Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(111)Amazon | ★4.8(29,668)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) |
Socket Platform | LGA1851 | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) |
Cores Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz | 3.7 GHz Base / Up to 4.6 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) | 3 MB L2 + 32 MB L3 (35 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 65 W |
Max Turbo Power | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 88 W (PPT) |
Process Node | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: Yes (Unbuffered UDIMM; requires mobo support) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 (Requires B550 or X570 chipset) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) |
Igpu | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) | None (Discrete graphics card required) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | No (Heatsink not included) | Yes (Wraith Stealth) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature | 95°C (203°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. | 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. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required for older chipsets) |
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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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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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Which one is better?
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is stronger in overall satisfaction, but Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K suits buyers who need Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen, Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X suits buyers who want Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming, Low power consumption (65W) and easy to cool
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K excels if you value significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is better if you prioritize unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming. 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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