Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Review | 78 Data compared
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Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£740
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,030
  • PassMark benchmark result: 19551
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz
  • CPU socket: FCBGA2833
  • TDP (Thermal design power): 17 W

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0

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%

8.0

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.0

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%

8.0

Performance

18.0%

8.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

8.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

8.3

Integrated Graphics

Excellent
?

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

  • 8.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    ?

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    ?

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    9.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    ?

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    6.4

    N. of physical cores

  • 7.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.4

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    ?

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    ?

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £740

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 256V is a premium Lunar Lake (Series 2) mobile processor featuring 8 cores (4 Performance and 4 Low-Power Efficient) and 8 threads, with a max turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz and a 12 MB L3 cache. Built on a 3nm process, it integrates 16 GB of high-speed on-package LPDDR5X-8533 memory and an Intel Arc 140V iGPU with 8 Xe2-cores. Its primary advantages include exceptional power efficiency with a 17W base TDP, a high-performance NPU delivering up to 47 TOPS for AI tasks, and impressive battery life for ultra-thin laptops. However, a significant drawback is that the 16 GB of on-package memory is non-upgradable, and its 8-thread count limits heavy multi-threaded performance compared to higher-tier workstation chips.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

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

8.0
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a technical score of 7.98 points, which is higher than that of 77.3% 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 256V 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%

8.0

Overall score

40.0%

6.6

Price

7.6
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 67.4% 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: LOW

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: LOW

mobile
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 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: LOW

FCBGA2833
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses the FCBGA2,833 CPU socket, which is older than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% 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: LOW

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: LOW

x86-64
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 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.
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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+

8
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% 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+

8
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.2% of processors and equal to 19.1% 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: LOW

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.8% of processors and equal to 30.2% of processors.
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

4.8 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V reaches a boost clock of 4.8 GHz which is higher than that of 71.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% 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

4 x 2.2 GHz & 4 x 2.2 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a base clock of 4x2.2 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz which is higher than that of 61.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
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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: MEDIUM

Good value: <10 nm

3 nm
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 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: LOW

TSMC 3 nm
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.8% 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 256V 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 256V 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: LOW

Good value: >=512 KB

1,408 KB
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has an L1 cache of 1,408 KB which is larger than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
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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: LOW

Good value: DDR5

LPDDR5X
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports DDR LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 89.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% 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: LOW

Good value: >=4800 MHz

8,533 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports memory speeds up to 8,533 MHz, which is higher than that of 99.1% of processors and equal to 0.9% 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: LOW

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5X-8533 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-8533 MHz, which is higher than that of 99.1% of processors and equal to 0.9% 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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=128 GB

16 GB
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 91.7% of processors and equal to 6.4% of processors.
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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: LOW

yes
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V includes integrated graphics. 12.4% 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: LOW

Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses the Intel Arc Graphics 140V integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 87.5% of processors and equal to that in 0.3% of processors.
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: LOW

Good value: >=24

?
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: LOW

Good value: >=350 MHz

600 MHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has an integrated GPU clock of 600 MHz which is higher than that of 79.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% 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

VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (HW decode)
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 53.9% of processors.
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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: LOW

Good value: <30 W

17 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a TDP of 17 W which is lower than that of 76.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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: LOW

Good value: <30 W

17 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a base power of 17 W which is lower than that of 75.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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: LOW

Good value: <50 W

37 W
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a boost power of 37 W which is lower than that of 72.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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: LOW

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.4% of processors and equal to that of 86.1% 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 256V supports configurable TDP. 47.3% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 1 W
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Intel Core Ultra 7 256V vs the average processor

  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Lunar 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: HIGH

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake).Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 60.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,022 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 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 256V has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,022 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.4,022 vs 2,500
  • 98.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,601 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,601 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.9,601 vs 4,829
  • 63.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,407 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 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,407 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,407 vs 1,471
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 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 256V 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
  • 84.9% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,551 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,551 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.19,551 vs 10,572.5
  • 5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    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 256V has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.2.5 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).5.0 vs 3.0
  • Advanced security extensions
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT, TME, TME-MK vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
  • 4 newer release date
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports HMP, the average processor does not. 22.7% of processors support HMP.
  • 60.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,022 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
  • 98.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,601 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 63.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,407 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 84.9% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,551 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 11.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • Higher base clock
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x2.2 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
  • Supports Turbo Core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports Turbo Core, the average processor does not. 1% of processors support Turbo Core.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Lunar Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 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.
  • 5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 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 256V has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 3.67x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,408 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not. 20.5% of processors use a big.LITTLE design.
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 21.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a lower die size than the average processor (139 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).
  • 2.91x higher memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,533 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.97x higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (136 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-8533 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
  • Better integrated GPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Arc Graphics 140V vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 71.4% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (600 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 62.2% lower base power
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a lower base power draw than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 38.3% lower boost power
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (37 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
  • 62.2% lower TDP
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a lower TDP than the average processor (17 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 6 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.8 vs 16
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    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: LOW

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 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: LOW

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 2.96x more expensive
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V is more expensive than the average processor (£740 vs £250).
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V is more expensive than the average processor (£740 vs £250).£740 vs £250
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 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: LOW

    Good value: 2

    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core Ultra 7 256V supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (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 256V supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).VP9 (HW decode/encode), VVC (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
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Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core Ultra 7 256V and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core Ultra 7 256V?

  • Exceptional power efficiency and low power draw (17W base TDP)
  • Significant gains in battery life, with some laptops reaching 14–16 hours of real-world use
  • Improved integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics, capable of handling modern games at 1080p
  • Strong single-core performance, outperforming previous U-series chips and some higher-TDP competitors
  • Dedicated NPU with 47 TOPS for local AI acceleration and enhanced multitasking
  • Lower operating temperatures and improved thermal management compared to previous generations

What customers dislike about Intel Core Ultra 7 256V?

  • Limited multi-threaded performance due to having only 8 cores and no Hyper-Threading
  • Memory is on-package (16GB for the 256V), meaning it cannot be upgraded later
  • Multi-core benchmarks often trail behind AMD Ryzen AI 9 and Apple M-series chips
  • Performance is highly dependent on the laptop's specific TDP configuration (ranging from 17W to 32W)
  • Not a top-tier choice for heavy gaming or intensive 3D rendering compared to H-series or discrete GPUs

Expert reviews

P
phoronix.com
15/05/2025
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V "Lunar Lake" Linux Performance In Mid-2025 vs. Launch Day Would you like to see how the integrated Arc 140V GPU in this specif...
O
openbenchmarking.org
29/03/2026
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Benchmarks, Linux Performance
B
browser.geekbench.com
29/03/2026
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser
C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V - CPU PassMark Benchmarks
L
laptopmedia.com
29/03/2026
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V - Benchmark tests (Cinebench, Geekbench)
P
phoronix.com
21/10/2024
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Lunar Lake With ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) Linux Benchmarks
P
phoronix.com
15/05/2025
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V "Lunar Lake" Linux Performance In Mid-2025
V
valid.x86.fr
Mars 2026
Summary of the review
CPU-Z Single-Thread Benchmark for Intel Core Ultra 7 256V: Looking for tests on a specific laptop model?
(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
20/09/2024
Summary of the review
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V: Specifications and Benchmark Tests
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
07/04/2025
Summary of the review
Arrow Lake H is a significant upgrade - Benchmarks
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
03/09/2024
Summary of the review
Intel launches frontal assault on Qualcomm - Intel Lunar Lake
(Translated)Show original

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