Core Ultra 5 245KF vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

Core Ultra 5 245KF vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 Performance Spectrum

Core Ultra 5 245KF

14 / 14

43,424

+0.6%

43,174

0.0%

Ryzen Z2 Extreme

Ryzen 7 7840HS

Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375

Ryzen 7 9700X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

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 245KF vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 245KF vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 245KF

2024

Why buy it

✅Costs $306 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).
✅Delivers 105.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 147.7 vs 72.0 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
❌127.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 55W.

Ryzen AI Max PRO 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

❌Lower PassMark (43,174 vs 43,424).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 72.0 vs 147.7 PassMark/$ ($600 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core Ultra 5 245KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% 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 245KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 245KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 245KF is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in $306 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $600 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 105.3% better value on MSRP (147.7 vs 72.0 PassMark/$), 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 PRO 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 245KF vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core Ultra 5 245KF

The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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: 43,424 points. Launch price was $294.

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 245KF packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245KF has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245KF (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 245KF scores 43,424 against the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390's 43,174 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245KF vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245KF	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	43,424	43,174

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 245KF versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245KF) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245KF) 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 245KF) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245KF	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	Yes	Yes
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 245KF) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245KF) 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 245KF rivals Ryzen 5 9600X; Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245KF	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

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245KF was priced at $294, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 came in at $600. On launch pricing ($294 vs $600), Core Ultra 5 245KF was $306 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245KF delivers 147.7 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — making the Core Ultra 5 245KF the 69% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245KF	Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
MSRP	$294-51%	$600
Performance per Dollar	147.7+105%	72.0
Release Date	2024	2025

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