The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is a 10-core, 10-thread desktop processor from the Arrow Lake family, launched in Q1 2025 for the LGA1851 platform . As a successor to the popular Core i5-12400F, it represents Intel's attempt to bring the new Core Ultra architecture to the budget-conscious segment . So, how good is it ?
The processor features 6 Performance-cores (Lion Cove) and 4 Efficiency-cores (Skymont), with a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz . It is notable for being the cheapest 10-core CPU in the market, often retailing for under $100 on discount .
Core Specifications
The Core Ultra 5 225F is built on TSMC's N3B process node, offering significant efficiency improvements over previous generations .
Benchmark Comparison Table
The Core Ultra 5 225F's performance is defined by its 10-core configuration and efficient architecture. It offers solid multi-core performance but faces stiff competition in single-core tasks.
Real-World Performance and Benchmarks
The Core Ultra 5 225F's performance profile is nuanced, showing strength in efficiency and mixed results in gaming and productivity.
Productivity (Rendering & Office):
In multi-core productivity tasks, the 225F performs well but is not exceptional. It matches the performance of older chips like the Core i5-12600K in some benchmarks . In Cinebench 2024, it scores 123 points in single-core and approximately 828 points in multi-core, placing it on par with the Ryzen 5 7600X .
Gaming Performance:
The processor's gaming performance is a point of contention. While it can run modern games, tests show it offers only a 7-9% improvement over the older Core i5-12400F . When compared to AMD's Ryzen 5 7500F, it trails by 9-13% in gaming benchmarks .
| Game Title | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F | Intel Core i5-14400F | AMD Ryzen 5 7500F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 90 FPS | 87 FPS | ~100+ FPS |
| CS2 | 516 FPS | 469 FPS | ~550+ FPS |
| Rainbow Six Siege X | ~300+ FPS | N/A | 27-32% faster |
Critical Technical Detail: The "F" Designation and NPU
The Core Ultra 5 225F does not include integrated graphics, meaning a discrete GPU is mandatory for display output . However, it retains the NPU (Intel AI Boost) for AI workloads, despite the lack of iGPU .
Market Positioning, Pricing, and Availability
The Core Ultra 5 225F is Intel's most affordable entry into the LGA1851 platform. Recent discounts have brought prices down significantly, making it an attractive budget option.
Current Pricing (2026):
Where to Buy:
It is available from major distributors like Amazon and Newegg. The processor is often discounted, making it a viable option for budget builders.
Conclusion on Positioning
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F is an efficient and affordable processor that brings the benefits of the Arrow Lake architecture to the budget segment. Its NPU and efficiency are strong points, but its gaming performance does not offer a compelling advantage over older, cheaper alternatives. It is best suited for users who prioritize efficiency and want a modern platform for productivity tasks, rather than pure gaming.
Claire Jones
Cloud Engineer / Technical Writer
eBits Tech Platform @ ebits.icu