Intel Core Ultra 5 225

Intel Core Ultra 5 225 Specifications and Performance Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is based on the Arrow Lake-S architecture and is manufactured using the 3 nm process at the TSMC foundry. It is compatible with the LGA 1851 socket used by Z890, B860, W880, Q870, H810 chipsets and supports PCIe Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only), as well as DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6400 MT/s across Dual-channel memory. This processor features a hybrid core configuration with 6 performance cores operating at a base clock of 3.30 GHz and boosting up to 4.90 GHz, alongside 4 efficiency cores running at a base clock of 2.70 GHz and boosting up to 4.40 GHz, for a total of 10 threads. It is equipped with 192 kB of L1 cache, 3072 kB of L2 cache, and 20 MB of L3 cache. The efficiency cores feature 96 kB of L1 cache and 4096 kB of L2 cache.

This CPU is designed for a mainstream desktop platform. It supports consumer-grade memory configurations and modern expansion standards, making it suitable for everyday computing, gaming, and productivity workloads.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 has a base TDP of 65 W and a moderate maximum TDP of 121 W. Most mid-range aftermarket air coolers are sufficient for thermal control. This processor is also suitable for small form factor builds, which often have limited airflow.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU, which features 2 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.80 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Application Performance

Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is an entry-level CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 43.43% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. This CPU handles daily computing, coding, light gaming, productivity, and basic multitasking. Not recommended for heavy workloads or professional-grade applications.

In terms of productivity value, Intel Core Ultra 5 225 offers excellent performance per dollar, achieving 73.0% efficiency relative to the best possible CPU in the application performance-per-price category. It is an excellent choice for cost-effective computing.

Gaming Performance

Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is a mid-range gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 72.63% compared to the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. This CPU provides solid mid-level gaming, performance and is best paired with corresponding mid-range graphics cards. Note that CPU-related performance limitations decrease as GPU performance lowers—particularly at higher resolutions—since the GPU becomes the bottleneck.

For gamers, Intel Core Ultra 5 225 offers exceptional value, scoring 80.1% in gaming performance per dollar. It's ideal for budget-conscious gamers looking to pair this CPU with a cost-effective graphics card without significantly sacrificing performance.