OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£380PassMark multi-core score:25863N. of physical cores:16CPU boost clock speed:5.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA1851TDP (Thermal design power):45 W

Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

40%

8.4

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 86% of processors
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

â–²Better than 86%
8.4

Technical score

Technical score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

60%

8.6

Performance

18%

8.2

Architecture

10%

7.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.3

Platform

1%

8.8

Integrated graphics

★Better than 92%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £380
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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    Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL

    Technical score
    Technical score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
    Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
    Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Score components:

    60%

    8.6

    Performance

    18%

    8.2

    Architecture

    10%

    7.8

    Memory & PCIe

    7%

    7.1

    Power & Thermal

    4%

    8.3

    Platform

    1%

    8.8

    Integrated graphics

    8.4
    Reviews score
    7.2
    List score
    ?
    Value for money
    Value for money
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters
    When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Score components:

    70%

    7.7

    Overall score

    30%

    8.5

    Price

    8.0
    Processor type
    embedded
    This processor belongs to the embedded processor class, which is less advanced than that of 93.1% of processors and equal to that of 6.9% of processors.
    industrial/edge
    CPU socket
    LGA1851
    This processor uses the LGA1851 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 98.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
    Chipset
    N/A
    CPU architecture
    x86-64
    This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES
    This processor supports MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 74.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
    Show more
    N. of physical cores
    16
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has 16 CPU cores, which is more than 90% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
    CPU threads
    22
    Market range: <4 – >24
    This processor offers 22 CPU threads, which is more than 89.3% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
    CPU boost clock speed
    5 GHz
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor reaches a boost clock of 5 GHz which is higher than that of 78.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
    CPU base clock speed
    6x 1.4 GHz & 10x 0.9 GHz & 2x 0.7 GHz
    This processor has a base clock of 6x1.4 GHz & 10x0.9 GHz & 2x0.7 GHz which is higher than that of 61.3% of processors.
    PassMark multi-core score
    25,863
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor scores 25,863 in PassMark, which is higher than 80.7% of processors.
    Show more
    Semiconductor size
    7 nm
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of processors and equal to that of 10.5% of processors.
    Foundry
    Intel 4
    This processor is built on the Intel 4 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 94.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
    L3 cache
    24 MB
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 80.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
    L2 cache
    18 MB
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has an L2 cache of 18 MB which is larger than that of 91.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
    L1 cache
    ?
    Show more
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    This processor supports DDR DDR5, which is newer than that of 64.2% of processors and equal to that of 12.8% of processors.
    Maximum memory speed
    5,600 MHz
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.9% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    LPDDR5X-7467 MHz
    This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-7467 MHz, which is higher than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to 0.9% of processors.
    Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
    N/A
    Maximum memory capacity
    96 GB
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is more than 53.4% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
    Show more
    Integrated graphics
    yes
    This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
    Integrated GPU model
    Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 128EU
    This processor uses the Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 128EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 86% of processors and equal to that in 0.3% of processors.
    Integrated GPU execution units
    128
    Market range: <6 – >64
    This processor has 128 GPU execution units, which is more than 99.1% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
    Integrated GPU base frequency
    300 MHz
    Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
    This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode)
    This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 96.8% of processors.
    Show more
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    45 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 41.9% of processors and equal to that of 10.8% of processors.
    Base power (PL1)
    45 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 41.9% of processors and equal to that of 11% of processors.
    Boost power (PL2)
    ?
    Tau (power duration limit)
    28 seconds
    Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
    This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
    Configurable TDP
    yes
    This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
    cTDP: 35 W
    Show more

    Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL vs the average processor

    246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
    • 10 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      16 vs 6
    • 2.58x higher multi-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,442 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      13,442 vs 5,209
    • 2.26x higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,863 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      25,863 vs 11,469
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 14 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (22 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      22 vs 8
    • 63% higher single-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,502 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      2,502 vs 1,535
    • 6x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      18 MB vs 3 MB
    • 4x more L2 per core
      This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
      2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
    • 9.3% better value for money
      Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL has better value for money than the average processor (7.96 vs 7.3).
      7.96 vs 7.29
    • Modern CPU socket
      This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1851 vs FP5).
      LGA1851 vs FP5
    • 4 years newer release date
      This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
      April 2024
      2024 vs 2020
    • More extensive crypto acceleration
      This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
      AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
    • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
      This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
    • 10 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      16 vs 6
    • 2.58x higher multi-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,442 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      13,442 vs 5,209
    • 2.26x higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (25,863 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      25,863 vs 11,469
    • 14 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (22 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      22 vs 8
    • 63% higher single-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,502 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      2,502 vs 1,535
    • 36.1% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,481 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      3,481 vs 2,558
    • 13.6% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • 39% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
      This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (681 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
      681 vs 490
    • Higher base clock
      This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x1.4 GHz & 10x0.9 GHz & 2x0.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
      6x1.4 GHz & 10x0.9 GHz & 2x0.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
    • 2 wider front-end design
      This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
      6 vs 4
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 6x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      18 MB vs 3 MB
    • 4x more L2 per core
      This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
      2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
    • More advanced foundry
      This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 4 vs Intel 14 nm).
      Intel 4 vs Intel 14 nm
    • Mixed big and small cores
      This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
      P-cores + E-cores
    • 58.3% smaller die size
      This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (73.9 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
      73.87 mm² vs 177 mm²
    • 41.7% smaller process node
      This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
      7 nm vs 12 nm
    • 2.67x larger L3 cache
      This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
      24 MB vs 9 MB
    • 91% higher memory bandwidth
      This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
      89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
    • Newer PCIe version
      This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
      4 vs 3
    • Supports memory overclocking
      This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
    • 75% higher memory speed
      This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
      5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
    • 4 more PCIe lanes
      This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
      20 vs 16
    • Newer DDR support
      This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
      DDR5 vs DDR4
    • Higher JEDEC memory speed
      This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-7467 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
      LPDDR5X-7467 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
    • 50% more memory capacity
      This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (96 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
      96 GB vs 64 GB
    • Better integrated GPU
      This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 128EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
      Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 128EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
    • 5.33x more GPU execution units
      This processor has more GPU execution units than the average processor (128 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
      128 vs 24
    • 1 more supported displays
      This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
      4 vs 3
    • 10 °C higher temperature limit
      This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
      110 °C vs 100 °C
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
      This processor has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
      110 °C vs 100 °C
    • 52% more expensive
      Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).
      £380 vs £250
    • 14 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      14 vs 28
    • Limited PCIe bifurcation
      This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
      x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
    • 52% more expensive
      Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).
      £380 vs £250
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 14 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      14 vs 28
    • Limited PCIe bifurcation
      This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
      x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
    • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
      This processor has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
      110 °C vs 100 °C

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL

    • Improved power efficiency compared to 13th Gen processors, particularly beneficial for laptop battery life
    • Strong multi-core performance suitable for intensive productivity tasks and content creation
    • Enhanced integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG) capable of handling light gaming and creative workflows without a dedicated GPU
    • Onboard Neural Processing Unit (NPU) provides a significant boost for AI-accelerated tasks like background blur and noise removal
    • Good thermal management and relatively quiet operation under stress in well-ventilated systems
    • Support for modern standards including DDR5-5600 memory and PCIe Gen 4

    What customers don't like about Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL

    • Single-core performance gains are modest, sometimes only matching or slightly exceeding previous high-end i7 models
    • Gaming performance can still be outperformed by AMD's X3D chips or even older 14th Gen Intel desktop counterparts
    • Platform costs can be high, often requiring expensive new motherboards or high-end laptop configurations
    • Inconsistent performance in some Linux environments due to early-stage optimization for the hybrid core architecture and NPU
    • Removed hyperthreading (22 threads across 16 cores) can lead to fewer overall threads than some previous generation 'i7' equivalents
    • Some users find the rebranding from the 'i' series to 'Ultra' confusing for identifying market tiers

    Verdict

    The Intel Core Ultra 7 165H is a high-performance Meteor Lake mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 16 cores (6 Performance-cores, 8 Efficient-cores, and 2 Low Power Efficient-cores) and 22 threads, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 5.0 GHz. Key characteristics include an integrated Intel Arc GPU with 8 Xe-cores for enhanced graphics, a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local AI acceleration, and support for up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5x-7467 memory. Its main pros include superior power efficiency for longer battery life, strong multi-threaded performance for professional multitasking, and a modern tile-based design that incorporates advanced connectivity like PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4. Potential cons include reduced single-core clock speeds compared to some previous-generation high-end i7 models and a high turbo power consumption (PL2) of up to 115W, which requires a robust cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.

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