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 255H review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£420PassMark multi-core score:30642N. of physical cores:16CPU boost clock speed:5.1 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA2049TDP (Thermal design power):28 W

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 1 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

8.7

Technical score

25%

7.1

Reviews score

25%

8.0

List score

10%

?

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

★Better than 93% of processors
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

★Better than 90%
8.7

Technical score

Technical score
8.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

9.0

Performance

18%

8.2

Architecture

10%

8.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4%

8.1

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

★Better than 97%
7.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.1/ 10
✕
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 61%
8.0

List score

List score
8.0/ 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 (1)
List score: in 1 of 79 lists (1%)
▲Better than 89%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £420
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 255H

Technical score
Technical score
8.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

9.0

Performance

18%

8.2

Architecture

10%

8.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4%

8.1

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

8.7
Reviews score
7.1
List score
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

8.1
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% 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
HM870, WM880
This processor supports HM870, WM880 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 61.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
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, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1
This processor supports MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 58.1% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
16
This processor has 16 CPU cores, which is more than 90% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
CPU threads
16
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 69% of processors and equal to 14.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5.1 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.1 GHz which is higher than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 2.0 GHz & 10x 1.5 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x2.0 GHz & 10x1.5 GHz which is higher than that of 79.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
30,642
This processor scores 30,642 in PassMark, which is higher than 86.6% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
3 nm
This processor uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 94.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 3 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 95.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L3 cache
24 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
26 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 26 MB which is larger than that of 94.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% 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
8,400 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 8,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 97.4% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5X-8400 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-8400 MHz, which is higher than that of 98% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel Arc Graphics 140T
This processor uses the Intel Arc Graphics 140T integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 86.8% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
8
This processor has 8 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 73.9% of processors and equal to 7.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 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)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 94.7% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
28 W
This processor has a TDP of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.9% of processors and equal to that of 7.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
28 W
This processor has a base power of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.7% of processors and equal to that of 7% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
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: 20-28 W
Show more

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 3.11x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (16,199 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    16,199 vs 5,209
  • 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
  • 2.67x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (30,642 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    30,642 vs 11,469
  • 6.29x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (17,652 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    17,652 vs 2,804.5
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 68.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,320 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,320 vs 2,558
  • 64.6% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,526 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,526 vs 1,535
  • 8.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (26 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    26 MB vs 3 MB
  • 10.6% better value for money
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255H has better value for money than the average processor (8.06 vs 7.3).
    8.06 vs 7.29
  • 6.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.1 vs 6.7
  • 5 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2025 vs 2020).
    January 2025
    2025 vs 2020
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3.11x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (16,199 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    16,199 vs 5,209
  • 2.67x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (30,642 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    30,642 vs 11,469
  • 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
  • 6.29x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (17,652 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    17,652 vs 2,804.5
  • 68.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,320 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,320 vs 2,558
  • 64.6% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,526 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,526 vs 1,535
  • 15.9% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x2 GHz & 10x1.5 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x2.0 GHz & 10x1.5 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Turbo Boost Technology
    3 vs 2
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 8.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (26 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    26 MB vs 3 MB
  • 6x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    3 nm vs 12 nm
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 3 nm 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
  • 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
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5 vs 3
  • 2.63x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    8,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 2.18x higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (102.4 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    102.4 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 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-8400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5X-8400 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Arc Graphics 140T vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel Arc Graphics 140T 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
  • 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
  • 37.8% lower base power
    This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    28 W vs 45 W
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    28 W vs 45 W
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 18.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 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, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1 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, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1 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
  • 68% more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is more expensive than the average processor (£420 vs £250).
    £420 vs £250
  • 66.7% fewer GPU execution units
    This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (8 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    8 vs 24
  • 8 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    20 vs 28
  • 68% more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is more expensive than the average processor (£420 vs £250).
    £420 vs £250
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1 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, AVX-VNNI, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 8 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    20 vs 28
  • 18.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 66.7% fewer GPU execution units
    This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (8 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    8 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

  • Significant single-core performance uplift, showing up to a 32% improvement over previous generation Meteor Lake equivalents
  • Strong integrated graphics performance with the Arc 140T, featuring 8 Xe-cores
  • Excellent performance-per-watt efficiency in mobile workstations like the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, ranking just behind Lunar Lake devices
  • Highly capable for demanding tasks including high-end gaming, content creation, and code compilation
  • Versatile memory support accommodating up to 128GB of LPDDR5/x or DDR5-6400 RAM

What customers don't like about Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

  • Multithreaded efficiency can be outclassed by competitors like AMD's Ryzen AI series when power is limited to 50W
  • Susceptible to thermal throttling during prolonged heavy usage, with some users reporting a 15-20% performance drop after 10 minutes
  • Battery life performance is reported as inconsistent and may not match the longevity of competitors like Apple Silicon
  • NPU performance (13 TOPS) is significantly lower than Lunar Lake counterparts (45 TOPS), which may limit some AI-driven workloads
  • Locked multiplier prevents manual overclocking for performance enthusiasts

Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a high-end mobile processor based on the 3nm Arrow Lake-H architecture, featuring 16 cores (6 Lion Cove P-cores, 8 Skymont E-cores, and 2 Low Power E-cores) and 16 threads with a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz. Key characteristics include a 28W base TDP (scalable up to 115W), a 24MB L3 cache, an integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU with 8 Xe-cores reaching 2.25 GHz, and a dedicated NPU for AI tasks offering 13 TOPS of performance. Main pros include its significant single-core performance gains over previous generations, support for high-speed LPDDR5x-8400 or DDR5-6400 memory, and improved energy efficiency for thin-and-light laptops. Notable cons include its locked multiplier which prevents overclocking, a lack of hyper-threading support on P-cores, and multi-core efficiency that may still lag behind top-tier competitors in certain high-load scenarios.

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