Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
The Intel Core i9-14900K is the flagship processor here, boasting a blistering 6.0 GHz clock speed compared to the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K's max of 5.2 GHz. In real-world use, this means the i9-14900K excels in gaming and heavy productivity tasks, making it a powerhouse for demanding users. The Core Ultra 5 shines with its improved power efficiency and modern connectivity options like PCIe 5.0 and native Thunderbolt 4.
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Intel Core i9-14900K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i9-14900K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | Intel Core i9-14900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(1,274)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core i9) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 32 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.2 / 5.6 GHz; E-Core: 2.4 / 4.4 GHz; Thermal Velocity Boost: 6.0 GHz | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 32 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (68 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 | 253 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 – 1650 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 (360mm or 420mm Liquid Cooler required for optimal performance) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | Features Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) to hit 6.0 GHz only if thermal headroom allows. Notorious for extreme power usage; recent BIOS updates (0x129 microcode) recommended to prevent degradation. | 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 i9-14900K
✓ Pros:
- • One of the fastest consumer CPUs for mixed gaming and heavy multi-threaded productivity
- • Extremely high 6.0 GHz clock speed out of the box
- • Retains support for DDR4 memory for cost-effective platform choices
✗ Cons:
- • Extremely high power consumption and heat output; requires top-tier cooling
- • Dead-end platform (LGA1700) with no upgrade path to Core Ultra
- • Expensive compared to competitive options with similar gaming performance
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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 i9-14900K is the better buy for most people - its insane 6.0 GHz clock speed crushes the Ultra 5's 5.2 GHz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i9-14900K if: you need top-tier gaming performance, you're into heavy multi-threaded productivity, or you want the absolute fastest clock speed.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you prioritize power efficiency, want modern connectivity options, or are looking to save money on your build.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i9-14900K excels if you value one of the fastest consumer cpus for mixed gaming and heavy multi-threaded productivity. 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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