Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus 18-core LGA1851
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 6-core AM4
What Buyers Say
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus 18-core LGA1851
This budget CPU is praised for its excellent value, offering performance close to much pricier chips. Users report significant improvements in gaming and productivity, with one noting a slight FPS drop at 4K compared to a 7800X3D but better 1% lows. Overall, it's seen as a fantastic choice for the money.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Close to high-end performance
- 18 cores for productivity
- Stable 1% lows in gaming
- Great for gaming and work
Cons
- Slight FPS drop at 4K vs 7800X3D
- Requires DDR5 memory
- No integrated graphics (likely)
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 6-core AM4
The Ryzen 5 1600 is praised for its performance and value, but one verified review complains that the included cooler was missing from the package. Q&A responses confirm the CPU lacks integrated graphics and requires a dedicated GPU, and note that it is compatible with AM4 motherboards but not Intel boards. Overall, sentiment is mixed but leans positive due to strong performance and good stock cooler.
Pros
- Good price for performance
- True 6-core 12-thread CPU
- Stock cooler is decent
- Overclockable with stock cooler
- Compatible with AM4 motherboards
Cons
- Missing cooler in package
- No integrated GPU
- Not compatible with Intel boards
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus | AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core Ultra 5 | Ryzen 5 |
| Model | 250KF | 1600 |
| Codename | Arrow Lake Refresh | Zen |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 3★ | 14 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 18★ | 6 |
| P-cores | 6 | 6 |
| E-cores | 12★ | — |
| Threads | 18★ | 12 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 30★ | 3 |
| L3 Cache | 30★ | 16 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA1851 | AM4 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 24★ | 16 |
| TDP | 125 | 65★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 159★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | None | — |
| NPU TOPS | 13★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus 18-core LGA1851
- Strong single thread (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong feature (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong ai (94th percentile)94th %ile
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 6-core AM4
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (76th percentile)
- Strong efficiency (76th percentile)
- Strong feature (75th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (9th percentile)9th %ile
Pricing
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus 18-core LGA1851 offers 2.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 29 specs.