Intel Arc G3 vs Intel Core Ultra 3 205 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows a clear split between these two Intel processors, with the Core Ultra 3 205 claiming every benchmark win in the database. The Arc G3 has no recorded benchmark scores, so its performance profile cannot be quantified from the available measurements. The Core Ultra 3 205, by contrast, delivers a full suite of Cinebench and PassMark results, giving analysts a complete picture of its capabilities.

The Core Ultra 3 205 excels in single-threaded applications. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2803 points and PassMark single-thread result of 4575 indicate strong per-core efficiency. The chip also performs well in multi-threaded workloads, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 19856 points. Its PassMark multithread score of 26167 reinforces this position. The data shows the Core Ultra 3 205 sits at the 82nd percentile among all CPUs, a strong placement for a desktop processor.

The Arc G3, with no benchmark entries in the database, cannot be compared directly on any performance metric. Its specifications, however, reveal a different design intent. The mobile processor uses 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Core Ultra 3 205 uses 8 cores and 8 threads. The Arc G3 also carries a lower thermal design power of 25 watts versus 57 watts for the Core Ultra 3 205. These figures suggest the Arc G3 targets power-constrained mobile environments, while the Core Ultra 3 205 targets desktop workloads where higher power draw is acceptable.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel lines. The Arc G3 belongs to the Arc G3 (Panther Lake) generation and uses the Panther Lake codename. The Core Ultra 3 205 belongs to the Ultra 3 (Arrow Lake) generation, part of the Core Ultra Series 2, and uses the Arrow Lake-S codename. Both chips use a 3 nm process node, but the foundry differs: Intel fabricates the Arc G3, while TSMC fabricates the Core Ultra 3 205.

The Core Ultra 3 205 has a published transistor count of 17,800 million and a die size of 243 mm². The Arc G3 has no recorded transistor or die size data. Cache configurations differ as well. The Arc G3 provides 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 3 205 offers the same 192 KB L1 per core, but a larger 3 MB L2 per core and a smaller 15 MB shared L3. The Arc G3 therefore holds an advantage in total L3 capacity, while the Core Ultra 3 205 has more L2 per core.

Clock speeds favor the Core Ultra 3 205. Its base clock runs at 3.80 GHz and boosts to 4.90 GHz. The Arc G3 starts at 1.90 GHz and boosts to 4.60 GHz. This gives the desktop chip a higher operating range in both base and boost states. The Core Ultra 3 205 also carries a higher TDP of 57 watts, compared to 25 watts for the Arc G3, which aligns with its higher clock speeds.

Memory support separates the two as well. The Arc G3 uses LPDDR5X memory with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s. The Core Ultra 3 205 uses DDR5 memory, also dual-channel, with a lower memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The Arc G3 thus delivers higher theoretical memory bandwidth despite its mobile positioning.

PCIe connectivity differs significantly. The Arc G3 provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The Core Ultra 3 205 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), a much wider interface for desktop expansion. Integrated graphics also differ: the Arc G3 uses Arc B370 graphics, while the Core Ultra 3 205 uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU.

The sockets are incompatible. The Arc G3 uses Intel BGA 2540, a soldered mobile package. The Core Ultra 3 205 uses Intel Socket 1851, a desktop socket. The Core Ultra 3 205 has a launch MSRP of $140. The Arc G3 has no recorded launch MSRP. Both processors are production active, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Arc G3 released on May 27, 2026, while the Core Ultra 3 205 released on July 31, 2025.

The Verdict

The benchmark data supports a clear choice for users seeking measured performance: the Core Ultra 3 205. Every recorded score in the database belongs to this processor, and its 82nd percentile placement among all CPUs confirms strong overall capability. Its nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core 7 240H with an average score of 31483 and a delta of 0 percent, the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX at 31495 with a delta of -0.1 percent, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H at 31508 with a delta of -0.1 percent, and the Intel Core i5-13500 at 31510 with a delta of -0.1 percent. This places the Core Ultra 3 205 essentially level with those competitors.

The Arc G3 cannot be recommended on the basis of benchmark results, as none exist in the database. Its specifications, however, indicate a different role. The lower TDP of 25 watts, the mobile BGA 2540 socket, and the higher memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s suggest a processor built for power-efficient laptops. The Core Ultra 3 205, with its 57 watt TDP, desktop socket, and 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, targets traditional desktop builds.

For desktop users who need a processor with verified performance across Cinebench and PassMark tests, the Core Ultra 3 205 is the only option with recorded data. For mobile users who prioritize lower power consumption and higher memory bandwidth, the Arc G3 offers those features, though without any performance measurements to validate its actual speed. The data does not support a performance comparison, only a feature comparison, and the Core Ultra 3 205 wins on clock speed, PCIe lane count, and available benchmark coverage.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Arc G3 has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the boost clock of each processor?

A: The Intel Arc G3 boosts to 4.60 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 boosts to 4.90 GHz.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Arc G3 supports LPDDR5X memory with a bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s. The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 supports DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s.

Q: What is the thermal design power of the Core Ultra 3 205?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 has a TDP of 57 watts. The Intel Arc G3 has a TDP of 25 watts.

Q: Which processor uses a desktop socket?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 uses Intel Socket 1851. The Intel Arc G3 uses Intel BGA 2540, a mobile socket.

Q: What is the Cinebench R23 multi-core score for the Core Ultra 3 205?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 scores 19856 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core. The Arc G3 has no recorded Cinebench scores.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors. All 17 recorded benchmark scores belong exclusively to the Intel Core Ultra 3 205. The Arc G3 has zero benchmark results, making direct numerical comparison impossible.

The Core Ultra 3 205 delivers its strongest multi-threaded result in Cinebench R23, scoring 19856 points. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score reaches 8339, and its Cinebench R15 multi-core score reaches 2001. Single-threaded results follow a similar pattern: 2803 points in Cinebench R23, 1177 in Cinebench R20, and 282 in Cinebench R15.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 3 205 cover a range of workloads. The processor scores 260651 in data compression, 18772 in data encryption, 22578 in extended instructions, 268 in prime number finding, 75136 in floating point math, 54755 in integer math, 26167 in multithreaded performance, 2016 in physics, 31083 in random string sorting, and 4575 in single-thread performance. Its average benchmark score across all tests is 31473.

The nearest rival data for the Core Ultra 3 205 shows it performs within 0.1 percent of several comparable processors. The Intel Core 7 240H matches it exactly with a delta of 0 percent. The AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX trails by 0.1 percent with an average score of 31495. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225H also trails by 0.1 percent at 31508, as does the Intel Core i5-13500 at 31510.

The Arc G3 offers no comparable figures. Its percentile rank of 50 among all CPUs suggests a mid-range position, but without benchmark scores, this rank cannot be tied to specific performance levels. The Core Ultra 3 205, with its 82nd percentile rank and complete benchmark suite, provides the only measurable performance data in this comparison. Users analyzing these two processors must rely on the Core Ultra 3 205 for any performance conclusions, while the Arc G3 can only be assessed on its listed specifications.