
It can be a challenge sometimes, upgrading to a new CPU if you don't know what to look for. It helps to be familiar with specs, but if you're not sure where to start, you can't go wrong with understanding the core/thread count and speed. In the case of today's deal, the Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K offers specs at more of an upper mid-range with a good deal of compatibility with modern technologies (like PCIe 5.0 support). It usually goes for around $319 but right now it's been discounted to just $269 which is its lowest price to date.
This processor's physical core count is 14 with six of them being performance cores and eight of them efficiency cores. Under optimal conditions, the Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K can reach speeds as high as 5.2 GHz. This might not be the fastest on the market, but is plenty of power to handle most modern computing needs. That said, we always recommend checking out our detailed CPU hierarchy list to see what's leading the market and how the processors compare.
Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K: now $269 at Amazon (was $319)
This processor can reach speeds as high as 5.2 GHz. It's PCIe 5.0 compatible but can also support PCIe 4.0 devices. You can use up to 256GB of DDR5-6400 RAM with it and don't need a GPU to get video output as it comes with integrated Intel graphics.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K has a total of 14 cores and 14 threads. Out of those cores, 6 of them are dedicated performance cores with a base speed of 4.2 GHz. With Max Turbo enabled, they can reach up to 5.2 GHz. The other 8 cores are efficiency cores with a base speed of 3.6 GHz. When enabling Max Turbo, they can reach up to 4.6 GHz.
This CPU is compatible with DDR5 RAM — more specifically, you can install up to 256GB of DDR5-6400 via 2 memory channels. The Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K is compatible with both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 devices. To get good quality video output, we strongly recommend a dedicated GPU. However, you don't need one to use this processor, as it comes with integrated Intel Graphics.
Again, this is the lowest price we've seen for the Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K since it first launched late last year. However, it's not clear for how long the offer will be made available. If you want to check out this deal for yourself, head over to the Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K product page for more information.
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Ash Hill is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware with a wealth of experience in the hobby electronics, 3D printing and PCs. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting while also finding the best coupons and deals on all tech.
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bit_user
This part got slightly jumbled. The P-cores have a base and turbo of 4.2 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. For the E-cores, it's 3.6 and 4.6.The article said:Out of those cores, 6 of them are dedicated performance cores with a base speed of 3.6 GHz. With Max Turbo enabled, they can reach up to 4.6 GHz. The other 8 cores are efficiency cores with a base speed of 4.2 GHz. When enabling Max Turbo, they can reach up to 5.2 GHz.
More details, here:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/241067/intel-core-ultra-5-processor-245k-24m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html?wapkw=245k -
Roland Of Gilead
DOH! 🫣bit_user said:This part got slightly jumbled. The P-cores have a base and turbo of 4.2 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. For the E-cores, it's 3.6 and 4.6.
More details, here:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/241067/intel-core-ultra-5-processor-245k-24m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html?wapkw=245k -
thestryker
I'm not sure what's more ridiculous about this statement comparing a boxed CPU to tray off ebay or K SKU to non. Either way this is a comparison which doesn't make sense. The 14600K boxed can be had for as low as $206 ($223 direct). This is the far more logical comparison if saving money is the goal with a similar general performance profile.Amdlova said:14600 tray is 150usd on ebay right now...
max they need to ask on that cpu is 175usd -
Amdlova With a cheap and worse asrockmothrtboard B660 / You can max the 14600 150us cpu + 10us cheap cooler and 65-70us for the board.Reply
And you have spare money for the cheap ddr 4000 :)
269usd on the new intel dead platform it's not cheap.