Intel Core Ultra 5 225F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225T Comparison

Intel Core Ultra 5 225F and Intel Core Ultra 5 225T are both 10-core, 10-thread desktop processors from the Core Ultra Series 2, built on the Arrow Lake architecture and fabricated on TSMC's 3 nm process. They share the same Intel Socket 1851, the same 20 MB shared L3 cache, and the same dual-channel DDR5 memory support with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. The data shows a significant performance divergence across different workloads, with the 225F winning 14 of 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, while the 225T claims 3 wins, including some decisive single-core and multi-core Cinebench results. This analysis walks through the recorded benchmark data to identify where each processor excels, what architectural differences explain the split, and which workloads favor which chip.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F dominates the PassMark suite, winning all 9 recorded PassMark tests. Its largest margins come in extended instructions (39.6% ahead), data compression (32.8% ahead), and random string sorting (29.7% ahead). It also takes data encryption by 23.8%, find prime numbers by 23.9%, and multithread by 22.3%. In floating point math, the 225F leads by 11.8%, and in integer math by 11.5%. Even the closest PassMark contest, single-thread, goes to the 225F by 1.1%. The 225F also wins the older Cinebench R15 and R20 multicore tests, with 20.1% and 19.9% leads respectively, and takes Cinebench R20 singlecore by 19.9%. These results indicate the 225F is the stronger all-around performer for general computing, data processing, and encryption tasks.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T wins only 3 of the 17 comparisons, but they are notable. It delivers a 39% lead in Cinebench R23 singlecore, a 25.1% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore, and an 8% lead in Cinebench R15 singlecore. The R23 results are particularly striking because they contradict the pattern seen in the older Cinebench versions. The 225T's R23 multicore score of 21971 far exceeds the 225F's 16467, which is a reversal of the R15 and R20 multicore outcomes. This suggests the 225T has a performance advantage in the newer Cinebench rendering workload, likely due to different clock behavior or thermal management. The 225T also edges ahead in R15 singlecore, though by a smaller margin than its R23 singlecore lead.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same Arrow Lake-S design with identical core counts: 10 cores and 10 threads, with no hyperthreading. The process node is 3 nm from TSMC, and both have 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die. The cache hierarchy is identical: 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 20 MB of shared L3. Memory support matches as well, with dual-channel DDR5 and 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. Neither processor has a v-cache option, and both lack ECC memory support. PCIe connectivity is the same: Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU only.

The key architectural difference is the base clock. The 225F runs at 3.30 GHz base, while the 225T runs at 2.50 GHz base. Both boost to 4.90 GHz, and both have a 65 W TDP. The lower base clock on the 225T explains its lower scores in many PassMark tests, where sustained all-core workloads depend on the base frequency. The 225T's advantage in Cinebench R23, however, points to a different factor: the 225T includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU), while the 225F has no integrated graphics (N/A). The presence of the iGPU may affect power distribution or thermal headroom in ways that favor the 225T in specific rendering tasks, though the recorded data does not specify the mechanism. The 225F was released on 2025-01-06, while the 225T was released on 2024-12-31, and the 225F has a launch MSRP of $231, while the 225T has no recorded launch MSRP. Both processors have a locked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest win for the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is in PassMark extended instructions, where it scores 28027 versus the 225T's 20083, a 39.6% advantage. This is followed by data compression: 310843 versus 233998, a 32.8% lead. Random string sorting shows a 29.7% gap (37325 versus 28774). Data encryption is 23.8% higher (22648 versus 18289), and find prime numbers is 23.9% higher (352 versus 284). The multithread test shows 31004 versus 25358, a 22.3% lead. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 225F scores 2660 against 2214, a 20.1% lead, and in R20 multicore it scores 11059 against 9227, a 19.9% lead. The R20 singlecore test also goes to the 225F by 19.9% (1561 versus 1302). PassMark physics shows 2430 versus 2053, an 18.4% lead, and floating point math is 92554 versus 82751, an 11.8% lead. Integer math is 66417 versus 59543, an 11.5% lead. The smallest 225F win is PassMark single-thread: 4397 versus 4348, a 1.1% lead.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T's biggest win is Cinebench R23 singlecore, where it scores 3101 against the 225F's 1893, a 39% lead. This is a massive single-core advantage in a modern rendering benchmark. The 225T also wins Cinebench R23 multicore with 21971 versus 16467, a 25.1% lead, which is the largest multicore margin in either direction across the entire comparison. The 225T's third win is Cinebench R15 singlecore: 312 versus 287, an 8% lead. These wins are concentrated in the Cinebench R23 family, which is known for its rendering workload that can be sensitive to sustained clock speeds and memory latency. The 225T's ability to outperform in R23 despite its lower base clock suggests that the boost behavior under this specific workload differs from the PassMark tests, where the 225F consistently leads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F has an average benchmark score of 37313, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225T averages 30468. The 225F sits at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, while the 225T sits at the 82nd percentile.

