Core Ultra 5 245K vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
Core Ultra 5 245K
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+202%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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 PRO 390
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 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: 43,174 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245K packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 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 PRO 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 43,417 against the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390's 43,174 — a 0.6% 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 PRO 390.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 | 43,174 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 390 — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports 22.2% 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 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 390).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28+40% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 390). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245K) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 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
The Core Ultra 5 245K launched at $319 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 debuted at $600. At current prices ($200 vs $600), the Core Ultra 5 245K is $400 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245K delivers 217.1 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 100.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319-47% | $600 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-67% | $600 |
| Performance per Dollar | 217.1+202% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core Ultra 5 245K and Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
