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Intel Core i9-14900KS vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225F: Comparison

Core i9-14900KS vs Core Ultra 5 225F l3 cache compared

The gap that matters here is l3 cache: Core i9-14900KS 36 MB against Core Ultra 5 225F 20 MB, which puts Core i9-14900KS 44% ahead. Measured rather than claimed: in Blender Cycles (CPU) the Core i9-14900KS returns 522 against 213 over 30 runs, a 59% lead. They differ on p-core boost clock too, 6.2 GHz on the Core i9-14900KS versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F. There is a split on p-core base clock as well, 3.2 GHz on the Core i9-14900KS versus 3.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225F. Tdp is not the same on both, 150 W on the Core i9-14900KS versus 65 W on the Core Ultra 5 225F. They differ on integrated graphics too, Yes on the Core i9-14900KS versus No on the Core Ultra 5 225F.

Which should you buy, Core i9-14900KS or Core Ultra 5 225F?

Buy the Core i9-14900KS for enthusiast desktop gaming and overclocking, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the one to take for desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core i9-14900KS (8.7/10): the Intel Core i9-14900KS is an unlocked flagship desktop chip, a top pick for enthusiasts who want to overclock. Our rating of the Core Ultra 5 225F (8.2/10): the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is a mainstream desktop Arrow Lake-S processor, a solid pick for everyday desktop builds.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Core i9-14900KS and Core Ultra 5 225F differ on total cores?

Yes. Total Cores reads 24 on the Core i9-14900KS versus 10 on the Core Ultra 5 225F.

Is the Form Factor the same on the Core i9-14900KS and Core Ultra 5 225F?

It is. Both are listed at Desktop, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Desktop
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    Desktop
  • Codename

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Raptor Lake Refresh
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    Arrow Lake
  • Release Year

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    2024
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    2025
  • TDP

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    150 W
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    65 W
  • iGPU

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Intel UHD Graphics 770
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    None
  • Market Segment

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Desktop
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    Desktop
  • Microarchitecture

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Raptor Lake Refresh
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    Arrow Lake-S
  • Socket

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    FCLGA1700
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    FCLGA1851
  • Process Node

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    7 nm
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    3 nm
  • Total Cores

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    24Best
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    10
  • Performance Cores

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    8Best
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    6
  • Efficiency Cores

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    16Best
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    4
  • Total Threads

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    32Best
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    10
  • SMT Enabled

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Yes
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    No
  • P-Core Base Clock

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    3.2 GHz
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    3.3 GHz
  • P-Core Boost Clock

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    6.2 GHz
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    4.9 GHz
  • L3 Cache

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    36 MBBest
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    20 MB-44%
  • Base Power

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    150 W
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    65 W
  • Max Turbo Power

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    253 W
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    121 W
  • Memory Type

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    DDR5 or DDR4
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    DDR5
  • Integrated Graphics

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    Yes
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    No

Benchmarks

  • 3D Rendering
  • Blender Cycles (CPU)

    Intel Core i9-14900KS
    522Best
    Intel Core Ultra 5 225F
    213-59%

    Blender 4.5, Blender Open Data (CC0). Median of monster + junkshop + classroom, combined samples/min.

    Renders a 3D scene using every core. Shows speed for 3D and rendering work, not gaming.

Which one should you pick?

Choose 14900KS if you want the higher L3 cache (36 MB vs 20 MB) and the higher blender cycles (CPU) (522 vs 213).

Choose 225F if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

Price comparison

RetailerIntel Core i9-14900KSIntel Core Ultra 5 225F
Amazon

$689.00

View on Amazon
View on Amazon
NeweggView on NeweggView on Newegg
B&H PhotoView on B&H Photo

Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Verdict

Intel Core i9-14900KS

8.7 / 10 Expert Rating

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is an unlocked flagship desktop chip, a top pick for enthusiasts who want to overclock.

Intel Core Ultra 5 225F

8.2 / 10 Expert Rating

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is a mainstream desktop Arrow Lake-S processor, a solid pick for everyday desktop builds.

More comparisons in Processors (CPUs)