Intel Core i5-14600K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Get the Intel Core i5-14600K unless you prioritize power efficiency. Its performance crushes the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K, especially in gaming scenarios where it tops out at 5.3 GHz compared to the 5.2 GHz of the Ultra 5. In real-world tests, the i5-14600K's 20 threads give it a significant edge in multitasking and gaming performance. The Ultra 5 shines in modern connectivity with support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-6400, making it an attractive option for future-proofing your build. It runs cooler under load than previous generations, which can be a game changer if you're worried about thermal performance. Still, if gaming is your primary focus, the i5-14600K's specs will deliver the best experience for 2026 and beyond.
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Intel Core i5-14600K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: Intel Core i5-14600K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i5-14600K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(2,605)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core i5) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 14 Cores (6P + 8E) / 20 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.5 / 5.3 GHz; E-Core: 2.6 / 4.0 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.3 GHz | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 20 MB L2 + 24 MB L3 (44 MB Total) | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 181 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1550 MHz) | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) |
Cooler Included | No (Air cooler with 200W+ TDP rating or 240mm+ AIO recommended) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | Unlocked multiplier. Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 (motherboard dependent). High power draw under full load (181W+ if limits removed). LGA1700 platform end-of-life. | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. |
Chipset Support | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) |
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Intel Core i5-14600K
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent all-around performance: beats previous gen i9s in gaming
- • Balanced price-to-performance ratio for mid-range builds
- • Retains support for affordable DDR4 memory
✗ Cons:
- • High power consumption compared to Ryzen 5/7 competitors
- • No upgrade path (LGA1700 is a dead-end socket)
- • No stock cooler; requires a decent aftermarket cooling solution
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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 i5-14600K is the better buy for most people - its 20 threads crush the Intel Core Ultra 5's 14. That said, grab the Ultra 5 if you need cutting-edge connectivity and efficiency - it's a no-brainer for future-proofing.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i5-14600K if: you want top-notch gaming performance, need high multitasking capabilities, or prefer a balanced price-to-performance ratio.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you want advanced connectivity options, prioritize power efficiency, or plan to leverage AI workloads with its integrated NPU.
Conclusion
Intel Core i5-14600K 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?
Intel Core i5-14600K excels if you value excellent all-around performance: beats previous gen i9s in 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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