Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core Ultra 5 245K (Intel, 2025) and Core i9-12900F (Intel, 2022) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: Ultra 5 245K is about 1.3% faster
The sockets differ (LGA1851 / LGA1700), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | Ultra 5 245K | i9-12900F |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 38,000 | 37,500 |
| Generation | Core Ultra | 12th Gen |
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce RTX 3080 Ti | GeForce RTX 5060 Ti |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | Ultra 5 245K |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i9-12900F (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Ultra 5 245K is about 1.3% higher by score (Ultra 5 245K: 38000 points / i9-12900F: 37500 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Ultra 5 245K is Core Ultra, while i9-12900F is 12th Gen.The sockets differ (LGA1851 / LGA1700), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti pairs well with Ultra 5 245K and GeForce RTX 5060 Ti pairs well with i9-12900F. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
