Custom PC: Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) Desktop CPU Features, Specifications, and Performance Overview

We will compare the features and specifications of the Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) desktop CPUs, as well as the differences from the 14th generation, benchmark scores, cost performance, and power efficiency.

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Features of Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) Processors

This section explains the features of Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.

Key points, including performance improvements and differences from the 14th generation, are summarized in an easy-to-understand way.

No 100-Series Desktop CPUs

The Intel Core series has ended, and with the Intel Core Ultra series now in its second generation, the first generation only had mobile CPUs and did not include desktop CPUs.

Therefore, the second generation is the first to feature Core Ultra desktop CPUs.

P-cores Now 1 Core 1 Thread (Thread Count Reduced)

Previously, P-cores had 1 core and 2 threads, while E-cores had 1 core and 1 thread, with only P-cores supporting Hyper-Threading Technology.

However, for Series 2 desktop CPUs, Hyper-Threading Technology is disabled, so P-cores are also 1 core 1 thread.

The number of cores remains the same compared to the 14th generation, but the number of threads is reduced due to this change.

However, for Series 2 mobile CPUs, P-cores still have 1 core and 2 threads, so Hyper-Threading Technology itself has not been discontinued.

NPU Added

Starting with the Intel Core Ultra series, a unit for AI processing has been included.

For mobile CPUs, this was already present from Series 1 (Meteor Lake), but for desktop CPUs, it is first included in Series 2 (Arrow Lake).

NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a dedicated processing unit designed to efficiently run advanced AI algorithms such as deep learning.

Previously, AI inference (such as object detection, speech recognition, and natural language processing) was typically handled by the CPU or GPU.

However, since AI processing requires massive parallel vector calculations, dedicated hardware enables faster and more power-efficient processing.

Memory: Supports up to 6400 MT/s, 256GB Maximum, No DDR4 Support

The main memory changes are as follows:

• Maximum supported memory speed increased from 5600 MT/s (89.6 GB/s) to 6400 MT/s (102.4GB/s)
• Maximum memory capacity increased from 192GB to 256GB
• DDR4 is not supported

Faster memory can now be installed.

This is expected to improve performance in tasks where memory bandwidth is important, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

However, supported memory speed depends not only on the CPU but also on the motherboard specifications, so to achieve the maximum 6400 MT/s, check the compatible chipset and motherboard specifications.

Maximum CPU Operating Temperature Changed from 100°C to 105°C

The maximum CPU operating temperature has been changed from 100°C to 105°C.

When the CPU temperature rises, thermal protection features temporarily lower the clock speed (thermal throttling) to protect the CPU and surrounding parts.

With the maximum operating temperature raised to 105°C, the CPU can maintain higher clock speeds for longer, making it easier to maximize performance.

No Core Ultra 3

In Series 2, the lowest grade equivalent to the previous “Core i3,” called “Core Ultra 3,” is not available.

Instead, the main lineup consists of Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9.

Strictly speaking, Core Ultra 3 105UL was released in Series 1, but it was for embedded use and not practically available for laptops or desktops.

In the 14th generation and other Intel Core series, Core i3 existed, but it was rarely used in BTO or custom-built PCs.

Especially for custom PCs, high-spec builds are common, so the lower-grade Core i3 was rarely used.

Similarly, BTO and manufacturer PCs mostly used Core i5 or higher grades.

Recently, even laptops with Core i5 have been in the 70,000 to 100,000 yen price range, so even with Core i3, the price did not drop much, which may be why it was rarely adopted.

Since the price difference is not that large, many consumers may have thought, “If spending a bit more gets a Core i5, why not go for it?”

Therefore, since demand was not high, it is expected that Core Ultra will focus on Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9 as the main lineup.

Specifications of Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) Processors

This section explains the specifications of Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors by grade.

Intel Core Ultra 9 Processors

The changes in Core Ultra 9 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Only “K”, “standard”, and “T” models are offered (no “KS”, “KF”, or “F” models)
• Because P-cores are 1 core / 1 thread, threads decrease from 32 to 24 (core count remains the same)
• Clock frequency varies by -0.6 to +0.5 GHz (generally higher)
• L2 cache increases by 8 MB (no change to L3 cache)
• Maximum TDP decreases by 3 to 37 W (base TDP unchanged)

Intel Core Ultra 7 Processors

The changes in Core Ultra 7 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Because P-cores are 1 core / 1 thread, threads decrease from 28 to 20 (core count remains the same)
• Clock frequency varies by -0.1 to +0.9 GHz (generally higher)
• L2 cache increases by 8 MB (no change to L3 cache)
• Support for Thermal Velocity Boost now starts with Core Ultra 7 (previously from Core i9)
• Maximum TDP decreases by 3 to 37 W (base TDP unchanged)

Intel Core Ultra 5 Processors

The changes in Core Ultra 5 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Because P-cores are 1 core / 1 thread, threads decrease from 20 to 14 (core count remains the same)
• Clock frequency varies by -0.1 to +1.2 GHz (generally higher)
• Depending on the model, L2 cache increases by 6, 12.5, or 14.5 MB (no change to L3 cache)
• Maximum TDP decreases by about 30 W (base TDP unchanged)

Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) Processor Benchmark Comparison

This section compares various data for Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.

Benchmark Scores

The table is sorted in descending order of benchmark scores, and basically, the grades follow the order of 9, 7, and 5.

However, “Core Ultra 9 285” and “Core Ultra 9 285T” are mixed in with the 7 and 5 grades.

The “285T” model is a power-saving version, so its performance is lower, but the reason for the “285” model’s position is unclear.

Compared to the Intel Core 14th generation, scores have increased by about 10% overall.

With the addition of the NPU and P-cores now being 1 core 1 thread, there was concern that performance might drop compared to the previous generation, but that is not the case, which is reassuring.

*Some models do not have benchmark scores, so they are listed as 0.

Cost Performance

Cost performance is calculated as the score per 100 yen, sorted in descending order of value.

Core Ultra 7 and 5 have high cost performance.

These are popular choices for custom PCs because they are affordable and suitable for a wide range of uses.

In particular, the high cost performance of the high-performance Core Ultra 7 is very welcome.

Power Efficiency

Power efficiency is calculated as the score per maximum TDP, sorted in descending order.

Those looking to build a power-efficient custom PC may find this information useful.

Previously, “T” models dominated the top rankings, but from Series 2 of Core Ultra, one is at the top and one is lower down.

Excluding the power-saving models, Core Ultra 5 235 is at the top, offering decent performance at an affordable price, making it highly recommended.

Summary: Major Changes Include NPU for AI, P-cores Now 1 Core 1 Thread, and No DDR4 Support!

This article has explained in detail the features, specifications, and benchmark results of Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.

Here is a summary of the key points:

The biggest change is the addition of an NPU specialized for AI processing.

Until now, AI was mainly relevant to engineers, but with the rise of generative AI, many users now feel AI is more accessible.

The addition of the NPU is likely a preparation for a future where using AI becomes commonplace, allowing the CPU to handle AI tasks more efficiently.

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