Core Ultra 7 256V vs Core Ultra 7 268V

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 256V vs Core Ultra 7 268V 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 256V vs Core Ultra 7 268V: 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 256V

2024

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 7 268V across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (10,065 vs 10,653).

Core Ultra 7 268V

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 268V better than Core Ultra 7 256V?

Yes. Core Ultra 7 268V is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 5.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 0.6% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 7 268V is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.9% 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 268V is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 7 268V is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 7 268V comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $450 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.6% better value on MSRP (43.8 vs 43.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core Ultra 7 268V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 7 256V vs Core Ultra 7 268V Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 7 256V

The Core Ultra 7 256V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,579 points. Launch price was $299.

Core Ultra 7 268V

The Core Ultra 7 268V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,698 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

Both the Core Ultra 7 256V and Core Ultra 7 268V share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 256V versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 268V — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 268V (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture using a 3 nm process. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 256V scores 19,579 against the Core Ultra 7 268V's 19,698 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 268V. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 10,065 vs 10,653 (5.7% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 268V). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,658 vs 2,437, a 8.7% lead for the Core Ultra 7 256V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,000 vs 10,000 (9.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 256V). Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 256V	Core Ultra 7 268V
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz	5 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2.5 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm	3 nm
Architecture	Lunar Lake (2024)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	19,579	19,698
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,065	10,653+6%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,658+9%	2,437
Geekbench 6 Multi	11,000+10%	10,000

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA2833 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s memory speed. The Core Ultra 7 268V supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 8 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 256V) and SoC (Core Ultra 7 268V).

Feature	Core Ultra 7 256V	Core Ultra 7 268V
Socket	FCBGA2833	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s	LPDDR5x-8533
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	8

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 7 256V) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core Ultra 7 268V). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Graphics 140V (Core Ultra 7 256V) and Arc Graphics 140V (Core Ultra 7 268V) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 256V targets Mobile, Core Ultra 7 268V targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 268V rivals Core Ultra 7 155H.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 256V	Core Ultra 7 268V
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel Arc Graphics 140V	Arc Graphics 140V
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mobile	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 7 256V was priced at $450, while the Core Ultra 7 268V came in at $450. On launch pricing ($450 vs $450), Core Ultra 7 268V was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 256V delivers 43.5 pts/$ vs 43.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 268V — making the Core Ultra 7 268V the 0.6% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 256V	Core Ultra 7 268V
MSRP	$450	$450
Performance per Dollar	43.5	43.8
Release Date	2024	2024

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