Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245KF - 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) up to 5.2 GHz
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AI Verdict
This 14-core (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) 5.2 GHz processor is for new builds focused on multi-threaded productivity, not gaming, and requires a discrete GPU.
This processor is a situational fit because while it offers strong multi-threaded performance and improved power efficiency for productivity, its subpar gaming performance and the high cost of adopting the new LGA 1851 platform limit its appeal. It's not a straightforward upgrade for recent Intel users and requires specific use cases to justify the investment.
If gaming is a priority, look for CPUs with stronger single-core performance and better gaming benchmarks, even if it means fewer cores or a slightly lower clock speed.
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Pros
- Features 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) for handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Achieves boost speeds up to 5.2 GHz for demanding applications.
- Demonstrates improved power efficiency and runs cooler compared to 14th Gen Core processors.
- Offers strong multi-threaded performance, often matching or exceeding Ryzen 7 9700X in efficiency for tasks like Cinebench.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 and DDR5 memory, enabling faster component communication.
- Can be a significant performance upgrade for users coming from CPUs 5+ years old, especially in video editing.
Cons
- Exhibits subpar gaming performance, often falling behind the Core i5-14600K and AMD alternatives.
- Requires a new LGA 1851 socket motherboard, making it an expensive platform upgrade.
- Lacks integrated graphics due to the 'KF' designation, necessitating a separate discrete graphics card.
- Consumes more power at load (around 205 watts) than some AMD Ryzen alternatives like the 9700X and 9600X.
- Does not include a thermal solution, requiring an additional cooler purchase.
Dimension Scores
Despite a 5.2 GHz boost clock, gaming benchmarks show it underperforms compared to its predecessors and competitors, indicating its single-thread strength isn't class-leading.
With 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and a hybrid architecture, it delivers strong multi-threaded performance in productivity applications like Cinebench.
It is more energy efficient and runs cooler than 14th Gen Core, consuming less power at load than its direct predecessors.
The introduction of a new LGA 1851 socket means limited upgrade potential within the same platform, making it a potential dead end for future CPU upgrades.
Best For
- Users building a new system primarily for multi-threaded productivity applications like video editing or 3D rendering.
- Anyone upgrading from an Intel CPU that is five or more years old and needs a boost in productivity tasks.
- Budget-minded new PC builders who find it at a significant discount, especially with bundles.
Not Recommended For
- Dedicated gaming PC builds where maximizing frame rates is the top priority.
- Users looking for a cost-effective upgrade from 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core processors.
- Anyone needing integrated graphics for basic display output or QuickSync features.
Watch Out For
- The new LGA 1851 socket means you absolutely need a new motherboard, as it's incompatible with older LGA 1700 boards.
- Since it's a 'KF' model, there are no integrated graphics, so you must purchase a discrete GPU to get any display output.
- Gaming performance is notably lower than its predecessor, the Core i5-14600K, with one test showing 165 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 compared to 178 fps.
- The overall platform cost is high due to the mandatory new motherboard and potentially new DDR5 RAM.
- A thermal solution is not included in the box, so you'll need to buy a CPU cooler separately.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 1 GB |
| ASIN | B0DFK8HHK4 |
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | BX80768245KF |
| Voltage | 28 Volts |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 |
| CPU Speed | 5.2 GHz |
| Processor | 5.2 GHz intel_core_ultra_5 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Item Weight | 2.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| CPU Manufacturer | Intel |
| Item model number | Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF |
| Product Dimensions | 9.17 x 4.65 x 0.04 inches |
| Number of Processors | 14 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.17 x 4.65 x 0.04 inches |
What Buyers Say
This Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has a really mixed bag of reactions. People are saying it's surprisingly good for heavy multi-threaded work, like if you're editing 4K video and coming from an old chip, you'll feel a big difference. But then, when it comes to gaming, it just doesn't keep up, even falling behind older Intel i5s. The biggest headache seems to be that you absolutely have to buy a new motherboard because of the new socket, which drives up the total cost of building a PC around it. Plus, no integrated graphics means you can't even boot without a separate GPU.
