Xeon Gold 6526Y vs Core Ultra 5 245KF
Xeon Gold 6526Y
Core Ultra 5 245KF
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 Xeon Gold 6526Y
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 5 245KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) | ✅ More affordable ($189) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1431%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,878) | ✅ More affordable ($189) |
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 Xeon Gold 6526Y and Core Ultra 5 245KF
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6526Y packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Xeon Gold 6526Y has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6526Y versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245KF (base: 2.8 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6526Y uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6526Y scores 43,195 against the Core Ultra 5 245KF's 43,424 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. L3 cache: 37.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6526Y vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245KF.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+14% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 5.2 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB (total)+56% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+50% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 43,195 | 43,424 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6526Y uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5200 on the Xeon Gold 6526Y versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — the Core Ultra 5 245KF 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: 8 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 245KF). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) vs 20 (Core Ultra 5 245KF) — the Xeon Gold 6526Y offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6526Y) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245KF).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5200 | 6400+23% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096+2033% | 192 |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+300% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 245KF includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), while the Xeon Gold 6526Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6526Y rivals EPYC 9334; Core Ultra 5 245KF rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6526Y launched at $2878 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF debuted at $294.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6526Y | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2878 | $294-90% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $189 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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