Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
Panther Lake · 14C · 5.5 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Panther Lake · 26C · 6.0 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K lands at 84 and Intel Core Ultra 9 395K at 93. That puts Intel Core Ultra 9 395K ahead by 9 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Intel Core Ultra 5 345K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Pick Intel Core Ultra 9 395K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on gaming (94 vs 85).
Creators & productivity
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on multi (93 vs 84).
Power efficiency
TiePerformance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Intel Core Ultra 5 345KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Intel Core Ultra 5 345K more score per dollar ($329 vs $649).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Intel Core Ultra 5 345K | Intel Core Ultra 9 395K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Panther Lake | Panther Lake |
| Cores | 14 | ▲ 26 (8P+16E+2LP) |
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1851 |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Threads | — | 26 |
Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
FAQ: Intel Core Ultra 5 345K vs Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 9. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Intel Core Ultra 5 345K worth the price? +
At $329, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in single.
Is Intel Core Ultra 9 395K worth the price? +
At $649, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Does Intel Core Ultra 5 345K or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on gaming (94 vs 85). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.
Which is better for creator and productivity work, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on multi (93 vs 84). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.