Core 3 100HL vs Core Ultra 7 255U
Core 3 100HL
Core Ultra 7 255U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 3 100HL
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 255U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 3 100HL | Core Ultra 7 255U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-U (2025) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 3 100HL | Core Ultra 7 255U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 3 100HL and Core Ultra 7 255U
Core 3 100HL
The Core 3 100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,586 points. Launch price was $299.
Core Ultra 7 255U
The Core Ultra 7 255U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-U (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): 14 MB + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,834 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core 3 100HL packs 8 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 255U offers 12 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 7 255U has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core 3 100HL versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 255U — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 255U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core 3 100HL uses the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 255U uses Arrow Lake-U (2025) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core 3 100HL scores 17,586 against the Core Ultra 7 255U's 17,834 — a 1.4% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255U. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core 3 100HL vs 12 MB on the Core Ultra 7 255U.
| Feature | Core 3 100HL | Core Ultra 7 255U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 12 | 12 / 14+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 5.2 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+81% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 10 nm | 5 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) | Arrow Lake-U (2025) |
| PassMark | 17,586 | 17,834+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 3 100HL uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 255U uses FCBGA2049 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 3 100HL | Core Ultra 7 255U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA2049 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
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