Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 225F 10 Cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) up to 4.9 GHz
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 10-core (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) LGA1851 CPU, boosting to 4.9 GHz, is for budget-conscious gamers building a new DDR5 system with a discrete GPU.
This CPU is a situational fit, primarily for new budget gaming builds where a discrete GPU is a given. Its 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores with a 4.9 GHz boost clock offer solid gaming performance, especially after recent price adjustments. However, the LGA1851 platform is new, and motherboard costs can push the total system price up.
If you need more multi-threaded power or a clearer upgrade path, look for CPUs with more P-cores or Hyper-Threading, or consider AMD's current-gen platforms.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Features 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores, totaling 10 cores, for balanced performance.
- Achieves a max turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz for single-threaded tasks.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, offering modern platform features.
- Includes an Intel Laminar RM2 cooler, saving on an aftermarket purchase.
- Operates at a 65W processor base power, contributing to lower heat output.
Cons
- Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a separate graphics card for display output.
- Does not feature Hyper-Threading, limiting its multi-threaded performance compared to some competitors.
- Requires a new LGA1851 motherboard (Intel 800 series), which can be more expensive than older platforms.
- Multi-core performance is often matched or slightly slower than some Ryzen 5 and older Intel i5/i7 chips.
Dimension Scores
The CPU boosts up to 4.9 GHz and performs comparably to higher-tier chips like the 14600K and 7600X in single-core benchmarks.
With 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores but no Hyper-Threading, its multi-core performance is often matched or slightly slower than some Ryzen 5 and older Intel i5/i7 chips.
The processor has a base power consumption of 65W and is noted by users as 'one of the most efficient CPUs on the market'.
The LGA1851 socket is new, but some users express concern about it being a 'single generation plus refresh chipset' platform, potentially limiting future upgrade options.
Best For
- New PC builds focused on 1080p or 1440p gaming with a dedicated GPU.
- Users prioritizing gaming performance over heavy multi-threaded productivity tasks.
- Budget-oriented system builders looking for a modern platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Light productivity and general desktop use where a discrete GPU is already planned.
Not Recommended For
- Workstations requiring extensive multi-threaded performance for tasks like video rendering or complex simulations.
- Users needing integrated graphics for basic display output or troubleshooting without a discrete GPU.
- Anyone looking for an upgrade path on an older Intel socket (e.g., LGA1700).
Watch Out For
- The initial launch price was considered too high, making it a 'hard sell' against competitors, though prices have since dropped.
- The lack of Hyper-Threading means its 10 cores only provide 10 threads, which can be a bottleneck in some multi-threaded applications.
- Requires a new LGA1851 motherboard, and these 'can be much cheaper than the Intel one' for AMD alternatives, implying Intel motherboards might be pricier.
- Some users reported that 'at launch it made no sense: locked, weaker than a 245K, and too expensive'.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 1 GB DDR3 |
| ASIN | B0DTRMDXJ5 |
| Brand | Intel |
| Color | original |
| Series | BX80768225F |
| Voltage | 28 Volts |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 |
| CPU Speed | 4.4 GHz |
| Processor | 4.4 GHz intel_core_ultra_5 |
| CPU Socket | LGA1851 |
| Item Weight | 15.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| CPU Manufacturer | Intel |
| Item model number | BX80768225F |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
What Buyers Say
After initial skepticism due to its launch price, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F has become a surprisingly compelling option for budget gaming builds, especially with recent price drops. Users highlight its strong gaming performance, often outperforming or matching more expensive Ryzen chips in specific titles after BIOS updates and minor tweaks. However, the lack of integrated graphics and Hyper-Threading means it's strictly for systems with a dedicated GPU and not for heavy multi-threaded workloads. The included Laminar RM2 cooler is a plus, but some suggest an AIO for optimal performance with undervolting/overclocking.
“Dude, I snagged this 225F on sale and honestly, for gaming it absolutely rips, just make sure you got a good GPU 'cause there's no iGPU, and yeah, you need a new mobo but it's fast.”
Common Praise
- Provides strong gaming performance, even matching or exceeding Ryzen 5 9600X in some gaming scenarios after optimization.
