Intel Core Ultra 5 225H

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225H is a mobile processor from the Core Ultra Series 2, built on Intel’s Arrow Lake-H architecture and fabricated on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It integrates 14 cores and 14 threads, with a base clock of 1.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, and is designed for the Intel BGA 2049 socket. The chip supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a dual-channel bus with a theoretical bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and includes Arc Graphics 130T integrated graphics. In benchmark aggregates, the 225H achieves an average score of 36,328, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs tested, with a multi-thread PassMark score of 29,204 and a single-thread PassMark score of 4,365.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench results show a strong balance between single- and multi-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23, the 225H scores 3,508 in the single-core test and 24,848 in the multi-core test. The multi-core score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core figure, indicating good scaling across its 14 cores. The R20 run yields 1,473 single-core and 10,436 multi-core, while the older R15 test produces 353 single-core and 2,504 multi-core. These numbers are consistent across generations, with the R23 multi-core result being particularly notable for a 28 W mobile part.

PassMark’s suite reinforces the picture. The multithread score of 29,204 is accompanied by an integer math score of 70,299 and a floating point math score of 88,985, suggesting robust arithmetic throughput. Data compression reaches 294,799, while encryption and extended instructions score 22,249 and 22,521 respectively. The single-thread PassMark result of 4,365 is competitive for a low-power chip. In the aggregate average score of 36,328, the 225H sits within 1% of several higher-tier parts, as shown by the nearest rivals list.

How It Compares

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H — The 225H posts an average score 0.5% higher than the Core Ultra 9 185H. Despite the 185H being a higher model number, the benchmark data shows no meaningful advantage; the two are effectively tied in overall performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X — The 225H is 0.8% ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X in average score. This is a desktop-class processor, yet the mobile 225H matches its average benchmark output, which is surprising given the power envelope difference.

AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS — Here the 225H trails by 0.8%. The Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS holds a marginal lead, but the difference is within run-to-run variance. Both are mobile processors aimed at similar thin-and-light laptops.

Intel Core i5-14500HX — The 225H leads the Core i5-14500HX by 1.1% in average score. The 14500HX is a higher-power HX-series part, yet the 225H’s Arrow Lake architecture and 3 nm process help it close the gap.

Across all four rivals, the 225H’s average score is within a 1.1% band. The data indicates that the 225H delivers performance comparable to processors from higher tiers or competing architectures, making it a strong contender in its segment.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is rated at 28 W, which places the 225H in the low-power mobile class. This is a significant constraint, yet the benchmark scores demonstrate that the chip achieves high throughput without requiring a substantial cooling solution. A 28 W TDP typically implies a thin-and-light laptop design with a modest heat sink and fan, rather than a bulky cooling system. The 3 nm process from TSMC contributes to efficiency, allowing the 14 cores to run at up to 4.90 GHz boost while staying within that power budget. Users should expect sustained multi-core performance to be limited by thermal headroom, but the single-core boost is high enough for responsive day-to-day tasks. The socket is Intel BGA 2049, meaning the processor is soldered to the motherboard, so cooling is fixed at the factory design.

FAQ

Q: What is the process node and foundry for the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H?

A: The 225H is fabricated on a 3 nm process at TSMC, using Intel’s Arrow Lake-H architecture.

Q: What memory types does the 225H support?

A: It supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a dual-channel bus, with a peak bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s.

Q: Does the 225H have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes Arc Graphics 130T as the integrated GPU.

Q: What is the boost clock speed?

A: The maximum boost clock is 4.90 GHz, while the base clock is 1.70 GHz.

Q: How does the 225H perform relative to the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H?

A: In average benchmark score, the 225H is 0.5% higher than the Core Ultra 9 185H, meaning they are statistically equivalent.

Q: What is the L3 cache size?

A: The shared L3 cache is 18 MB, with per-core L1 and L2 caches of 192 KB and 3 MB respectively.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single- and multi-thread performance is central to understanding the 225H’s character. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 3,508 is strong for a 28 W chip, and the multi-core score of 24,848 shows that the 14 cores can be utilized effectively. The ratio between them—about 7.1×—suggests that the processor does not suffer from severe scaling penalties when all cores are active. PassMark data echoes this: the single-thread score of 4,365 and multithread score of 29,204 yield a ratio of roughly 6.7×. The slightly lower ratio in PassMark may reflect the mix of integer and floating-point workloads, but the overall pattern is consistent.

For real-world use, this means the 225H can handle lightly threaded tasks—such as web browsing, office applications, and some gaming—with excellent responsiveness, thanks to the high boost clock and strong single-core performance. Conversely, multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, or code compilation will see substantial benefits from the 14 cores, even though the 28 W TDP limits sustained all-core frequencies. The lack of simultaneous multithreading (14 cores / 14 threads) is offset by the high core count; the multi-core scores are comparable to processors with hyperthreading, as seen in the near parity with the Core Ultra 9 185H and Ryzen 7 9700X.

Who Should Consider It

The 225H is suited for users who need a balance of single-thread speed and multi-core throughput in a thin-and-light laptop. For gaming, the single-thread PassMark score of 4,365 and Cinebench R23 single-core of 3,508 indicate that the CPU will not bottleneck mid-range discrete GPUs in most titles, while the integrated Arc Graphics 130T can handle light gaming without a dedicated GPU. Content creators working with video or 3D rendering will benefit from the multi-core capabilities: the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24,848 and PassMark multithread score of 29,204 are strong for a 28 W part, enabling reasonable render times on the go. Office and productivity workloads—such as data compression (294,799 in PassMark), encryption (22,249), and random string sorting (35,411)—are all handled efficiently, making the 225H a reliable choice for spreadsheet-heavy tasks or software development. The 89th percentile ranking and average score of 36,328 place it above the vast majority of CPUs, so it will satisfy users who demand high performance without the bulk of a high-power HX chip. However, those who require sustained multi-core performance under heavy loads for extended periods may need to consider a higher-TDP part, as the 28 W envelope will eventually throttle under all-core stress. For most mainstream mobile workloads, the 225H offers a compelling mix of speed and efficiency.