Intel’s Core Ultra 3 205, an entry-level Arrow Lake-S processor, has just received its first full reviews — and the results are impressive. Tested by Korean site Bulls Lab on an H810 chipset motherboard, this CPU shows a significant leap over its predecessor, the Core i3-14100, in both benchmarks and gaming workloads.
Benchmark Results: Big Generational Gains #
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Cinebench R23
- Multi-threaded performance: +48% vs. i3-14100
- Single-threaded score: 1983 points, about 16% faster
- Nearly matches the higher-end Core Ultra 5 225 in single-core performance
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3DMark Time Spy (Integrated GPU test)
- Ultra 3 205: 1125 points
- i3-14100: 643 points
- Nearly 75% graphics uplift, on par with Ultra 5 225
These results highlight Intel’s hybrid 4P+4E architecture optimizations for the new generation, even at the budget tier.
Clock Speeds, Power, and Efficiency #
- P-cores: Up to 4.8 GHz
- E-cores: Above 4.3 GHz
- Power draw: Stable at ~62W
- Temperature: Around 51°C under load
The Ultra 3 205 maintains excellent efficiency while delivering high clock speeds for its class.
Gaming Performance: Best for Esports and Light Titles #
While the integrated GPU isn’t strong enough for modern AAA gaming, it performs well in esports titles:
- Smooth gameplay in DOTA 2 and Valorant
- iGPU frequency: Stable at 1800 MHz
- CPU usage: ~40–60% during lighter loads
For demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, CPU usage can spike near 90%, showing that the chip is better suited for lighter gaming or when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Pricing and Value #
- Standalone CPU price:
199,000 KRW ($140 USD) - Pre-built PC (8GB RAM + 500GB SSD):
499,000 KRW ($360 USD)
Competitors #
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AMD Ryzen 3 7300X
- 4-core / 8-thread, Zen 4, up to 5.0 GHz
- Slightly stronger in single-threaded tasks
- No integrated GPU
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AMD Ryzen 5 7500F
- 6-core / 12-thread
- Better in multi-threaded tasks
- Costs ~$170 and lacks integrated GPU
The Ultra 3 205’s integrated graphics give it a unique advantage in entry-level prebuilt systems, offering better out-of-the-box usability compared to AMD’s options.
Conclusion: A Standout Entry-Level Arrow Lake CPU #
The Intel Core Ultra 3 205 combines a 4P+4E hybrid architecture, higher frequencies, and solid iGPU performance to deliver a huge leap over the i3-14100.
✅ +16% single-core
✅ +48% multi-core
✅ +75% integrated GPU performance
At $120–$140, it’s a compelling option for budget gamers, office PCs, and light-use laptops. With Arrow Lake expanding, the Ultra 3 205 is positioned to be a key entry-level CPU for 2025 and beyond.