Core Ultra 7 256V vs Core Ultra 7 268V
Core Ultra 7 256V
Core Ultra 7 268V
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 Ultra 7 256V
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 268V
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core Ultra 7 268V |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core Ultra 7 268V |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 Ultra 7 256V and Core Ultra 7 268V
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.
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 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the FCBGA2833 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s on the Core Ultra 7 256V versus LPDDR5x-8533 on the Core Ultra 7 268V — the Core Ultra 7 256V supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 268V supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 8 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 256V launched at $450 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 7 268V debuted at $450. At current prices ($350 vs $400), the Core Ultra 7 256V is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 256V delivers 55.9 pts/$ vs 49.2 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 268V — making the Core Ultra 7 256V the 12.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 256V | Core Ultra 7 268V |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $450 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350-13% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.9+14% | 49.2 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2024 |
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