AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is the budget option here, but it offers solid performance for everyday tasks, making it a great entry-level CPU. On the flip side, the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K packs a serious punch with 14 cores and a max clock speed of 5.2 GHz, which is a game-changer for demanding applications in 2026. In real-world usage, the Ryzen 5 5500's 6 cores and 3.6–4.2 GHz clock speed are sufficient for casual gaming and productivity. However, the Ultra 5's 14 cores, especially with its PCIe 5.0 support and 50MB total cache, will deliver better performance for heavy multitasking and modern gaming scenarios, making it the smarter buy for those who need more power.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | Based on 'Cezanne' silicon (disabled iGPU). Limited to PCIe 3.0 speed (slower than 5600/5600X). Smaller L3 cache (16MB) impacts gaming performance vs. standard Zen 3 (32MB). | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) |
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available
- • Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
- • Works on virtually any AM4 motherboard (A320 to X570)
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern SSDs and GPUs
- • Half the L3 cache of the Ryzen 5 5600, resulting in lower gaming FPS
- • No integrated graphics
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen
- • Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- • Integrated NPU (13 TOPS) accelerates light local AI workloads
- • Run cooler than previous i5-K SKUs under load
✗ Cons:
- • Gaming performance often flat or slightly lower than 14600K/Ryzen 9000
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces multi-core potential in some apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 socket (incompatible with LGA1700)
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is the better buy for most people - its 14 cores and 5.2 GHz max clock speed crush the AMD Ryzen 5 5500. That said, grab the Ryzen 5 5500 if you want to save money and need a decent CPU for basic tasks.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if: you need a budget-friendly option for casual gaming, you want low power consumption with a TDP of just 65W, or you're building on an existing AM4 motherboard.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you're into heavy multitasking, you want to future-proof your system with PCIe 5.0, or you plan to run AI workloads with its integrated NPU.
Conclusion
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 excels if you value most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is better if you prioritize significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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