Intel Core Ultra 5 245

Intel Core Ultra 5 245 sits in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs tested, with an average benchmark score of 48,107. This places it in a tightly contested performance band where the four nearest rivals are separated by less than two percentage points. The data shows a processor that delivers consistently strong throughput across a broad range of workloads, though its position is not dominant — it trades places with rivals depending on the specific benchmark. The 14-core, 14-thread configuration on the Arrow Lake architecture, built on a 3 nm process from TSMC, establishes a solid foundation for both productivity and content-creation tasks.

Benchmark Performance

The Core Ultra 5 245 posts a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,987, which is a demanding full-load test that stresses all 14 cores simultaneously. This score leads the pack of nearest rivals by a meaningful margin. Compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D, the Ultra 5 245 is 0.5% ahead in average score, but the Cinebench R23 multi-core result shows a larger gap in its favor. The Intel Core i9-12900 trails with an average score that is 0.7% lower, while the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 sits 1.2% behind. The only rival that outpaces the Ultra 5 245 is the Intel Xeon Gold 5318H, which posts an average score 1.2% higher — a server-class part with a different design target.

In single-core performance, the picture is similarly strong. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4,657 is a high mark that reflects the 5.10 GHz boost clock capability. This is critical because single-core performance drives responsiveness in everyday applications, from web browsing to office suites. The PassMark single-thread score of 4,475 reinforces this strength, placing the Ultra 5 245 well above typical desktop processors. In the PassMark multi-thread test, the score of 38,809 shows that the 14 threads scale efficiently, though the lack of hyper-threading (14 threads for 14 cores) means some multi-threaded workloads may not see the scaling that a 14-core/28-thread part would deliver.

The PassMark suite provides a broader view. Integer math scores 93,709, while floating-point math reaches 121,454 — a notable difference that suggests strong FPU performance for scientific and engineering workloads. Data compression scores 382,742, which is an excellent result for archiving tasks, while data encryption hits 30,374. Extended instructions score 32,731, indicating solid AVX and SSE throughput. The random string sorting score of 48,661 reflects good memory subsystem performance, which is supported by the 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth from dual-channel DDR5.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench R20 results show a single-core score of 1,955 and a multi-core score of 13,854. The ratio between these — roughly 7:1 — is typical for a 14-core part without SMT. This means that while the processor can handle heavily threaded workloads like video rendering or 3D simulation with competence, it will not match the multi-threaded output of processors with more threads per core. The single-thread performance, however, is exceptional, and this is where the Ultra 5 245 distinguishes itself.

The boost clock of 5.10 GHz with a base clock of 3.50 GHz provides a wide frequency range, allowing the processor to burst to high clocks for short-duration single-threaded tasks while maintaining a power-efficient baseline for sustained loads. In real workloads, this translates to snappy application launches, fast compile times for single-threaded build steps, and smooth performance in games that are not highly multi-threaded. The PassMark physics score of 2,743 is relatively modest, which suggests that the processor’s performance in physics simulation — a workload that often benefits from higher thread counts — is adequate but not class-leading.

Conversely, the multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 32,987 is competitive with the nearest rivals, all of which have different core configurations. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D, for instance, has more total cores but the data shows the Ultra 5 245 matches or slightly exceeds its average performance. This indicates that the Arrow Lake architecture’s per-core efficiency, combined with the high boost clock, compensates for the lack of SMT in many workloads. For users who mix single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks, the Ultra 5 245 offers a balanced profile that does not sacrifice responsiveness for throughput.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D: This rival posts an average score of 47,874, which is 0.5% lower than the Ultra 5 245. The Ryzen part is known for its 3D V-Cache, but the benchmark data shows that the Ultra 5 245’s higher clock speeds and architecture efficiency close the gap. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Ultra 5 245 leads, though in some PassMark sub-tests the Ryzen may pull ahead. Overall, the two are nearly identical in average performance, making the choice dependent on platform features rather than raw speed.

Intel Core i9-12900: The i9-12900 averages 47,765, trailing the Ultra 5 245 by 0.7%. This is notable because the i9-12900 is a higher-tier part in Intel’s lineup, yet the newer Arrow Lake architecture in the Ultra 5 245 delivers better average performance. The single-core advantage is particularly pronounced, with the Ultra 5 245’s 4,657 Cinebench R23 single-core score likely exceeding the i9-12900’s. For users upgrading from a 12th-gen Intel platform, the data suggests a tangible performance uplift.

AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945: With an average score of 47,527, this processor is 1.2% behind the Ultra 5 245. The Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 is a workstation-oriented part, and the benchmark results indicate that the Ultra 5 245 holds a slight edge in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tests. The gap is small, but consistent across the Cinebench and PassMark suites, suggesting that the Ultra 5 245 is the more capable desktop processor for most workloads.

Intel Xeon Gold 5318H: This is the only rival that beats the Ultra 5 245, with an average score of 48,698 — 1.2% higher. The Xeon Gold 5318H is a server processor, designed for sustained multi-threaded throughput in data center environments. The data shows that the Ultra 5 245 nearly matches this server part despite its desktop-oriented design, which speaks to the efficiency of the Arrow Lake architecture. However, in heavily threaded server workloads, the Xeon’s higher core count and memory bandwidth would likely extend its lead.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245?

A: It has 14 cores and 14 threads, meaning no hyper-threading — each core handles one thread.

Q: What is the boost clock speed?

A: The boost clock is 5.10 GHz, with a base clock of 3.50 GHz.

Q: How does the Ultra 5 245 perform in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: It scores 32,987 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is a strong result for a 14-core part.

Q: Does the processor support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR5 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 65 watts, placing it in the mid-range power class.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1851, which is specific to the Core Ultra Series 2 desktop platform.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 has a TDP of 65 watts, which is a modest power envelope for a 14-core desktop processor. This places it in the mainstream efficiency tier, requiring only a capable air cooler rather than a high-end liquid cooling solution. The 3 nm process node from TSMC is a key contributor to this efficiency, allowing high clock speeds — up to 5.10 GHz — without a correspondingly high power draw. The transistor count of 17,800 million on a 243 mm² die size indicates a dense, modern design that balances performance and power consumption.

The 65-watt TDP also has implications for system design. It allows for more compact cooling solutions, quieter operation, and lower overall system power draw compared to higher-TDP parts. This makes the Ultra 5 245 well-suited for small-form-factor builds or office environments where noise and heat are considerations. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units provides a baseline display output capability, though for gaming or GPU-accelerated workloads, a discrete graphics card would be necessary. The memory support for DDR5 with ECC capability adds a layer of reliability for professional workloads, and the PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only) offers high-bandwidth connectivity for modern SSDs and GPUs.

Thermally, the 65-watt TDP means that a standard tower cooler or a compact liquid cooler will easily manage the heat output, even under sustained multi-threaded loads. The data shows no thermal throttling concerns at this power level, and the architecture’s efficiency ensures that the processor stays within reasonable temperature ranges during benchmark runs. For users building a system, the power and thermal profile is one of the most attractive aspects of this processor — it delivers near-flagship performance without the cooling and power demands of higher-tier parts.