Ryzen AI Max 390: 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

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $319 MSRP, while Ryzen AI Max 390 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌127.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 55W.

Ryzen AI Max 390

2025

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 125W, a 70W reduction.
✅40% more PCIe lanes (28 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 (41,834 vs 43,417).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 245K better than Ryzen AI Max 390?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 245K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 3.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 245K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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 245K is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.8% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 245K is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $319 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (136.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen AI Max 390 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core Ultra 5 245K vs Ryzen AI Max 390 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.

Ryzen AI Max 390

The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 245K packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 43,417 against the Ryzen AI Max 390's 41,834 — a 3.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245K. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245K	Ryzen AI Max 390
Cores / Threads	14 / 14+17%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+4%	5 GHz
Base Clock	4.2 GHz+31%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	64 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+200%	1 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-25%	4 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)	Strix Halo (2025)
PassMark	43,417+4%	41,834

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 25% 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 — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245K	Ryzen AI Max 390
Socket	LGA1851	FP11
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	6400	8000+25%
Max RAM Capacity	192+50%	128
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	28+40%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245K) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245K	Ryzen AI Max 390
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)	AMD Radeon 8050S
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245K was priced at $319, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($319 vs $0), Ryzen AI Max 390 was $319 cheaper.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245K	Ryzen AI Max 390
MSRP	$319	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	136.1	—
Release Date	2024	2025

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