Global events have made it harder to track down genuine bargains, especially in the processor market. Pent-up demand for AMD’s X3D chips suggests Ryzen prices are going to remain static, yet there’s decent movement on the other side of the fence where Intel is making adjustments in an effort to shift Core Ultra CPUs.
The best discount available today applies to the mainstream Core Ultra 5 245K, whose $299 RRP has been shaved to $269 in the US and £249 UK. That’s the lowest we’ve seen to date, and a welcome reduction for anyone contemplating a latest-generation build.
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
“Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.”
Heck, if you don’t need onboard graphics, the Core Ultra 5 245KF is even cheaper on these here shores, returning to a best-ever price of £239.
To recap, this particular Core Ultra 5 is a 14-core (six performance, eight efficient) chip carrying 26MB of L2 cache and a top speed of 5.2GHz. A 159W max TDP suits all manner of builds, and employing an all-new LGA1851 socket would suggest there’s upgradeability for at least another generation or two.
Low average power consumption and capable all-round performance are the hallmarks of this model, and at under £250 it stands a much better chance of luring prospective users. At the very least, it undercuts rival AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, bringing necessary competition to the space.
There’s no free game to add extra incentive, yet with the forecast for processor prices appearing ominous, Core Ultra 5 245K is a good deal and a safe bet as the basis of a capable 1080p/1440p gaming rig in early 2025.
Club386 is always on the lookout for unmissable PC component deals. Follow on X or Facebook to stay up to date with the latest discounts, and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to be kept abreast of all the developments in the world of tech.
