Core i9-12900K against Core Ultra 5 245K
Level on the overall index; the details below decide it. Typical prices, not live ones.
The verdict
- Core i9-12900K and Core Ultra 5 245K are level on gaming.
- The Core i9-12900K has 17% more all-core throughput for renders, compiles and exports.
- The Core Ultra 5 245K is 12% quicker in single-threaded work, which is most of what a desktop does.
- The Core Ultra 5 245K typically costs $86 less.
- Per dollar, the Core Ultra 5 245K is the better buy: 37.3 points per $100 against 25.4.
Head to head
| Measure | Core i9-12900K | Core Ultra 5 245K | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spec score | 71 | 72 | 1 ptsright |
| Gaming | 66 | 67 | 1 ptsright |
| Multi-core | 68 | 58 | 10 ptsleft |
| Single-core | 82 | 92 | 10 ptsright |
| Value, points per $100 | 25.4 | 37.3 | 47%right |
| Typical price | $279 | $193 | $86right |
| Cores | 16 | 14 | 14%left |
| Threads | 24 | 14 | 71%left |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz | level |
| Turbo power | 241 W | 159 W | 52%right |
Which one for what
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office & everyday | Core Ultra 5 245K | 76 vs 79 on the office & everyday blend. |
| Coding & development | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Light gaming | Core Ultra 5 245K | 71 vs 74 on the light gaming blend. |
| Gaming | Core Ultra 5 245K | 69 vs 71 on the gaming blend. |
| Heavy gaming | Either | Within 1 points; buy on price. |
| Content creation | Core i9-12900K | 71 vs 68 on the content creation blend. |
| 3D & rendering | Core i9-12900K | 71 vs 66 on the 3d & rendering blend. |
| Gaming & streaming | Either | Within 1 points; buy on price. |
| AI & local models | Core i9-12900K | 72 vs 69 on the ai & local models blend. |
Specifications
| Spec | Core i9-12900K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Arrow Lake |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Cores / threads | 16 / 24 | 14 / 14 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| TDP / turbo power | 125 / 241 W | 125 / 241 W |
| Memory | DDR4 or DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Built-in graphics | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler in the box | No | No |
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Typical price | $279 | $193 |