“Man, I bought this thinking it would be a gaming beast, but my old i5 actually gets better frames in Cyberpunk! It's fast for my video renders though, so I guess it's not a total bust, but that new motherboard cost stung.”
Common Praise
- Provides a noticeable performance boost in multi-core productivity tasks, such as video editing, for users upgrading from older CPUs.
- Runs cooler and more power-efficiently than previous 14th Gen Intel Core processors.
- Offers strong performance per watt, especially in multi-threading scenarios.
- Can be a compelling value proposition when available at discounted prices or with bundled components.
Common Complaints
- Gaming performance is consistently reported as disappointing and subpar compared to both previous Intel generations and AMD competitors.
- The requirement for a new LGA 1851 motherboard significantly increases the overall cost of building a system.
- Lacks integrated graphics, forcing users to purchase a discrete GPU.
- The removal of Hyper-Threading from P-cores is seen as a drawback by some users.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely need to factor in the cost of a new LGA 1851 motherboard, as your old one won't work.
- Without integrated graphics, your PC won't even display anything until you install a discrete graphics card.
- You'll need to buy a separate CPU cooler, as one isn't included in the box.
- If you're coming from a really old system, the jump to DDR5 RAM might also be an unexpected additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF have integrated graphics?
No, the 'KF' designation means this processor lacks integrated graphics, so you'll need a separate discrete graphics card for display output.
What motherboard socket does this processor use?
This processor uses the new LGA 1851 socket, which means it requires a compatible Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboard.
Is this CPU good for gaming?
Reviews indicate that its gaming performance is generally subpar and can be worse than previous generation Intel i5 chips and current AMD alternatives.
Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF come with a CPU cooler?
No, a thermal solution is not included with this processor, so you will need to purchase a compatible CPU cooler separately.
Is this a worthwhile upgrade from an older Intel CPU?
If your current CPU is 5+ years old, you'll likely see significant improvements in productivity and multi-threaded tasks, but be aware of the cost of a new motherboard and potentially DDR5 RAM.
How does its power consumption compare to other CPUs?
It's more energy efficient and runs cooler than 14th Gen Core processors, but it still consumes more power at load than some AMD Ryzen CPUs with lower TDPs.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at this processor, you need to understand a few key things. First, the 'KF' means no built-in graphics, so you absolutely need a separate graphics card. Second, it uses a brand new socket (LGA 1851), which means your old motherboard won't work, and you'll need to buy a new one. This adds a chunk to your total build cost. Finally, its strengths are in doing a lot of things at once, like video editing, not necessarily getting you the highest frames per second in games.
Cores (14 cores: 6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and Threads (14 threads)
Think of cores as individual workers and threads as tasks each worker can handle. More cores and threads mean the CPU can juggle more programs and complex tasks simultaneously, like running a game while streaming or editing video, without slowing down. The P-cores handle the heavy lifting, while E-cores take care of background tasks.
Speed (up to 5.2 GHz)
This is how fast the processor can crunch numbers. A higher GHz generally means faster performance in tasks that rely on quick calculations, like launching applications or single-threaded workloads. 'Up to' means it can reach this speed under optimal conditions.
Socket (LGA 1851)
The socket is the physical connection on your motherboard where the CPU sits. This is crucial because a new socket (like LGA 1851) means you can't reuse your old motherboard; you'll need to buy a new one that's compatible. It's like trying to fit a new lightbulb into an old, different-sized fixture.
Alternatives
If gaming is your main focus, look for CPUs with a stronger emphasis on single-core performance and proven gaming benchmarks, potentially from a previous generation or a different brand. If you need integrated graphics, search for models without the 'F' designation or consider CPUs from other manufacturers that include them.
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