Intel Core Ultra 5 245T

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245T is a 14-core, 14-thread desktop processor based on the Arrow Lake-S architecture, built on a 3 nm process from TSMC. It operates within a 65 W TDP, with a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. Benchmark results place the chip at the 90th percentile of all CPUs tested, with an average benchmark score of 38922, indicating strong overall performance for its class.

Benchmark Performance

The Core Ultra 5 245T delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 27230, which represents its peak sustained throughput in rendering workloads. In single-core Cinebench R23, it scores 3844, a figure that highlights its architectural efficiency in lightly threaded tasks. The gap between these scores is substantial, with multi-core performance roughly seven times higher, reflecting the scaling of its 14 physical cores. The chip achieves a Passmark multithread score of 32036, while its Passmark single-thread score is 4456.

Comparing the average benchmark score of 38922 against its nearest rivals shows a tight cluster. The Intel Xeon 6369P scores 38988, placing the Core Ultra 5 245T just 0.2% behind. The Intel Core i7-13700F scores 39095, a 0.4% lead over the 245T. The AMD EPYC 4245P posts 39383, which is 1.2% higher, and the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X leads the group with 39453, a 1.3% advantage. These deltas are minimal, suggesting that in aggregate workload performance, the 245T is statistically comparable to these established processors, with differences that would be imperceptible in most real-world tasks.

In specific Passmark sub-tests, the processor shows notable strengths. The floating point math score is 110914, while integer math reaches 94987. Data compression achieves 282995, and data encryption scores 23942. Extended instruction performance is 23018, and random string sorting yields 34760. The find prime numbers test returns 355, and the physics test scores 2493. These numbers indicate a balanced arithmetic capability, with particularly strong floating-point throughput that benefits scientific and simulation workloads.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Xeon 6369P, the Core Ultra 5 245T trails by only 0.2% in average score. The Xeon is a server-oriented part, yet the 245T nearly matches it in aggregate benchmarks, suggesting the desktop chip's architecture and clock speeds compensate for any differences in core configuration or memory subsystem.

The Intel Core i7-13700F holds a 0.4% advantage over the 245T. This is a previous-generation desktop processor, and the near parity indicates that the Arrow Lake architecture delivers comparable computational output despite differences in core counts and thread scheduling. The 245T's lack of hyperthreading, evidenced by 14 threads for 14 cores, does not materially hinder its aggregate score in this comparison.

The AMD EPYC 4245P outperforms the 245T by 1.2%. The EPYC targets server workloads, yet the margin is small. This suggests that for single-socket desktop applications, the 245T's performance envelope overlaps significantly with a server-class chip, which may be relevant for users considering workstation-level tasks on a desktop platform.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X leads the 245T by 1.3%. The 5900X is a high-core-count consumer processor from a prior generation. The 245T's narrower gap, despite having fewer cores, points to higher per-core efficiency in the newer Intel design. For buyers upgrading from the 5900X, the 245T would not represent a regression, though it also does not offer a clear upgrade in raw throughput.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The single-thread performance of the Core Ultra 5 245T is strong, as evidenced by a Passmark single-thread score of 4456 and a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3844. These figures are competitive with the best desktop chips, driven by the 5.10 GHz boost clock and the efficiency of the Arrow Lake architecture. For tasks like web browsing, office productivity, and legacy software that rely on one or two threads, the 245T will feel responsive and quick.

Multi-thread performance scales effectively, with the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 27230 representing a 7.1x increase over the single-core result. The 14 physical cores, without hyperthreading, still deliver substantial parallel throughput. The Passmark multithread score of 32036, compared to a single-thread score of 4456, shows a 7.2x scaling factor. This indicates that the chip's power management and cache hierarchy allow near-linear scaling in heavily threaded workloads, though the absence of additional threads means that heavily threaded applications that benefit from SMT may see slightly lower absolute performance than competing chips with more threads.

The split between single- and multi-thread behavior suggests a processor that excels in mixed workloads. A user running a game, which typically uses 4-8 threads, will see high per-core performance. Simultaneously, background tasks like video encoding or file compression will leverage the full core count without starving the foreground application. The 24 MB of shared L3 cache, alongside 3 MB L2 per core, facilitates this by reducing memory latency across cores.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245T?

A: The average benchmark score is 38922, placing it at the 90th percentile of all CPUs tested.

Q: How does the Core Ultra 5 245T compare to the Intel Core i7-13700F?

A: The Core i7-13700F has an average score of 39095, which is 0.4% higher than the 245T's score, indicating near-identical aggregate performance.

Q: What are the multi-core and single-core Cinebench R23 scores?

A: The multi-core score is 27230, and the single-core score is 3844.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is supported. The memory interface is dual-channel DDR5 with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of this processor?

A: The launch MSRP is $270.

Q: What is the socket and PCIe configuration?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1851 and provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU.

Who Should Consider It

For gaming, the Core Ultra 5 245T offers strong single-thread performance, with a Passmark single-thread score of 4456, which is essential for frame pacing and physics calculations in modern titles. The 14 cores ensure that game streaming or background recording will not cause stutters, as the chip has ample headroom for concurrent tasks. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU can serve as a fallback for basic display output, though dedicated graphics will still be preferred for high-end gaming.

Content creators will find the multi-core throughput compelling. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 27230 and the Passmark floating-point math score of 110914 indicate strong performance in video rendering, 3D modeling, and simulation software. The 24 MB shared L3 cache helps with large datasets, and the 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth supports memory-intensive creative workloads. The 65 W TDP also means it can be cooled effectively in compact builds, making it suitable for small-form-factor editing stations.

Office and productivity users will see excellent responsiveness. The high single-thread score translates to snappy application launches and smooth spreadsheet calculations. The data compression score of 282995 is notable for file archiving tasks, and the encryption score of 23942 ensures that disk encryption or VPN traffic will not bottleneck the system. For users who run parallel office tasks, such as exporting large PDFs while running video conferencing, the 14 cores provide sufficient parallel throughput.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245T is designed for the Intel Socket 1851 platform, which is exclusive to Arrow Lake-S desktop processors. The platform supports dual-channel DDR5 memory, with a maximum bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and includes ECC memory support for increased data reliability. The processor provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, which can be used for a high-end graphics card and a Gen 5 NVMe SSD, offering fast storage and graphics bandwidth.

The processor integrates Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, providing basic display output without the need for a discrete GPU. The 3 nm process node, manufactured by TSMC, contributes to the 65 W TDP, enabling efficient cooling solutions. The chip is not multiplier-unlocked, meaning overclocking is limited to adjustments via the platform's base clock, though the boost clock of 5.10 GHz already provides high single-thread speeds.

The upgrade path on the Socket 1851 platform is tied to the Core Ultra Series 2 generation, and the production status is active, so the 245T is a current product. The 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die size indicate a dense, modern design, but the lack of a vCache 3D option means that L3 cache is fixed at 24 MB. For users building a new system, this platform offers a balanced mix of performance, memory bandwidth, and PCIe connectivity, with the 245T serving as a solid mid-range option within the series.