Intel Core i5-4690 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225

The Intel Core i5-4690 is a desktop processor aimed at the mainstream market, designed for everyday tasks and light gaming.

It is based on the Haswell S architecture and is manufactured using a 22 nm process. This CPU features four cores and four threads. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. The maximum memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s, and it supports PCIe 3.0. With 6 MB of Level 3 cache, it offers solid, though age-related, performance for less demanding applications.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is a modern desktop processor from the Arrow Lake generation, targeting a broad audience ranging from productivity to more demanding applications and gaming.

It is manufactured using an advanced 3 nm process, which enables high energy efficiency. This CPU utilizes a hybrid architecture with a higher number of cores and threads. It features 26 MB of Level 2 cache and 24 MB of Level 3 cache. The integrated graphics unit is the more powerful Intel Xe 4 Core Graphics 64 EUs (Arrow Lake), and it supports PCIe 5.0, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s.

The single-core performance of the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 significantly surpasses that of the Intel Core i5-4690, attributed to its more modern architecture and higher clock frequencies. In multi-core applications, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 also demonstrates substantially higher performance, thanks to its greater core count and efficient hybrid architecture.

This is noticeable in demanding productivity tasks and multitasking. In gaming scenarios, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is clearly superior. Its integrated graphics unit, the Intel Xe 4 Core Graphics 64 EUs (Arrow Lake), offers significantly higher performance than the Intel HD Graphics 4600 of the Intel Core i5-4690.

This allows for playing more modern titles, even without a dedicated graphics card, albeit often with reduced settings. The higher CPU performance and PCIe 5.0 support are also advantageous for discrete graphics cards. Regarding power consumption and TDP, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is significantly more energy-efficient due to its 3 nm manufacturing process.

This results in lower power consumption and potentially cooler operation compared to the Intel Core i5-4690, which is manufactured using a 22 nm process. For users who value energy efficiency, the newer processor is the better choice. The Intel Core i5-4690 is now primarily available on the used market and offers a very low price point.

Its performance per Euro is acceptable for basic tasks but insufficient for modern requirements. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is a current product with a corresponding new price, but it delivers significantly higher overall performance and future-proofing, which translates to a better price-performance ratio for modern usage scenarios.

The Intel Core i5-4690 is still suitable for simple office applications and web browsing on older systems. For any type of modern workload, content creation, or gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is the superior choice. It offers significantly higher computing power, stronger integrated graphics, and better energy efficiency.