AMD EPYC 9654 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the AMD EPYC 9654 is the better pick — it scores 82/100 to the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus's 60, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

AMD EPYC 9654 leads overall

AMD EPYC 9654

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 360 W (188% more)
Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 400 W (152% more)
Core Specifications L1 Cache: 6,144 KB (237% more)

Winner by category for AMD EPYC 9654 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Category	AMD EPYC 9654	Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus	Winner
Core Specifications	56	46	AMD EPYC 9654
Integrated Graphics	0	44	Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Benchmark	94	68	AMD EPYC 9654

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

AMD EPYC 9654

The AMD EPYC 9654 is a high-performance server processor built on a 5nm manufacturing process, designed primarily for enterprise data centers and heavy cloud workloads. It features 96 cores and 192 threads with a base clock frequency of 2.4 GHz that can boost up to 3.7 GHz. Equipped with a massive 384 MB L3 cache, it offers massive parallel processing performance for demanding compute environments.

Best for High-density cloud virtualization and multi-tenant server infrastructureBest for Intensive enterprise workloads requiring maximum multi-threaded performance

Pros

Extremely high core density with 96 cores and 192 threads for massive multi-threading
Large 384 MB L3 cache to benefit cache-sensitive server applications
Built on an advanced 5nm lithography node

Cons

High power draw with a base power of 320W and a maximum rating of 400W
Does not feature integrated graphics

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is a desktop processor belonging to Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 lineup based on the Arrow Lake-S microarchitecture. Designed for modern desktop platforms, it targets mainstream users looking for updated core architectures and current-generation system features. It serves as a mid-range option within Intel's refreshed desktop CPU naming structure.

Best for Mainstream desktop PC builds built around Intel Core Ultra Series 2 motherboards

Pros

Built on Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 Arrow Lake-S desktop architecture
Designed to support modern desktop platform features and connectivity standards

Cons

Requires a compatible motherboard platform, preventing direct drop-in upgrades from older legacy sockets

Source

List of Intel Core desktop processors - WikipediaProvided generational breakdown of Intel Core desktop processor lines including Core Ultra Series 2 (Arrow Lake-S).

Video — reviews used (3)

Generated Nov 3, 2026

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

AMD EPYC 9654

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Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

AMD EPYC 9654118,543

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus51,367

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	AMD EPYC 9654	Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Cores	96	18
Threads	192	18
Base Frequency	2.4 GHz	4.2 GHz75% more
Base Power Consumption	360 W188% more	125 W
Maximum Frequency	3.7 GHz	5.3 GHz43% more
Maximum Power Consumption	400 W152% more	159 W
L1 Cache	6,144 KB237% more	1,824 KB
L2 Cache	96 MB220% more	30 MB
L3 Cache	384 MB1180% more	30 MB
Lithography Process	5 nm	3 nm40% less
Is unlocked	N/A	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	AMD EPYC 9654	Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Model	N/A

Benchmark

Feature	AMD EPYC 9654	Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
PassMark CPU Mark	118,543131% more	51,367

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AMD EPYC 9654 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, AMD EPYC 9654 rates higher at 90/100 versus 78/100 for Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus — a 12-point lead. AMD EPYC 9654 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

AMD EPYC 9654 and Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 90/100 for AMD EPYC 9654 and 78/100 for Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, AMD EPYC 9654 (90/100) edges out Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus (78/100). But if Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.