Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

Intel

Core Ultra 5 245T

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

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
Threadripper family
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Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 Threadripper 2990WX 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 Threadripper 2990WX: 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

  • +1.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $1,529 less on MSRP ($270 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Delivers 576.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 120.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($270 MSRP vs $1,799 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 250W, a 185W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (31,945 vs 32,444).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 120.2 PassMark/$ ($1,799 MSRP vs $270 MSRP).
  • 284.6% higher power demand at 250W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on TR4 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 Core Ultra 5 245T better than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 245T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 5 245T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 5 245T is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245T comes in $1,529 cheaper on MSRP at $270 MSRP versus $1,799 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 576.7% better value on MSRP (120.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 245T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1851 and DDR5 instead of TR4, and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 14 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 245T vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 Threadripper 2990WX

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 245T packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245T versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245T scores 32,444 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 1.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245T. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245T vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads
14 / 14
32 / 64+129%
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz+21%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3 GHz+36%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
64 MB+167%
L2 Cache
3 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+16967%
Process
3 nm-75%
12 nm
Architecture
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark
32,444+2%
31,945
Cinebench R23 Multi
33,213
Geekbench 6 Single
1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,612
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 245T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245T versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Core Ultra 5 245T supports 118.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245T) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 5 245T) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket
LGA1851
TR4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6400+118%
DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity
256 GB
2048 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
64+220%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 Threadripper 2990WX). The Core Ultra 5 245T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG 64EU), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 245T targets Desktop Low Power, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
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
Extreme Content Creation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 245T was priced at $270, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($270 vs $1799), Core Ultra 5 245T was $1529 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 245T delivers 120.2 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — making the Core Ultra 5 245T the 148.5% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 245TRyzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP
$270-85%
$1799
Performance per Dollar
120.2+575%
17.8
Release Date
2025
2018

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