Q: How do the two compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The 225F's nearest rival is the Intel Core i9-13900HK, which is 0.3% higher in average score. The 225T's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-13600H, which is 0.3% higher. Both processors are closely matched to their respective rivals, with deltas under 1% in all recorded cases.

Q: What is the difference in base clock speed?

A: The 225F has a base clock of 3.30 GHz, while the 225T has a base clock of 2.50 GHz. Both processors share the same 4.90 GHz boost clock.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The 225F has no integrated graphics (N/A), while the 225T includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The 225T wins Cinebench R23 multicore with a score of 21971, which is 25.1% higher than the 225F's 16467. This is a reversal of the R15 and R20 multicore results, where the 225F leads.

Q: Are both processors on the same socket and process node?

A: Yes. Both use Intel Socket 1851 and are built on the 3 nm process from TSMC, with the same Arrow Lake-S codename and same 17,800 million transistor count.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates a clear split in workload suitability. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is the better choice for tasks that rely on sustained all-core throughput across a broad range of operations. It wins every PassMark test, including the multithread, integer math, floating point math, and data processing workloads, and it also wins the older Cinebench R15 and R20 multicore tests. Its 65 W TDP with a 3.30 GHz base clock delivers consistent performance in these areas. The 225F's 85th percentile ranking versus the 225T's 82nd percentile reinforces its overall performance edge.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T, despite its lower base clock of 2.50 GHz, wins the newer Cinebench R23 tests by wide margins: 39% in singlecore and 25.1% in multicore. This indicates that for modern rendering workloads, particularly those represented by Cinebench R23, the 225T has a substantial advantage. The 225T also includes integrated graphics, which the 225F lacks, making it the only option of the two for systems that require an iGPU. However, the 225T loses all PassMark tests and the R15/R20 Cinebench tests, so its strengths are narrower. Users whose primary workloads are Cinebench R23 rendering or who need integrated graphics should favor the 225T. Users who need broad all-core performance across data compression, encryption, math, and general multithreaded tasks should favor the 225F.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F | Intel Core Ultra 5 225T |

|----------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|

| Base Clock | 3.30 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU |

| Release Date | 2025-01-06 | 2024-12-31 |

| Launch MSRP | $231 | Not available |

| Part Number | SRQD2SRVF9 | Unknown |

| Average Benchmark Score | 37313 | 30468 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 85th | 82nd |

| Wins in Head-to-Head | 14 | 3 |

All other specifications are identical: 10 cores, 10 threads, 4.90 GHz boost clock, 65 W TDP, Intel Socket 1851, Arrow Lake architecture, 3 nm process, 17,800 million transistors, 243 mm² die size, 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, 20 MB shared L3, DDR5 dual-channel memory, 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, no ECC support, Gen 5 PCIe with 20 lanes, Desktop market segment, Active production status, and locked multiplier.