Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Ryzen 9 8940HX

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Ryzen 9 8940HX Performance Spectrum

Core Ultra 7 255HX

20 / 20

49,765

0.0%

51,161

+2.8%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

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.

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Ryzen 9 8940HX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Ryzen 9 8940HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core Ultra 7 255HX

2025

Why buy it

✅+4.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 64 MB).

Ryzen 9 8940HX

2025

Why buy it

✅+113.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 30 MB).
✅16.7% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,800 vs 2,923).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (16,000 vs 16,885).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 255HX better than Ryzen 9 8940HX?

Yes. Core Ultra 7 255HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 5.5% better Geekbench multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 7 255HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 7 255HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 20 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 7 255HX still makes the most sense overall. Core Ultra 7 255HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 9 8940HX is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Ryzen 9 8940HX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core Ultra 7 255HX

The Core Ultra 7 255HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,765 points. Launch price was $450.

Ryzen 9 8940HX

The Ryzen 9 8940HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 April 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 51,161 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 255HX packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 9 8940HX offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core Ultra 7 255HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 255HX versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 8940HX — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 8940HX (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 9 8940HX uses Dragon Range (2025) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 49,765 against the Ryzen 9 8940HX's 51,161 — a 2.8% lead for the Ryzen 9 8940HX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,923 vs 2,800, a 4.3% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,885 vs 16,000 (5.4% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 255HX). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 255HX vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 8940HX.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Ryzen 9 8940HX
Cores / Threads	20 / 20+25%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz	5.3 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	64 MB (total)+113%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+200%	1 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-40%	5 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-HX (2025)	Dragon Range (2025)
PassMark	49,765	51,161+3%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,923+4%	2,800
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,885+6%	16,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 8940HX uses FL1 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 255HX versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 9 8940HX — the Core Ultra 7 255HX supports 23.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 255HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs 28 (Ryzen 9 8940HX) — the Ryzen 9 8940HX offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870,Intel WM880 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) and AMD FL1 (Ryzen 9 8940HX).

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Ryzen 9 8940HX
Socket	FCBGA2114	FL1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+23%	DDR5-5200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+200%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	24	28+17%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core Ultra 7 255HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 9 8940HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Xe-LPG (Core Ultra 7 255HX) and Radeon 610M (Ryzen 9 8940HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 255HX rivals Ryzen 9 9850HX.