Embattled Intel Core Ultra 5 245K finally catches break with its new low price
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It’s been a rough start for the Core Ultra 5 245K, a CPU that arrived with an MSRP above $300 and immediately saw resistance from AMD’s 9600X series and even the Core i5-14600K it supersedes. However, some respite has arrived in a new Amazon deal.
A new price drop means that if you’re keen to opt for Intel for a current-gen PC, the Core Ultra 5 245K is now $270. That’s a $50 (15%) drop, sneaking Intel’s chip into a more appreciable position.
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
Why consider this Intel Core Ultra 5 245K deal?
This CPU wasn’t really a viable option above $300, being out-valued by AMD’s new-gen 9600X and Intel’s prior 14th-gen 14600K. The new price doesn’t change the performance of this CPU, but it does make it more viable, particularly for multicore workload environments where this CPU can perform at its best. Here’s what you need to know.
- Cool and efficient – Intel’s new CPU range has an improved thermal design and power efficiency than the 14th-gen, and the Core Ultra 5 245K is a cooler and less power-hungry option.
- Good for multitasking – A 14 core (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 14 thread CPU with up to 5.2GHz speeds, the 245K is best at multicore and general productivity workloads
- Arrow Lake – This CPU works on Intel’s new LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake) platform and may have a solid future CPU upgrade path.
- 800-series – Compatible with Intel’s 800 series chipset motherboards, supporting DDR5 RAM only.
Who is this Intel Core Ultra 5 245K deal for?
Given the positioning of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K with a price that now makes more sense, this deal is for you if you want to commit to Intel’s newest generation over AMD’s Socket AM5 platform. As an entry-level Intel option, there’s potential for future drop-in CPU upgrades, too.
If you want to build a gaming PC specifically, you will get better overall performance from AMD’s 9600X on AMD’s current Socket AM5 platform. That’s not to say this Intel CPU cannot handle gaming; it can – and picking the best GPU for the Core Ultra 5 245K is sensible if you want a productivity-focused system with gaming too.
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