Exploring 15th Gen Intel CPUs for workstations and home use Key insights on performance and applications
Exploring 15th Gen Intel CPUs for workstations and home use Key insights on performance and applications
Hi everyone, I've been reviewing the CPU options and think I've discovered a useful opportunity. I'm planning to set up a TrueNAS server running JellyFin, NextCloud, and other standard software. I want to utilize av1 transcoding in JellyFin without needing a separate graphics card. It turns out the 15th generation Intel Integrated Graphics support this feature, whereas the 14th only handled decoding. This means a dedicated GPU isn't necessary, making these chips quite cost-effective for this purpose. Even the cheapest GPUs I found that support av1—like the ARC 310—cost around 100€ each. Power consumption is also a factor; I found a used Intel Ultra 5 245K for as low as 200€. The Ultra 7 265, with its 20 threads, should handle home server tasks well for most users. I initially thought about an i5 14600 (~150€ used), but since it lacks AV1 support, I'm leaning toward the Ultra 5. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with these chips. Are there better alternatives in the same or lower price range that I might have missed? Thanks for your feedback!
There have been numerous discounts and bundle offers on these CPUs, particularly the 265K and 245K models. I'm genuinely puzzled why the 245K hasn't reached $200 yet. They're essentially offering the 14600K, but the 265K and 245K are strong alternatives for mixed workloads or productivity builds (similar to how the 14600K/14700K performed before). I wouldn't label them as unpopular, they're just not strong enough in competition. If the price aligns with your needs, I'd definitely consider getting one.
They found specific scenarios where the Core Ultra 200 line was appropriate. For certain rendering tasks, these processors actually offered top speed among mainstream options. The main drawback is gaming performance; the 285K couldn't keep up with non-X3D Ryzen models and fell behind its own earlier versions. As you move lower in the hierarchy, speed drops noticeably. In some cases, the U5 245K even struggled against the i5 12400 and more. For builds focused on productivity, especially with today’s pricing, the 265K remains a solid option—provided you don’t plan to upgrade later. Another concern is that this socket is largely obsolete, while AM5 supports at least a generation more, with speculation about a 50% boost in cores. If you value multicore efficiency, that matters. Still, for NAS video encoding, the 200 series makes sense. The CPU power is excessive, but the encoding capabilities justify it.
Gaming performance means no interest in using it for my specific needs. The main reason I considered the 200series is its hardware AV1 encoding on its iGPU. My point is that if someone aims to create a strong JellyFin/Plex server, the Ulta 5 245K and Ultra 7 265 are not only reasonable but seem impressive in my view. Your claim about the socket being outdated is correct. However, I wouldn’t see a need to upgrade the CPU for many years ahead. I doubt any of today’s sockets will still be useful then. Appreciate the feedback, feel free to share more thoughts if you have them.
In my area a 245k model is currently priced at 218€. A 14600k is listed at 170€ for comparison. I believe it could be a genuine good deal in my situation. I'm wondering how fast their prices might fall further because gamers aren't showing much interest in them right now.