Improved Performance of Core Ultra 3 205: Preliminary benchmarks show a 30% boost in multi-core performance compared to Core i3-1410, with additional E-cores apparently influencing the enhancement.

Intel's New Entry-Level CPU Faces Challenges in the Market

The Intel Core Ultra 3 205, an upcoming entry-level CPU, is set to make its debut with a promising single-core performance. According to benchmark leaks, the 205 is 11% faster in single-core performance than the Core i3-14100 in Geekbench 6. However, it seems that this CPU might struggle in the entry-level market due to its overseas pricing of $150, which is similar to older mid-range parts from AMD and Intel.

The Core Ultra 3 205 is an eight-core CPU, featuring four Lion Cove P-Cores and four Skymont E-cores, based on the Arrow Lake-S architecture. In multi-core performance tests, the Ryzen 5 7600, a two-generation-old six-core CPU from AMD, outperforms the Core Ultra 3 205. The Ryzen 5 7600 has a multi-core score of 12,230 points in Geekbench, which is 23% higher than the Core Ultra 3 205.

The highest single-core score for the Core Ultra 3 205 in the discovered Geekbench 6 listings is 2,664 points, while the highest multi-core score is 9,935 points. Despite its eight cores, the Core Ultra 3 205 forgoes Hyper-Threading due to design changes in the Arrow Lake architecture, unlike the Core i3-14100, which also has eight threads.

The Core Ultra 3 205's gaming performance may be inferior to that of previous-generation mid-range parts from AMD and Intel. This could make those parts more competitive in the entry-level PC market. The Core i5-14400, Core Ultra 5 225F, and Ryzen 5 7600 are also mentioned in the benchmark comparison, but specific scores are not provided for these CPUs in this paragraph.

The Core i5-14400, despite not having specific scores provided, is regularly discounted to around $150 and features superior multi-core performance compared to the Core Ultra 3 205, at least in Geekbench. The Core Ultra 3 205's pricing of $150 may limit its appeal in the entry-level CPU market, as older mid-range parts from AMD and Intel can often be found at similar prices and offer superior performance in certain areas.

The planned sale price of the Intel Core Ultra 3 205 in the USA is announced at around $150, positioning it as a budget-friendly entry-level processor. Internationally, the price is comparable, for example, the French retailer PC21 lists it at €155 including VAT, roughly equivalent to $141, indicating a similar price point outside the US adjusted for local taxes.

In conclusion, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 205 promises a strong single-core performance, its pricing and potential gaming performance regressions could make it face stiff competition from older mid-range parts from AMD and Intel in the entry-level CPU market.

Improved Performance of Core Ultra 3 205: Preliminary benchmarks show a 30% boost in multi-core performance compared to Core i3-1410, with additional E-cores apparently influencing the enhancement.