Quick Answer

Before ordering an Intel Core Ultra 5 (such as the 245K), confirm you have an LGA 1851 motherboard on the Z890 or B860 chipset and DDR5 memory; the older LGA 1700 boards will not fit. A Core Ultra 5 system pairs well with a 650W PSU and DDR5-6000.

The compatibility checklist that matters

Core Ultra 5 desktop chips use the new LGA 1851 socket, so you need a Z890 or B860 motherboard, not an older Z790. Memory is DDR5 only; DDR4 is not supported on this platform. A capable air cooler handles the Core Ultra 5's lower power draw, and a quality 650W 80+ Gold PSU is the safe floor for a mid-range GPU pairing. Update the board to the shipping BIOS before first boot.

Performance and pricing context

A Core Ultra 5 245K with an RTX 4060 Ti targets a comfortable 90-120 fps at 1440p in most titles. Budget around R1,400-R1,900 for a 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kit and a B860 board in the mid range; the Z890 boards cost more and suit overclockers. Stock and pricing for the chip itself are best confirmed at Evetech.

SA buyer notes

Local stock means in-country warranty; confirm the board's BIOS supports your exact Core Ultra SKU before building.

FAQ

What motherboard does Core Ultra 5 need?

An LGA 1851 board on the Z890 or B860 chipset. Older LGA 1700 boards are physically incompatible.

Does Core Ultra 5 use DDR4 or DDR5?

DDR5 only. Pair it with a DDR5-6000 CL30 kit for the best value-to-stability balance.

What PSU should I pair with a Core Ultra 5 build?

A 650W 80+ Gold unit is the safe floor for a mid-range GPU; step to 750W if you plan a higher-tier card later.

What pairs well with a Core Ultra 5

For a balanced 1440p build, pair the Core Ultra 5 with an RTX 4060 Ti or RX 7700 XT, 32GB DDR5-6000, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe (around R900-R1,400), and a 165Hz monitor. A B860 board keeps cost down while delivering everything a non-overclocker needs; save the Z890 premium for tuning enthusiasts.

TIP

motherboard is LGA 1851 (Z890 or B860) and flash the latest BIOS before installing a Core Ultra 5, then run DDR5-6000 with XMP enabled for full speed.