Intel Core Ultra 5 245K vs AMD Ryzen 7 9700X: Benchmarks and Comparison

Intel has debuted its latest Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs, boldly renaming its entire lineup of processors. With new names, the brand has also taken a new approach to its CPUs: Extraordinary power efficiency and new AI capabilities. We spent some time with the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K processor, the mid-range CPU in this series that also packs integrated graphics. This processor features a new change in the socket, shifting from LGA 1700, first introduced with Alder Lake, to LGA 1851. In this article, we will examine the Core Ultra 5 245K processor and how well it holds its ground against heavy hitters like the Ryzen 7 9700X from Intel’s arch-rival AMD, a tier above it. First, let’s take a look at the benchmarks of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K.

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and Ryzen 7 9700X: Specifications

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K features 14 cores and 14 threads. The core configuration consists of 6 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores. The CPU is unlocked and supports overclocking out of the box. On the other side, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X comes with 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ryzen 7 9700X is unlocked and supports overclocking out of the box as well.

Intel’s new Arrow Lake-S CPUs improve power efficiency while delivering minor and negligible performance boosts compared to previous generations. The idea behind the Core Ultra Series 2 chips is to deliver almost the same performance as the 14th generation but at lower power consumption levels. Another major shift in this generation is the exclusion of Hyperthreading.

While the new Intel CPUs didn’t bring a major boost, the improved power efficiency is a promising step in the right direction. The new Core Ultra Series 2 also uses the Foveros packaging we saw with the Core Ultra chips on laptops. This new architecture is another reason for a change in the socket.

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and AMD Ryzen 7 9700X: Benchmarks and Comparison

The Ryzen 7 9700X was tested on the X670E platform, while the Core Ultra 5 245K sat on a Z890 board.

The results from the Cinbench R23, Cinebench 2024, and Geekbench 6 reveal interesting information. On the one hand, you will see the multi-core scores of the Core Ultra 5 245K outdoing Ryzen 7 9700X on all three benchmarks.

On the contrary, its single core slightly trailed behind the Ryzen 7 9700X’s counterpart. Now, before moving on to other benchmarks, it’s important to understand that the 9700X isn’t a direct competitor to the Core Ultra 5 245K. Ideally, it would be the Core Ultra 7 265K. That said, it’s interesting to see how these two chips come really close in our tests.

One such front is the CPU Profile test which measures processors’ endurance. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K trumped the Ryzen 7 9700X by 34% on this benchmark — emphasising that the more efficient Arrow Lake-S architecture has empowered the newer CPUs to sustain peak performance for longer durations, making them perfect for tasks like video editing and multi-threading.

Another fascinating aspect of the comparison between the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and the Ryzen 7 9700X is the TimeSpy benchmark, in which the former outperformed the latter again with a decent score; indicating that this processor delivers relatively better performance in the game mechanics.

The PCMark10 testing discloses that the Ryzen 7 9700X serves normal users slightly better in their usual routine. The scores are significantly higher for the red team, with the digital content creation score consisting of a considerable gap. A similar footprint can be seen in the WebXPRT 4 benchmark.

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K: Verdict

Considering the Ryzen 7 9700X is among the top chipsets from AMD’s new lineup, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K processor gave surprising results by dethroning the former in a few benchmarks.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K processor excels in multi-core performance, as shown in Cinebench R23, Cinebench 2024, and Geekbench 6, making it a great choice for content creators, video editors, and 3D artists. While not a dedicated gaming processor, it can handle modern AAA titles, especially when paired with a powerful GPU.

For folks who are all for efficiency while not wanting to compromise with performance, the Ryzen 7 9700X suits them well. Even when it’s drawing less power, the processor is on par with the Core Ultra 5 245K in performance. With a few recent updates, AMD has allowed the 9700X and the 9600X to reach powers of up to 105W. Ultimately, it offers a strong balance of gaming and productivity performance, making it a versatile option.

If you want to understand where the Core Ultra 5 245K stands when pitted against the i5-13600K and the i5-14600K, you can read our detailed comparison here.