Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Xeon 6517P

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 Xeon 6517P 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 Xeon 6517P: 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

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 55W instead of 190W, a 135W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Xe-LPG, while Xeon 6517P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 72 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon 6517P, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 88 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon 6517P

2025

Why buy it

✅+140% larger total L3 cache (72 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 88 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅266.7% more PCIe lanes (88 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 7 255HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (48,810 vs 49,765).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,195 MSRP, while Core Ultra 7 255HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌245.5% higher power demand at 190W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 7 255HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 255HX better than Xeon 6517P?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 6517P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 7 255HX is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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 4.3% 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 2% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core Ultra 7 255HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon 6517P is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 7 255HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,195 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon 6517P is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (40.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon 6517P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 140% larger total L3 cache (72 MB vs 30 MB) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Xeon 6517P 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.

Xeon 6517P

The Xeon 6517P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 72 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 190 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 48,810 points. Launch price was $1,195.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 255HX packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon 6517P 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 4.2 GHz on the Xeon 6517P — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 255HX (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon 6517P uses Granite Rapids (2024−2025) (Intel 3 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 49,765 against the Xeon 6517P's 48,810 — a 1.9% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 255HX vs 72 MB (total) on the Xeon 6517P.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Xeon 6517P
Cores / Threads	20 / 20+25%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+24%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	72 MB (total)+140%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+50%	2 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm	Intel 3 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-HX (2025)	Granite Rapids (2024−2025)
PassMark	49,765+2%	48,810
Geekbench 6 Single	2,923	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,885	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon 6517P uses LGA4710 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Xeon 6517P supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs 8 (Xeon 6517P). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs 88 (Xeon 6517P) — the Xeon 6517P offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870,Intel WM880 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) and Granite Rapids-SP (Xeon 6517P).

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Xeon 6517P
Socket	FCBGA2114	LGA4710
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400	6400
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	88+267%

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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 Xeon 6517P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon 6517P). The Core Ultra 7 255HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG), while the Xeon 6517P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 255HX rivals Ryzen 9 9850HX; Xeon 6517P rivals EPYC 9554.