Intel Core Ultra 5 225T

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225T is a desktop processor from the Core Ultra Series 2, built on the Arrow Lake architecture and fabricated on a 3 nm process by TSMC. It offers 10 cores and 10 threads, with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz. The chip is rated at a 65 W TDP and fits the Intel Socket 1851 platform. This analysis examines its benchmark performance against four closely matched rivals, using data from Cinebench and Passmark tests.

Benchmark Performance

The Core Ultra 5 225T achieves an average benchmark score of 30,425, placing it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs. In Cinebench R23, it scores 21,554 in multi-core and 3,042 in single-core. The multi-core result is particularly strong for a 65 W part, indicating efficient scaling across its 10 cores. The single-core score of 3,042 suggests solid responsiveness in lightly threaded applications. Passmark results reinforce this: integer math reaches 59,543, floating-point math 82,751, and multithread 25,358. The data compression score of 233,998 is exceptional, while encryption at 18,289 and extended instructions at 20,083 show balanced capabilities. The physics score of 2,053 and prime number finding at 284 are lower, but these are niche workloads. Overall, the 225T delivers a well-rounded performance profile that sits within 1% of its nearest competitors.

Against its nearest rivals, the 225T’s average score is 0.1% lower than the Intel Core i9-11980HK (30,469) and 0.7% lower than the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H (30,629), while it is 0.5% higher than both the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H (30,286) and the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS (30,273). These margins are negligible, meaning the 225T effectively trades blows with these processors across the entire benchmark suite. The Cinebench R20 scores of 9,052 multi-core and 1,277 single-core, along with R15 scores of 2,172 and 306, follow the same pattern—consistent performance without a dominant lead or deficit. The 225T’s 10-thread limit (no hyperthreading) does not appear to hinder it in these tests, as the multi-core scores remain competitive with rivals that may employ different threading strategies.

How It Compares

Intel Core i9-11980HK: The i9-11980HK posts an average score of 30,469, a 0.1% lead over the 225T. This margin is within measurement noise, and the two processors are effectively tied in overall performance. The 225T’s 10 cores and 4.90 GHz boost clock allow it to match an older high-end mobile chip in aggregate benchmarks.

AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H: The 6850H averages 30,286, which is 0.5% behind the 225T. The 225T’s higher average score suggests a slight edge across the benchmark suite, though the difference is small enough to be considered negligible in real-world use. The 225T’s desktop orientation likely contributes to its consistent performance in sustained workloads.

AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS: Similar to the 6850H, the 8645HS scores 30,273, 0.5% lower than the 225T. The 225T matches or exceeds this mobile processor in average performance. Given the 8645HS is a lower-tier part, the 225T’s ability to stay ahead reinforces its position as a capable mainstream desktop chip.

AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H: The 6950H leads with 30,629, a 0.7% margin over the 225T. This is the largest gap among the four rivals, but still under a full percentage point. The 225T trails by a hair, indicating that it sits at the same performance tier as a high-end mobile Ryzen PRO part, despite differences in architecture and power envelope.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark results indicate that the Core Ultra 5 225T is well suited for multi-threaded productivity workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 21,554 and Passmark multithread score of 25,358 suggest strong performance in video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation. The single-core score of 3,042 (Cinebench R23) and 4,348 (Passmark single-thread) ensure that everyday office tasks, web browsing, and spreadsheet work remain snappy. For gaming, the 4.90 GHz boost clock and high single-thread performance are beneficial, though the integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU is not intended for serious gaming; a discrete GPU would be required. The 10 cores without hyperthreading (10 threads) may limit heavily parallel workloads that scale beyond 10 threads, but for typical desktop usage, the performance is ample. Users who prioritize a compact, low-power build will appreciate the 65 W TDP, which allows for modest cooling solutions. The 87th percentile ranking further underscores that this CPU outperforms the majority of processors in the database, making it a solid choice for mainstream desktop systems.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core Ultra 5 225T?

A: The TDP is 65 W.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1851.

Q: Does it support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, it supports DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does it have?

A: It has Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 16 execution units.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?

A: It provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU.

Q: What is the process node and die size?

A: It is fabricated on a 3 nm process by TSMC, with 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die.

Power and Thermals

With a 65 W TDP, the Core Ultra 5 225T falls into the mainstream desktop power envelope. This rating implies that a standard tower-style air cooler is generally sufficient; high-end liquid cooling is not necessary. The 3 nm process node is an advanced manufacturing technology, which typically aids in power efficiency, though specific thermal measurements are not provided. The boost clock of 4.90 GHz will increase power consumption under load, but the 65 W TDP remains the design point. For system builders, this means the CPU can be paired with modest cooling solutions, keeping overall system noise and size down. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not an option, further simplifying cooling requirements.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core Ultra 5 225T is designed for Intel Socket 1851, which is the platform for the Arrow Lake-S desktop architecture. It supports DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, with a theoretical bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, enabling high-speed connectivity for modern GPUs and NVMe storage. Integrated graphics are included, so a discrete GPU is optional for basic display output. The platform does not support ECC memory. The CPU is currently in active production, and its multiplier is locked, meaning overclocking is not supported. For upgrade path considerations, the Socket 1851 platform is the foundation for this generation of Intel desktop processors, and the 225T’s 10-core/10-thread configuration, combined with its 20 MB shared L3 cache, positions it as a balanced mid-range offering within that ecosystem.