Core i5-12600KF against Core Ultra 5 225
Core Ultra 5 225 leads on the overall index. Typical prices, not live ones.
The verdict
- Core i5-12600KF and Core Ultra 5 225 are level on gaming.
- Core i5-12600KF and Core Ultra 5 225 are level on multi-core.
- The Core Ultra 5 225 is 10% quicker in single-threaded work, which is most of what a desktop does.
- The Core i5-12600KF typically costs $11 less.
Head to head
| Measure | Core i5-12600KF | Core Ultra 5 225 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spec score | 61 | 64 | 3 ptsright |
| Gaming | 61 | 62 | 1 ptsright |
| Multi-core | 43 | 42 | 1 ptsleft |
| Single-core | 79 | 87 | 8 ptsright |
| Value, points per $100 | 36.1 | 35.6 | 1%left |
| Typical price | $169 | $180 | $11left |
| Cores | 10 | 10 | level |
| Threads | 16 | 10 | 60%left |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz | level |
| Turbo power | 150 W | 121 W | 24%right |
Which one for what
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office & everyday | Core Ultra 5 225 | 66 vs 71 on the office & everyday blend. |
| Coding & development | Core Ultra 5 225 | 61 vs 64 on the coding & development blend. |
| Light gaming | Core Ultra 5 225 | 65 vs 68 on the light gaming blend. |
| Gaming | Core Ultra 5 225 | 63 vs 65 on the gaming blend. |
| Heavy gaming | Core Ultra 5 225 | 62 vs 64 on the heavy gaming blend. |
| Content creation | Either | Within 1 points; buy on price. |
| 3D & rendering | Either | Within 1 points; buy on price. |
| Gaming & streaming | Core Ultra 5 225 | 58 vs 60 on the gaming & streaming blend. |
| AI & local models | Core Ultra 5 225 | 56 vs 58 on the ai & local models blend. |
Specifications
| Spec | Core i5-12600KF | Core Ultra 5 225 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Arrow Lake |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Cores / threads | 10 / 16 | 10 / 16 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| TDP / turbo power | 125 / 150 W | 65 / 121 W |
| Memory | DDR4 or DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Built-in graphics | No | Yes |
| Cooler in the box | No | Yes |
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
| Typical price | $169 | $180 |