OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core Ultra 7 255U Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£700
  • Avg. price in US: ~$490
  • PassMark benchmark result: 17871
  • N. of physical cores: 12
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.2 GHz

Intel Core Ultra 7 255U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Performance

18.0%

8.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.8

Platform

1.0%

8.3

Integrated Graphics

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    7.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    8.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    5.1

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.1

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £700

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is an upper mid-range processor from the Series 2 (Arrow Lake-U) lineup, featuring 12 cores (2 performance, 8 efficiency, and 2 low-power efficiency) and 14 threads with a max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz. Built on the Intel 3 process with a 15W base TDP, it excels in power efficiency and multi-threaded productivity tasks, supported by an integrated NPU (12 TOPS) for AI acceleration and compatibility with high-speed LPDDR5x-8400 memory. While it offers a significant performance jump over its predecessors, its main drawbacks include a relatively weak NPU that falls below Microsoft's 40 TOPS requirement for Copilot+ PCs and integrated graphics performance that remains largely unchanged from previous generations, struggling with demanding modern games.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 7 255U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

7.1
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a technical score of 7.07 points, which is higher than that of 85.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

6.8

Price

7.0
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 72.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA2049
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses the FCBGA2049 CPU socket, which is older than that of 65.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

12
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 81.5% of processors and equal to 5.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

14
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U offers 14 CPU threads, which is more than 69.2% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

?
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.2 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U reaches a boost clock of 5.2 GHz which is higher than that of 90.3% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 2.0 GHz & 10 x 1.7 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a base clock of 2x2.0 GHz & 10x1.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

3 nm
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 4% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 3
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is built on the Intel 3 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

12 MB
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

14 MB
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 87.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

?
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports DDR DDR5, which is newer than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 12.6% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

8,400 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports memory speeds up to 8400 MHz, which is higher than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-6400 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 88.5% of processors and equal to 2.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

64
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has 64 GPU execution units, which is more than 87.4% of processors and equal to 3.5% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

57 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a boost power of 57 W which is lower than that of 54.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core Ultra 7 255U vs the average processor

  • 20.9% higher boost clock
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake).Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 47.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,653 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,653 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,653 vs 2,483
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.14 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 65.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,428 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,428 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,428 vs 1,471
  • 6 more CPU cores
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.12 vs 6
  • 4x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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
  • 2.86x higher memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4800 MHz

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.8400 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • 5 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a newer release date than the average processor (2,025 vs 2,020).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 20.9% higher boost clock
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 47.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,653 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 65.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,428 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 6 more CPU cores
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 69.4% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,714 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 6 more CPU threads
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more CPU threads than the average processor (14 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 69.7% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (17,871 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Arrow Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 4x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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.
  • 75% smaller process node
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 3 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2.86x higher memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.93x higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (134.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 2.67x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (64 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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.
  • 10 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (110 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 8 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 41.7% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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.
  • 41.7% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 2.8x more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is more expensive than the average processor (£700 vs £250).
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is more expensive than the average processor (£700 vs £250).£700 vs £250
  • 10 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U 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
  • 8 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.20 vs 28
Total
Overall
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core Ultra 7 255U and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 7 255U?

  • Significant multi-thread performance increase (approx. 30%) compared to previous generation Core Ultra 7 155U
  • Improved single-thread performance (approx. 10-15%) over predecessors
  • High efficiency in low-power (15W TDP) scenarios, making it suitable for thin-and-light multitasking
  • Supports high-speed memory up to LPDDR5x 8400 MT/s
  • Features 12 cores and 14 threads, providing solid performance for intensive workflows

What customers dislike about Intel Core Ultra 7 255U?

  • Underwhelming integrated GPU performance (Arc 4) that struggles with newer gaming titles
  • Weak AI acceleration; the NPU (12 TOPS) does not meet the 40 TOPS requirement for Microsoft Copilot+
  • Performance is highly dependent on laptop cooling and can throttle significantly in budget-grade chassis
  • Power consumption can be high under heavy load despite the 'U' designation
  • Generally less cost-effective for pure gaming compared to some AMD Ryzen alternatives

Expert reviews

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
Q1 2025
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U vs 265K - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and 255U represent opposite ends of the "Arrow Lake" spectrum, with the 265K serving as a 20-core (8P/12E) 250W desktop powerhouse, while the 255U operates as a 15W, 12-core (2P/10E) chip for mobile efficiency. The 265K delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance and 5.5 GHz speeds, though it requires a new LGA1851 socket and faces stiff gaming...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
01/03/2026
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U - CPU Benchmarks (PassMark)

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is a 12-core (2 E), 14-thread processor from the Arrow Lake-U series designed for thin-and-light laptops, featuring a 3nm process with 2.0 GHz base and 5.2 GHz turbo frequencies. It offers approximately 10–15% better single-threaded performance and 30% higher multi-threaded performance than the previous Ultra 7 155U. Key advantages include support for...Read more

S
score.nero.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U Benchmarks - Nero Score Would you like a comparison of benchmark scores between this model and its predecessor, the 155U?

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is an Arrow Lake U-series mobile processor featuring 12 cores, 14 threads, and a 5.2 GHz boost clock designed for efficient, modern laptops. Benchmarks indicate a ~30% improvement in multi-threaded tasks over the previous generation, alongside an 11 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration. While offering high efficiency, the processor's 4-core Arc Graphics...Read more

R
ratake.com
[Technical Sheet]
Intel Core Ultra 7 255U Processor Review

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U, featured on Ratake, is a 12-core, 3nm processor from the Arrow Lake-U series designed for ultra-thin laptops. It offers significant efficiency, operating at a 15W TDP with a 5.2 GHz max turbo, and features a 12 TOPS NPU for AI tasks. Key strengths include improved multitasking, a 11-30% performance boost over the 155U, and fast LPDDR5x-8400 memory...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

intel-core-ultra-9-285k
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors

8.9
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9965WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9995wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-9960x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-7970x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Processors

8.7
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9985WX

Processors

8.7
intel-core-ultra-9-285
Intel Core Ultra 9 285

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9975wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9975WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d
AMD Ryzen 9 9950x3d

Processors

8.6
intel-core-i9-13900k
Intel Core i9 13900K

Processors

8.5
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX

Processors

8.5

Compare Intel Core Ultra 7 255U with other processors

VS
VS

Compare