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Early benchmark reports put the Intel Core Ultra 3 205 ahead of the Core i3-14100, by about 11% in Geekbench 6 single-core and 30% in multi-core results. Those figures are promising, but they come from reported submissions rather than a fully documented, controlled comparison across workloads. The 205’s current retail availability and platform compatibility are also not confirmed by the cited sources.
How much faster is the Core Ultra 3 205?
Tom’s Hardware reported Geekbench 6 results for both processors in 2025. The 205’s highest reported submission scored 2,664 single-core and 9,935 multi-core points; the cited Core i3-14100 result scored 2,394 and 7,666, respectively. Comparing those reported figures, the 205 leads by roughly 11% single-core and 30% multi-core. These are submissions discovered by Benchleaks and reported by Tom’s Hardware, not a same-system test conducted by the publication. Tom’s Hardware’s Geekbench report.
| Reported Geekbench 6 result | Core Ultra 3 205 | Core i3-14100 | 205 lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-core | 2,664 points (highest reported submission) | 2,394 points | About 11% |
| Multi-core | 9,935 points (highest reported submission) | 7,666 points | About 30% |
The percentage differences are calculated from the scores above. Geekbench results can vary with system configuration and test conditions, so they should not be treated as a universal speed advantage for every application.
What does the separate Cinebench result show?
A separate early review by Korean reviewer Bulls Lab, reported by Tom’s Hardware in September 2025, recorded 13,394 points for the Core Ultra 3 205 in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Tom’s Hardware said that result was 48% above the i3-14100 in that test, but the cited report excerpt does not provide the i3 score. This is a distinct review datapoint, not another Geekbench result or a test performed by Tom’s Hardware. The review used an H810 motherboard and 32 GB of DDR5 memory; it also reported up to 65 W draw and recommended a third-party cooler for better thermal performance. Its reviewer described the integrated graphics as suitable for lighter games, not demanding titles. These observations apply to that review setup, rather than establishing product-wide guarantees. Tom’s Hardware’s report on the Bulls Lab review.
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- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
What is confirmed about the Core i3-14100?
Intel’s official specifications list the Core i3-14100 as a four-performance-core, eight-thread desktop processor with no efficient cores. It has a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz, 60 W processor base power, 110 W maximum turbo power, 12 MB Intel Smart Cache, and integrated UHD Graphics 730. Intel lists DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200 memory support and the FCLGA1700 socket. Its recommended customer price is $134–$144; that is Intel’s recommended price, not a current street-price quote. Intel Core i3-14100 specifications.
Can you buy the Core Ultra 3 205, and will it fit your system?
The cited sources do not establish an official current Intel product page for the 205 or confirm its socket and memory compatibility. In a March 2026 report, Tom’s Hardware described a French retailer listing at €158 including tax, but the listing had no stock; the report characterized the item as a tray part and said Intel had not given it a mainstream boxed release. That is a dated report about one retailer, not evidence of current price, stock, or availability elsewhere. Do not assume it is ready for a standard DIY upgrade or choose a motherboard for it based on the available information. Tom’s Hardware report on the French listing.
Rank #2
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core & Threads 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 14 threads
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.2 GHz unlocked. 26M Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
How to use these results when comparing CPUs
Intel advises readers evaluating performance claims to consider the workload, system configuration, and test dates. It also notes that its Performance Index does not cover every public performance claim. The cited sources do not establish a controlled comparison of the two processors across a broad range of applications. Intel Support’s guidance on processor performance and benchmark information.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Next‑Gen Platform Support: Compatible with Intel 800 Series Chipset‑based motherboards with LGA1851 Socket enabling PCIe 5.0/4.0 and high‑speed DDR5 memory (up to 7200 MT/s).
- Ultra‑Fast Boost Clocks: Reaches up to 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency for top‑tier responsiveness and performance
- Built for Enthusiasts: Unlocked for performance tuning when paired with Intel Z‑series chipsets, making it ideal for overclockers and power users.
- Robust Power & Thermal Design: Engineered with 125W base power and 250W max turbo power to sustain high‑intensity
Rank #3
- 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) and 14 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.9 GHz. 22 MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included.
- For a workload decision, look for benchmarks in the specific apps or games you use, with clearly stated systems and test conditions.
- For the i3-14100, check that the motherboard uses LGA1700 and supports the memory type you plan to install; Intel lists both DDR4 and DDR5 options, but a board is built for one memory type.
- For the 205, wait for verified platform details and locally available stock before treating it as an upgrade candidate.
- Consider integrated graphics and cooling needs in context: the reported graphics and power observations came from one early review setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
