Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Time to compare Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K with AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(111)Amazon | ★4.6(1,282)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) | Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000 Series with 3D V-Cache) |
Socket Platform | LGA1851 | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) |
Cores Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads | 16 Cores / 32 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.7 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) | 16 MB L2 + 128 MB L3 (144 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 120 W |
Max Turbo Power | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 162 W (PPT) |
Process Node | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) | TSMC 5nm FinFET (CCD with V-Cache & Standard CCD) / 6nm (I/O Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) | 28 Total (24 Usable for Graphics/Storage) |
Igpu | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 Cores, 2200 MHz) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | No (Heatsink not included) | No (Liquid cooler recommended) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature | 89°C (192°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. | Asymmetric chiplet design: one CCD has 3D V-Cache (lower freq, gaming focus), one standard CCD (higher freq, productivity focus). OS scheduler driver required for optimal performance. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E |
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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 9 7950X3D
✓ Pros:
- • Uncompromising performance: Top-tier gaming (V-Cache) + massive productivity (16 cores)
- • Extremely power efficient for a 16-core flagship (120W TDP)
- • Future-proof AM5 platform with PCIe 5.0 support
✗ Cons:
- • High price point
- • Requires specific chipset drivers/Game Mode for optimal core scheduling
- • Lower thermal limit (89°C) compared to non-X3D version (95°C)
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Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D: 4.5★ vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K: 4.6★), AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K (Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen, Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes)
For value or versatility: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (Uncompromising performance: Top-tier gaming (V-Cache) + massive productivity (16 cores), Extremely power efficient for a 16-core flagship (120W TDP))
Conclusion
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 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 Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K excels if you value significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is better if you prioritize uncompromising performance: top-tier gaming (v-cache) + massive productivity (16 cores). 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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