Intel Arc G3 EXTREME vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 across all 17 benchmark comparisons. The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME does not win a single test in the head-to-head dataset. The largest gap appears in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the Ultra 5 245 scores 4648 against the Arc G3 EXTREME's 1862, a delta of -59.9%. This is the steepest single-threaded deficit in the entire comparison, indicating a fundamental difference in peak frequency capability.

The multi-core picture is similarly lopsided. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the Ultra 5 245 at 32924 versus 14655 for the Arc G3 EXTREME, a -55.5% delta. Cinebench R15 multi-core also favors the desktop part heavily: 3318 against 2192, a -33.9% gap. Cinebench R20 multi-core narrows slightly to -20.8%, with the Ultra 5 245 reaching 13828 and the Arc G3 EXTREME scoring 10945. The pattern across all three Cinebench versions is consistent: the Ultra 5 245 delivers substantially higher throughput, with the R23 delta being the most pronounced.

Single-core results outside Cinebench R23 show smaller but still decisive margins. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the Ultra 5 245 scores 1952 versus 1545, a -20.9% delta. Cinebench R15 single-core shows 468 against 267, a -42.9% delta. PassMark single-thread results are much closer: 4394 versus 4293, a delta of only -2.3%. This suggests that in certain short-duration single-thread workloads, the Arc G3 EXTREME is not far behind, despite the massive gap in Cinebench R23 single-core.

PassMark multi-thread results favor the Ultra 5 245 by 38706 to 30659, a -20.8% delta. The physics test is the closest overall at -2.1%, with scores of 2569 and 2515. This near-parity indicates that the Arc G3 EXTREME can match the desktop processor in at least one compute-heavy workload, likely one that scales with memory bandwidth or specific instruction patterns.

The remaining PassMark subtests all show double-digit deficits for the Arc G3 EXTREME. Data compression shows 400942 versus 307094, a -23.4% delta. Data encryption shows 30236 versus 23881, a -21% delta. Extended instructions show 33304 versus 24017, a -27.9% delta. Floating-point math shows 120548 versus 86929, also -27.9%. Integer math shows 91187 versus 71164, a -22% delta. Random string sorting shows 49140 versus 37331, a -24% delta. Prime number finding shows 365 versus 248, a -32.1% delta. Every workload class, from compression to encryption to math, lands firmly in favor of the Ultra 5 245.

Where Each One Wins

The wins are exclusively on the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 side. For heavily threaded rendering workloads, the Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 32924 against 14655 represents the strongest case for the desktop chip. Users running multi-minute render tasks would see the largest relative benefit here. The Cinebench R15 multi-core result, at 3318 versus 2192, reinforces the same conclusion for older rendering pipelines.

For single-threaded tasks, the Ultra 5 245 dominates Cinebench R23 single-core with 4648 against 1862. This is the largest single-thread delta in the dataset. The Cinebench R15 single-core result, 468 versus 267, and Cinebench R20 single-core, 1952 versus 1545, both confirm the same hierarchy. However, PassMark single-thread narrows to 4394 versus 4293, only -2.3%. That specific metric suggests the Arc G3 EXTREME is competitive in some single-thread scenarios, particularly those that do not rely on the same frequency scaling as Cinebench.

The Arc G3 EXTREME's closest relative performance comes in PassMark physics and PassMark single-thread, with deltas of -2.1% and -2.3% respectively. These are the only two tests where the gap falls below double digits. For workloads resembling those benchmarks, the mobile processor is nearly equivalent. The data does not provide any test where the Arc G3 EXTREME leads, so its use case is limited to scenarios where the overall performance gap is acceptable, and where the platform advantages of a mobile, low-power package matter more than raw benchmark scores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same core and thread counts, both at 14, and both use a 3 nm process node. The similarity ends there. The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME is built on the Panther Lake codename, with a generation label of "Arc G3 (Panther Lake)". The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 uses the Arrow Lake architecture, codenamed Arrow Lake-S, with the generation label "Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake)". The foundries differ: Intel fabricates the Arc G3 EXTREME, while TSMC fabricates the Ultra 5 245. The Ultra 5 245 lists 17,800 million transistors and a die size of 243 mm²; the Arc G3 EXTREME has no recorded transistor or die size data.

