Processor · Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
MSFS Performance Score
- CPU Performance100% 67
Solid mid-range CPU (67/100) scores 67.0/100 — adequate for most simulator workloads. How we score
Verdict for MSFS
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K scores 67.0/100 for MSFS, with CPU performance as the deciding factor at 67% of the fastest gaming CPU in independent tests. It suits simmers who prioritise main-thread headroom over GPU grunt, but stepping up in price unlocks meaningfully stronger GPU pairing potential.
Updated October 2026
Pros & Cons for MSFS
Strengths
- At this price, the 245K's CPU rating of 67/100 gives the main thread enough headroom to handle dense EGLL arrivals without the scheduler collapsing under heavy AI traffic and live weather loads simultaneously.
- Unlike many alternatives at this price that lean entirely on integrated graphics and neglect thermals, the 245K ships with air cooling included, keeping sustained single-core boost stable during long VFR cross-country legs without an extra cooler purchase.
- For simmers building incrementally, the 245K's CPU score means the platform holds its ground on terrain streaming and weather simulation today, leaving upgrade budget free to invest in a stronger discrete GPU as photogrammetry coverage expands in MSFS 2024.
Trade-offs
- Scoring 67/100 on CPU performance alone means that in VR city flyovers over photogrammetry-heavy zones like central London or New York, the main thread will feel the ceiling before a higher-rated CPU would — VR's added overhead compounds this noticeably.
- The next step up in price typically delivers both a higher CPU rating and a platform tuned for larger cache, which matters directly in MSFS 2024's tile-streaming and AI-traffic scenarios; at this price, you are trading that cache advantage for cost efficiency.
Full Specifications
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
- Cooling
- Air
- Form factor
- N/A
- VR ready
- No
- Released
- 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this good for MSFS?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K scores 67.0/100 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, rating at 67% of the fastest gaming CPU in independent tests. It handles steady VFR cross-country legs and moderate AI traffic sessions well, where its single-core performance keeps terrain streaming smooth. Where it shows limits is during dense online multiplayer sessions at high-traffic hubs like KLAX or EGLL with photogrammetry active, where the main thread approaches its ceiling more quickly than higher-rated options.
Is it worth the price for MSFS?
With a value score of 249.1 points per $1,000 spent, the 245K returns solid CPU performance for the money compared to what this budget typically buys for MSFS. The next step up in price generally moves you to a CPU with a higher cache architecture that directly benefits MSFS 2024's terrain and AI streaming, so if those scenarios are your priority, the gap is meaningful.
Is MSFS more CPU or GPU demanding?
This CPU is scored purely on CPU performance at 67.0/100, reflecting its standing in independent 1080p gaming benchmarks against the fastest gaming CPUs available. MSFS 2024 weights CPU performance at 100% for this standalone CPU review, meaning the 245K's score directly represents its ability to drive AI traffic, weather systems, and terrain streaming — scenarios like high-density approaches and live weather transitions where the main thread is most loaded benefit most from this CPU strength, provided it is paired with a GPU capable of keeping up at your target resolution.
What graphics settings should I use?
Start at 1440p High with DLSS or FSR set to Quality mode to give the GPU room to breathe while the 245K drives the main thread; MSFS 2024's upscaling support means you recover visual clarity without stressing the render pipeline. When the CPU shows as the bottleneck — most likely during dense AI traffic or photogrammetry-heavy zones — lower terrain level of detail and AI traffic density first before touching render scaling.