Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen 9 3900XT

Intel

Core Ultra 5 245T

14 Cores14 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
·······
VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 3900XT

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2020
Ryzen family
·······

Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen 9 3900XT 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 245T vs Ryzen 9 3900XT 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 245T vs Ryzen 9 3900XT: 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 245T

2025

Why buy it

  • Costs $229 less on MSRP ($270 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
  • Delivers 84.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 120.2 vs 65.2 PassMark/$ ($270 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 105W, a 40W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Xe-LPG 64EU, while Ryzen 9 3900XT needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 3900XT across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (32,444 vs 32,512).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).

Ryzen 9 3900XT

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +15.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 65.2 vs 120.2 PassMark/$ ($499 MSRP vs $270 MSRP).
  • 61.5% higher power demand at 105W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 245T moves to LGA1851 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 3900XT better than Core Ultra 5 245T?
Yes. Ryzen 9 3900XT is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 3900XT is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.4% 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, Ryzen 9 3900XT is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 3900XT is still the faster CPU overall, but Core Ultra 5 245T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen 9 3900XT comes in 84.8% more expensive on MSRP at $499 MSRP versus $270 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 245T is also 84.4% better value on MSRP (120.2 vs 65.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1851 + DDR5 setup, Core Ultra 5 245T can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 245T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2020) and a healthier platform with LGA1851 and DDR5 instead of AM4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen 9 3900XT Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 5 245T

The Core Ultra 5 245T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 32,444 points. Launch price was $270.

AMD

Ryzen 9 3900XT

The Ryzen 9 3900XT is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 32,512 points. Launch price was $499.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 245T packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen 9 3900XT offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245T versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900XT — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 9 3900XT uses Matisse 2 (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245T scores 32,444 against the Ryzen 9 3900XT's 32,512 — a 0.2% lead for the Ryzen 9 3900XT. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245T vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 3900XT.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen 9 3900XT
Cores / Threads
14 / 14+17%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz+9%
4.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.8 GHz+73%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
64 MB+167%
L2 Cache
3 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+16967%
Process
3 nm-57%
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Matisse 2 (2020)
PassMark
32,444
32,512
Cinebench R23 Multi
18,400
Geekbench 6 Single
1,750
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,500
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 245T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 3900XT uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900XT — the Core Ultra 5 245T supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245T supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245T) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) — the Ryzen 9 3900XT offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen 9 3900XT
Socket
LGA1851
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6400+100%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB+100%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 3900XT has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245T) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900XT). The Core Ultra 5 245T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG 64EU), while the Ryzen 9 3900XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 245T targets Desktop Low Power, Ryzen 9 3900XT targets Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900XT rivals Core i9-10900K.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen 9 3900XT
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Arc Xe-LPG 64EU
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop Low Power
Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245T was priced at $270, while the Ryzen 9 3900XT came in at $499. On launch pricing ($270 vs $499), Core Ultra 5 245T was $229 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245T delivers 120.2 pts/$ vs 65.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 3900XT — making the Core Ultra 5 245T the 59.4% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen 9 3900XT
MSRP
$270-46%
$499
Performance per Dollar
120.2+84%
65.2
Release Date
2025
2020

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.