CONCLUSION

    Unfortunately, since I never got to test or even use the 14900K/KS CPU (nor the latest 7000x3D and 9000 CPUs by AMD for that matter - hopefully the 9000x3D variants will make it here) I can't do a direct comparison of the latest Intel Core Ultra 200S CPUs with those. Still, I have the next best thing (previous lines) and well, compared to those Intel has clearly taken a step forward, not just in terms of processing power (large gap in some tests, not so large in others) but also power consumption and thermals. Almost 100W difference in power consumption between the Core i9-13900K (5.8GHz) and the Core Ultra 9 285K (5.7GHz) is by no means a small feat while in terms of thermals a 5-degree difference may not seem much (Intel states roughly 12-13 degrees difference with the 14900K but that's obviously not something I can comment on) but coupled with the higher processing power is actually a very good result. As for the Core Ultra 245K at 121W max power consumption at load and temperatures in the high 60's it could be the ideal choice for people who want one of the new Z890 motherboards (features) and just don't want to spend much on a CPU (gaming performance is also very good). Overclocking as Intel has stated has become more detailed and, in a way, easier to perform (and far more stable, no blue screens after finalizing clocks and voltages) although there are far too many options (even regarding the RAM) which may confuse some users but will almost certainly satisfy others (unless you're an enthusiast or serious gamer overclocking is something I wouldn't recommend since these CPUs like all recent lines do that on their own when needed quite effectively). All said and done yes, it seems Intel didn't focus much in the gaming end of the new Core Ultra 200S CPUs (ditching hyperthreading might have affected gaming performance) but rather in power consumption, thermals, processing power and new features like A.I (which I expect to be useful for many professionals out there). Even so I doubt people who might need the extra processing power and features (both of the CPU and the Z890 chipset) will have an issue with their gaming performance (I'm one of those people to be honest). Last but not least the integrated graphics used in the new Core Ultra 200S CPUs might not be anything special, but they are certainly a step towards the right direction (although it might be a while before we see integrated graphics accelerators capable of fluid gaming, even at Full HD resolution). Personally, I believe that the new Core Ultra 200S series is the beginning of something that could be quite unique, a test if you will of a new “breed” of CPUs, the sole issue however in an industry moving so fast is as always time.

    The Intel Core Ultra 200S CPUs should be available today and in terms of cost the Core Ultra 9 285K model will set you back roughly USD600 inside the USA and 650Euros inside the EU, a price tag which is more or less what everyone was expecting from the flagship model. On the other hand, the Core Ultra 5 245K model will set you back around USD320 inside the USA and 340Euros inside the EU so it’s a much more affordable choice. Pricing is obviously not an issue I have with the new Core Ultra 200S series CPUs (they are exactly what I was expecting based on past models), my issue is with overall gaming performance since I was obviously expecting something more. Again, I don’t expect this to be a game breaker for people who could use the extra processing power (and the AI NPU units) but it’s a whole different story when it comes to gamers. Overall, although they could be better the brand new Core Ultra 200S series CPUs by Intel are clearly a step up compared to their predecessors and for that they deserve the Golden Award.

PROS

- Excellent Processing Performance (Core Ultra 285K)
- Top Clocks (5700MHz / 5200MHz)
- AI NPU Units
- Overclocking Improvements
- Power Consumption
- Temperatures
- Integrated iGPU
- Z890 Chipset Features (CU DIMM / Lanes / Thunderbolt 4)

CONS

- Overall Gaming Performance Gains (For Some)