Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Core Ultra 5 245K
Ryzen AI Max 390
Core Ultra 5 245K
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
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 245K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 Ryzen AI Max 390 and Core Ultra 5 245K
Ryzen AI Max 390
The Ryzen AI Max 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: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen AI Max 390 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245K offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 41,834 against the Core Ultra 5 245K's 43,417 — a 3.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245K. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390 vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 14 / 14+17% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz+31% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+167% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+200% |
| Process | 4 nm | 3 nm-25% |
| Architecture | Strix Halo (2025) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 41,834 | 43,417+4% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K — the Ryzen AI Max 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: 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 245K). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 20 (Core Ultra 5 245K) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K).
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP11 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 8000+25% | 6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 192+50% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245K). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max; Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 8050S | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen AI Max 390 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 245K debuted at $319. At current prices ($0 vs $200), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $200 cheaper.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $319 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 217.1 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2024 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen AI Max 390 and Core Ultra 5 245K
