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 165UL review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£400PassMark multi-core score:16761N. of physical cores:12CPU boost clock speed:4.9 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA2049TDP (Thermal design power):15 W

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

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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 73% of models
Score components

40%

7.4

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 73% of processors
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–²Better than 71%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

60%

7.4

Performance

18%

7.7

Architecture

10%

7.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.8

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

7.1

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 76%
?

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~ £400
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
    Loading category ranking...

    Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 7 165UL

    Technical score
    Technical score
    7.4/ 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
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Score components:

    60%

    7.4

    Performance

    18%

    7.7

    Architecture

    10%

    7.0

    Memory & PCIe

    7%

    7.8

    Power & Thermal

    4%

    7.9

    Platform

    1%

    7.1

    Integrated graphics

    7.4
    Reviews score
    7.2
    List score
    ?
    Value for money
    Value for money
    7.7/ 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 71% of models
    Score components:

    70%

    7.3

    Overall score

    30%

    8.4

    Price

    7.7
    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.
    CPU socket
    FCBGA2049
    This processor uses the FCBGA2049 CPU socket, which is older than that of 67.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% 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, FMA3, AES
    This processor supports MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 79.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
    Show more
    N. of physical cores
    12
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 79.9% of processors and equal to 5.7% of processors.
    CPU threads
    14
    Market range: <4 – >24
    This processor offers 14 CPU threads, which is more than 67.3% of processors and equal to 1.6% of processors.
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.9 GHz
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.9 GHz which is higher than that of 73.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.7% of processors.
    CPU base clock speed
    2x 1.7 GHz & 10x 1.2 GHz
    This processor has a base clock of 2x1.7 GHz & 10x1.2 GHz which is higher than that of 54.2% of processors.
    PassMark multi-core score
    16,761
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor scores 16,761 in PassMark, which is higher than 61.6% of processors and equal to 0.1% 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
    12 MB
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
    L2 cache
    10 MB
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has an L2 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 79% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
    L1 cache
    864 KB
    Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
    This processor has an L1 cache of 864 KB which is larger than that of 81.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
    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
    7,467 MHz
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor supports memory speeds up to 7,467 MHz, which is higher than that of 90.8% of processors and equal to 1.4% of processors.
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR5-5600 MHz
    This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.4% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
    Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
    5,600 MHz
    This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 5,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to 0.8% of processors.
    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 64EU
    This processor uses the Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 84.5% of processors and equal to that in 1.3% of processors.
    Integrated GPU execution units
    4
    Market range: <6 – >64
    This processor has 4 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 90.1% of processors and equal to 2.8% 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
    AV1 (HW decode/encode)
    This processor supports AV1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 59.6% of processors and equal to 1.5% of processors.
    Show more
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    15 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 79.2% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
    Base power (PL1)
    15 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 78.3% of processors and equal to that of 15.6% of processors.
    Boost power (PL2)
    57 W
    Market range: <25 W – >150 W
    This processor has a boost power of 57 W which is lower than that of 56.4% of processors and equal to that of 2% of processors.
    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: 12-57 W
    Show more

    Intel Core Ultra 7 165UL vs the average processor

    246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 6 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      12 vs 6
    • 89.6% higher multi-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,875 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      9,875 vs 5,209
    • 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.
      E-core module: 2 MB shared
      2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
    • 55.2% higher single-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,383 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      2,383 vs 1,535
    • 3.33x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      10 MB vs 3 MB
    • 6 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (14 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      14 vs 8
    • 11.4% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • 4 years newer release date
      This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
      April 2024
      2024 vs 2020
    • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
      This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
    • More extensive crypto acceleration
      This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, VAES, SHA vs AES, SHA).
      AES, VAES, SHA vs AES, SHA
    • 6 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      12 vs 6
    • 89.6% higher multi-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,875 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
      9,875 vs 5,209
    • 55.2% higher single-core score
      This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,383 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
      2,383 vs 1,535
    • 6 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (14 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      14 vs 8
    • 11.4% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • 29% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,299 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      3,299 vs 2,558
    • 46.1% higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (16,761 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      16,761 vs 11,469
    • 4x higher bus transfer rate
      This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (32 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
      32 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Meteor Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 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.
      E-core module: 2 MB shared
      2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
    • 3.33x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      10 MB vs 3 MB
    • 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 + LP E-cores
    • 2.25x larger L1 cache
      This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (864 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
      864 KB vs 384 KB
    • 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
    • 31.1% smaller die size
      This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
      122 mm² vs 177 mm²
    • 2.33x higher memory speed
      This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
      7,467 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
    • 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.
    • 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 (DDR5-5600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
      DDR5-5,600 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 64EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
      Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
    • 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
    • 66.7% lower base power
      This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
      15 W vs 45 W
    • 5 °C higher temperature limit
      This processor has a higher temperature limit than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
      105 °C vs 100 °C
    • 66.7% lower TDP
      This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      15 W vs 45 W
    • 45.9% less L3 per core
      This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
      1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, 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, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
      This processor has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
      8 vs 16
    • Narrower media codec support
      This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
      AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
    • 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
    • 60% more expensive
      Intel Core Ultra 7 165UL is more expensive than the average processor (£400 vs £250).
      £400 vs £250
    • 83.3% fewer GPU execution units
      This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (4 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
      4 vs 24
    • 11 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (17 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      17 vs 28
    • 60% more expensive
      Intel Core Ultra 7 165UL is more expensive than the average processor (£400 vs £250).
      £400 vs £250
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, 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, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 11 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (17 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      17 vs 28
    • 45.9% less L3 per core
      This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
      1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
    • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
      This processor has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
      8 vs 16
    • Narrower media codec support
      This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
      AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
    • 83.3% fewer GPU execution units
      This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (4 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
      4 vs 24
    • 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 165UL

    • Improved power efficiency for longer laptop battery life
    • Strong integrated graphics performance with the Intel Arc Xe-LPG solution
    • Dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI acceleration and offloading CPU tasks
    • Effective multitasking capabilities due to 14 available threads
    • Reliable for everyday office work and general productivity
    • Support for modern high-speed memory (up to LPDDR5x-7467)

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

    • Underwhelming integrated GPU performance in specific tasks like high-load video decoding
    • Significant clock speed drops (throttling) to around 1.79 GHz under sustained heavy loads
    • Struggles with smooth performance in demanding applications like Microsoft Teams during high-resolution screen sharing
    • Underutilized NPU in daily workloads despite the dedicated hardware
    • Lower performance-to-power efficiency compared to competing AMD Ryzen 7840U processors in some benchmarks
    • Reported graphical glitches such as pixelated or green video playback in Chromium browsers under high load

    Verdict

    The Intel Core Ultra 7 165U is a high-end Meteor Lake mobile processor featuring 12 cores (2 Performance, 8 Efficient, and 2 Low Power Efficient) and 14 threads, with a max turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz and a 12 MB L3 cache. Its main characteristics include an integrated NPU for AI acceleration and a 15W base power design (scalable to 57W), making it a strong choice for thin-and-light laptops requiring a balance of efficiency and modern features like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 support. Main pros include significantly improved AI workload handling and competitive single-core performance for productivity tasks. However, it faces cons such as lower multi-core performance compared to H-series variants and integrated graphics with only 4 Xe cores, which may struggle with intensive gaming or 3D rendering compared to the 8-core Arc graphics found in higher-tier models.

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