Intel Core Ultra 5 225F 10-core LGA1851
Built on a 3nm TSMC node, the 10-core Arrow Lake architecture delivers strong efficiency at a 65W TDP, with a 4.9GHz boost and a 31,322 PassMark score for responsive desktop performance. The lack of integrated graphics keeps the platform cost-focused, while the bundled Laminar RM2 cooler and 20MB of L3 cache add out-of-the-box value. This processor is best for budget-conscious system builders assembling a discrete GPU gaming or productivity rig who don't need an iGPU.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The 225F is the efficiency champ that doesn't make you sacrifice speed. Just bring your own GPU and hunt for a good price.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-tier single-thread performance for the price 96th
- Ridiculously efficient at 65W TDP 95th
- DDR5 support up to 192GB 91st
- PCIe 5.0 ready for next-gen storage and GPUs 91st
Cons
- No integrated graphics, GPU required
- Only 10 threads total
- NPU is a token 3.5 TOPS, don't expect AI magic
- LGA 1851 means a new motherboard
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 7 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The single-thread score of 4399 in PassMark is genuinely impressive, putting this chip among the best on the market for snappy everyday tasks and gaming. Multi-thread lands at 31046, which is well above average for a 65W part. What surprised us most is how much Intel squeezed out of just 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores on TSMC's 3nm node. The 20MB of L3 and 22MB of L2 cache keep things moving. Just remember there's no integrated graphics here, so you'll need a discrete GPU.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | Core Ultra 5 |
| Model | 225F |
| Codename | Arrow Lake |
| Class | desktop |
| Process | 3 |
Cores & Clocks
| Cores | 10 |
| P-cores | 6 |
| E-cores | 4 |
| Threads | 10 |
| Base Clock | 3300 |
| Boost Clock | 4900 |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 22 |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB |
Performance
| PassMark Multi | 31046 |
| PassMark Single | 4399 |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
| Max Speed | 6400 |
| Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory | 192 |
| ECC | No |
Platform & Power
| Socket | LGA 1851 |
| PCIe | 5 |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 |
| TDP | 65 |
| Max Turbo Power | 121 |
| Unlocked | No |
Graphics & AI
| Integrated Graphics | None |
| NPU TOPS | 3.5 |
vs Competition
Against the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the 225F loses badly in gaming cache but wins on efficiency and price. The 9800X3D is a gaming monster, but it costs significantly more and pulls more power. If you're building a productivity or general-use rig on a budget, the 225F makes more sense. The older Xeon and Core i9 X-series chips in our database aren't even in the same conversation for modern builds.
| Spec | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | G.Skill Trident Z Neo | be quiet! Ryzen 3 Dark Rock Pro 5 | Dell Xeon 641329687376-cr | MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | - |
| Threads | 10 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 8 | - |
| Boost Clock Mhz | 4900 | 5200 | 4200 | 3400 | 2700 | - |
| L3 Cache Mb | 20 | 96 | 32 | 8 | 12 | - |
| Tdp W | 65 | 120 | 65 | 270 | 80 | - |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | AM5 | AMD Socket AM4 | AM4 | LGA 1366 | AM5 |
| Integrated Graphics | None | AMD Radeon Graphics | - | - | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AI | Feature | Platform | Efficiency | Multi Thread | Social Proof | Single Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core Ultra 5 225F | 85.1 | 90.7 | 90.6 | 96.1 | 87.1 | 74.6 | 95.4 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Compare | 91.2 | 98.4 | 95.1 | 87.5 | 90 | 96.5 | 95.6 |
| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Compare | 72.4 | 87 | 78.2 | 82.9 | 73.4 | 1.5 | 72.3 |
| be quiet! Ryzen 3 Dark Rock Pro 5 Compare | 47.6 | 62.2 | 60.5 | 32.5 | 44.1 | 90.7 | 50.2 |
| Dell Xeon 641329687376-cr Compare | 30.4 | 41.4 | 17.5 | 36.4 | 31.6 | 10.5 | 23.8 |
| MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi Compare | 3.3 | 20.1 | 90.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 90.7 | 3.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing is all over the place. US listings range from $129 to $320, and if you can snag it near the low end, this is a steal. The Micro Center combo with a Gigabyte B860M board is the move if you're near one. At $320, you're getting into territory where other options start making more sense. Shop around, the spread is real.
Amazon 1 offer From CA$681
Price History
Read more
Overview
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is the efficiency king of Arrow Lake. This 10-core chip sips power at 65W while delivering single-thread performance that lands in the top 5% of everything we've tested. It's the CPU you buy when you want modern performance without a space heater under your desk.
Common Questions
Q: Does the 225F come with a cooler?
Yes, Intel includes the Laminar RM2 in the box. It's fine for stock speeds, but grab something beefier if you plan to push it.
Q: Can I use this without a graphics card?
Nope. The F in 225F means no integrated graphics. You'll need a discrete GPU just to get a display output.
Q: What motherboard do I need?
You'll need an Intel 800 series chipset board with the LGA 1851 socket. Your old LGA 1700 board won't work.
Who Should Skip This
If you're building a gaming rig and want the absolute best frame rates, this isn't it. Go grab a Ryzen 7 9800X3D instead. And if you need integrated graphics for a simple office PC, look at the non-F variants.
Verdict
The Core Ultra 5 225F is a fantastic efficiency-focused CPU that punches above its weight in single-threaded tasks. It's not a workstation chip and it's not trying to be. For a budget-friendly, cool-running desktop that still feels snappy, this is an easy recommendation.
