Intel Core Ultra 5 225F test: 10-core CPU matches the performance of the 14-core model.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is a processor of the Arrow Lake generation and part of the Ultra 5 series. With ten cores, the 225F is positioned at the lower end of this family and differs from other models in the same series, such as the Core Ultra 5 235, due to a reduced number of cores and lower clock rates. Below we take a factual look at the specifications and measured performance of this CPU.

The Core Ultra 5 225F consists of six performance cores (P-cores) and four efficiency cores (E-cores). The base clock frequency of the P-cores is 3.3 GHz, with a maximum boost clock of 4.9 GHz. The E-cores operate at a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and reach up to 4.4 GHz in boost. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 65 watts, a standard value for processors in this performance class. One difference to expectations concerns the size of the L3 cache: the 225F has 20 MB, while earlier reports predicted 21 MB. Compared to the more powerful models in the Ultra 5 series, which offer up to 14 cores and 24 MB of L3 cache, the 225F falls short in these areas. Another point is the lack of integrated graphics in this CPU. Users must therefore rely on a dedicated graphics card. This could make the 225F attractive for systems with lower costs, where integrated graphics solutions do not play a role.

The Core Ultra 5 225F was tested in a pre-configured system with Geekbench 6.3. The results show 2,653 points in the single-core test and 13,028 points in the multi-core test. For comparison: The Core Ultra 5 235 achieved 2,634 points in the single-core test and 13,293 points in the multi-core test in the same test. The differences between the two processors are therefore small, despite the reduced cores and clock rates of the 225F. The test results provide initial indications of the 225F’s performance, but should be viewed with caution. Geekbench scores may vary depending on the test environment, so additional benchmarks are required to get a complete picture.

The main differences between the Core Ultra 5 225F and its more powerful variants lie in the number of cores, the clock rates and the L3 cache. While the 225F works with a 6P 4E configuration, models such as the Ultra 5 235 have 6P 8E cores. The clock rates and cache size of the 225F are correspondingly lower, and the lack of integrated graphics is another distinguishing feature. This not only influences the 225F’s target group, but should also lower the price accordingly. The Core Ultra 5 225F is planned for early 2025 and will be introduced with other models in the Arrow Lake series. This also includes cheaper processors without overclocking options and motherboards with 800 series chipsets. These motherboards are aimed at the budget market and offer simple functions without support for CPU overclocking.

The performance of the Core Ultra 5 225F is largely what you would expect from a processor in its class. The single-core performance lags behind current high-end models from other manufacturers, while the multi-core performance delivers solid results given the reduced number of cores. The lack of integrated graphics and the lower clock rates could make it interesting for special applications or systems with a limited budget. Overall, the Core Ultra 5 225F is a processor with clearly defined strengths and weaknesses. It is aimed at users who do not require maximum performance but are looking for an inexpensive and reliable solution for everyday applications. The final ratings will depend on further benchmarks and the actual market price, which will not be known until the official launch.

Source: Benchleaks