The cache hierarchy differs in the L2 and L3 stages. Both have 192 KB of L1 per core. The Arc G3 EXTREME has 2.5 MB of L2 per core and 18 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 5 245 has 3 MB of L2 per core and 24 MB of shared L3. The larger L3 on the desktop chip, 24 MB versus 18 MB, aligns with its higher throughput in cache-sensitive workloads.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Arc G3 EXTREME carries an Arc B390 iGPU, while the Ultra 5 245 uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The socket types are entirely different: Intel BGA 2540 for the Arc G3 EXTREME, and Intel Socket 1851 for the Ultra 5 245. The market segments reflect this: Mobile for the Arc G3 EXTREME, Desktop for the Ultra 5 245. The release dates also differ, with the Ultra 5 245 launching on 2025-01-06 and the Arc G3 EXTREME on 2026-05-27.

Specification Differences

The base and boost clocks show a clear gap. The Arc G3 EXTREME runs at a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The Ultra 5 245 runs at 3.50 GHz base and 5.10 GHz boost. The higher clocks on the desktop chip explain a large portion of its benchmark lead, particularly in single-thread tests. The TDP differs substantially: 25 W for the Arc G3 EXTREME versus 65 W for the Ultra 5 245. This is a four-fold thermal envelope difference, which directly impacts sustained performance.

Memory support differs by type. The Arc G3 EXTREME supports LPDDR5X, while the Ultra 5 245 supports DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The memory bandwidth figures diverge: the Arc G3 EXTREME records 136.5 GB/s, while the Ultra 5 245 records 102.4 GB/s. The mobile part has higher peak memory bandwidth despite its lower power budget.

ECC memory support is present on the Ultra 5 245 and absent on the Arc G3 EXTREME. PCIe lane counts also differ: the Arc G3 EXTREME provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 5 245 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The part numbers are SA4R3 for the Arc G3 EXTREME and SRVFE for the Ultra 5 245. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The launch MSRP of the Ultra 5 245 is $270. The Arc G3 EXTREME has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 boosts to 5.10 GHz, while the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap in Cinebench R23?

A: The Ultra 5 245 scores 4648 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Arc G3 EXTREME scores 1862, a delta of -59.9%.

Q: Do the two processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Ultra 5 245 has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Arc G3 EXTREME has 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What are the memory types supported by each processor?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME supports LPDDR5X, while the Ultra 5 245 supports DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME has a TDP of 25 W, while the Ultra 5 245 has a TDP of 65 W.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 as the stronger performer in every recorded test. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32924 versus 14655 is a decisive margin for rendering and heavily threaded workloads. The single-core Cinebench R23 result, 4648 versus 1862, shows a large frequency-driven advantage. The Ultra 5 245 also sits at the 90th percentile among all CPUs, compared to the 85th percentile for the Arc G3 EXTREME. Its average benchmark score of 48995 against 36699 places it in a different performance tier.

The Arc G3 EXTREME is not without its own merits. Its 25 W TDP, LPDDR5X memory support, and higher memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s make it suitable for mobile platforms where power and package size matter. The PassMark physics and single-thread deltas of -2.1% and -2.3% show that in a few specific workloads, the mobile chip comes close to the desktop part. However, the overall record shows the Ultra 5 245 leading by double digits in 15 of 17 comparisons.

The choice comes down to platform and workload. For desktop users who can accommodate the 65 W TDP, the Ultra 5 245 delivers the best recorded performance in this comparison, with ECC memory support and 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. For mobile deployments where the 25 W TDP and BGA 2540 socket are required, the Arc G3 EXTREME provides a functional alternative, but the data confirms a substantial performance sacrifice in nearly all measured categories.