- Very power efficient, described as 'the most efficient brand new CPU you can buy right now'.
- Supports modern technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
- Includes a 'pretty decent' Intel Laminar RM2 cooler, which is a cost-saving bonus.
- Price drops have made it a 'best value thing you can buy' for gaming.
Common Complaints
- Initial launch price was too high, making it a poor value proposition at the time.
- Lacks Hyper-Threading, which impacts its multi-core performance in productivity tasks.
- Requires a discrete graphics card due to the absence of integrated graphics.
- Motherboard costs for the new LGA1851 platform can be a barrier for some budget builders.
- Multi-thread performance 'really fizzles out' in benchmarks like Cinebench compared to competitors.
Ownership Tips
- Performance significantly improves with BIOS updates and Windows scheduler optimizations that came out after its initial release.
- Undervolting or minor overclocking can unlock even better gaming performance and efficiency.
- Even with the included cooler, temperatures are manageable, but an aftermarket cooler is recommended for pushing performance limits.
- The lack of integrated graphics means you absolutely need a dedicated GPU from day one, no exceptions.
- While good for gaming, it's not a productivity powerhouse, so don't expect it to crunch through heavy video edits like a higher-core count chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F have integrated graphics?
No, the 'F' in 225F indicates that this processor does not include integrated graphics. You will need a separate graphics card for any display output.
What motherboard socket does the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F use?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F uses the LGA1851 socket. It is compatible with Intel 800 series chipset motherboards.
Is the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F good for gaming?
Yes, it offers competitive gaming performance, especially when paired with a suitable discrete GPU. Some tests show it performing well at 1080p and 1440p.
Does this CPU come with a cooler?
Yes, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F includes an Intel Laminar RM2 cooler in the box.
What kind of memory does the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F support?
This processor supports DDR5 memory, along with PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 for modern connectivity.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a CPU like this, you need to understand it's the 'brain' of your computer. This specific one, the 225F, is designed to be paired with a separate graphics card, so don't expect to just plug it in and get a display without one. It's built for modern systems, so you'll also need a new motherboard that supports its socket type and fast DDR5 memory. Think of it as a specialized engine for a gaming car – it's powerful for its intended purpose, but needs other specific parts to run.
Cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores)
P-cores (Performance cores) handle demanding tasks like gaming, while E-cores (Efficiency cores) take care of background processes. This mix means it's optimized for gaming without wasting power, but fewer total threads (10) compared to some competitors means it won't be a multi-tasking beast.
4.9 GHz Max Turbo Frequency
This is how fast a single core can run when needed. Higher numbers here generally mean better performance in games, as many games still rely heavily on single-core speed. It's like the top speed of a sports car – important for quick bursts.
LGA1851 Socket & Intel 800 Series Motherboards
This tells you what kind of 'housing' your CPU needs. It's a brand new socket, so you'll need a new motherboard from Intel's 800 series. This means you can't just drop it into an older PC; you're building a new foundation for your system.
65W Processor Base Power
This indicates how much power the CPU typically uses and how much heat it generates. A lower number means it's more power-efficient and easier to cool, which is good for your electricity bill and keeps your PC quieter.
Alternatives
If this CPU doesn't quite fit, look for processors with more total threads for heavy productivity, or consider options with integrated graphics if you don't plan on buying a dedicated GPU. For a clearer upgrade path, investigate platforms known for multi-generational socket support.
You Might Also Like
INTEL INTEL XEON Gold 6246R Processor (35.75M Cache, 3.40 GHZ)
$600+This is a 1-core, 3.40 GHz Xeon Gold processor designed for highly specialized server tasks, not general computing.
INTEL INTEL XEON Gold 6250 Processor (35.75M Cache, 3.90 GHZ)
$600+This is a 1-core, 3.9 GHz Intel Xeon Gold processor with 35.75MB cache, making it an unusual fit for demanding data center workloads.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
This 6-core, 12-thread AM4 processor with a 4.2 GHz max boost is for budget PC builders needing 100+ FPS in 1080p games and basic multitasking.
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Prism LED Cooler
An 8-core, 16-thread AM4 processor with a 4.4 GHz max boost, bundled with an RGB cooler, suitable for multi-threaded tasks.