AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
When comparing the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K, the clear choice for most users is the Intel. With 14 cores and a max boost clock of 5.2 GHz, the Ultra 5 is designed for modern workloads and future-proofing. In real-world use, the Intel processor excels in efficiency and features like PCIe 5.0 support and DDR5 memory, which can deliver up to 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. The numbers matter here; the Ultra 5's capabilities make it a standout for 2026 and beyond.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(29,668)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) | 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 | 3.7 GHz Base / Up to 4.6 GHz Boost | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 32 MB L3 (35 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 (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: Yes (Unbuffered UDIMM; requires mobo support) | 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 4.0 (Requires B550 or X570 chipset) | 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 | 95°C (203°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | Excellent value for entry-level gaming builds. Uses the mature AM4 platform (no upgrade path to Ryzen 7000/9000). PCIe 4.0 support is motherboard dependent. | 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 for older chipsets) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) |
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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
✓ Pros:
- • Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming
- • Low power consumption (65W) and easy to cool
- • Mature ecosystem with affordable motherboards and DDR4 RAM
✗ Cons:
- • Dead-end platform (AM4) limits future CPU upgrade options
- • No integrated graphics
- • Included cooler is basic; can get noisy under heavy load
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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 boost clock crush the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X if: you want a budget-friendly option for gaming, need low power consumption, or prefer a mature ecosystem with affordable motherboards.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you need advanced features like PCIe 5.0, want a processor that can handle heavier workloads, or plan on utilizing the latest technologies like DDR5 memory.
Conclusion
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 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 5600X excels if you value unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming. 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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