Intel Core Ultra 7 265K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
TDP, sustained power draw, transient peaks, overclocking power limits, and PSU wattage impact.
| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | Intel Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1851 |
| Generation | Arrow Lake | Arrow Lake |
| Core Count | 20 | 14 |
| Base TDP (PL1) | 125W | 125W |
| Sustained Power (PL2 / All-Core) | 250W | 159W |
| Transient Peak (×1.20 model) | 300W | 191W |
| Overclockable | ✓ Yes (PL2 > TDP) | ✓ Yes (PL2 > TDP) |
| MSRP | $394 | $309 |
PSU Wattage Impact
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K adds 300W to your system's transient peak (250W sustained × 1.20 transient factor).Intel Core Ultra 5 245K adds 191W (159W × 1.20).
When pairing with a high-end GPU (RTX 5090: 902W transient peak), the CPU transient adds 300W or 191W respectively. Note: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K can draw up to 250W sustained under all-core boost — ensure your motherboard VRM and PSU can support this. Note: Intel Core Ultra 5 245K can draw up to 159W sustained — account for this in your PSU budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Intel Core Ultra 7 265K use at full load?
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K draws 250W sustained (PL2 / all-core boost) and can spike to 300W during transient loads. Its base TDP is 125W. For PSU calculations, always use the sustained draw (250W), not the base TDP.
How much power does Intel Core Ultra 5 245K use at full load?
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K draws 159W sustained and peaks at 191W. Base TDP is 125W. Use 159W in your PSU sizing calculation.
Which CPU needs a bigger PSU?
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K requires more PSU wattage with 250W sustained vs 159W. The difference of 91W sustained matters most when combined with a high-end GPU. Use PSUCheck's full PSU calculator to get the total system recommendation.