Core Ultra 5 245K vs Xeon Gold 6526Y
Core Ultra 5 245K
Xeon Gold 6526Y
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 Xeon Gold 6526Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1346%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) |
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 Xeon Gold 6526Y
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.
Xeon Gold 6526Y
The Xeon Gold 6526Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 195 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,195 points. Launch price was $1,517.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 245K packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6526Y offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6526Y has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6526Y — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y uses Emerald Rapids (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 43,417 against the Xeon Gold 6526Y's 43,195 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245K. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K vs 37.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6526Y.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+33% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+50% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 37.5 MB (total)+56% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+50% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| PassMark | 43,417 | 43,195 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 245K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K versus 5200 on the Xeon Gold 6526Y — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 20.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6526Y supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6526Y). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) — the Xeon Gold 6526Y offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6526Y).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+23% | 5200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 4096+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 80+300% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 5 245K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6526Y supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 245K includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Xeon Gold 6526Y rivals EPYC 9334.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| 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 Xeon Gold 6526Y debuted at $2878.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 245K | Xeon Gold 6526Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319-89% | $2878 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | — |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
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