Core Ultra 7 265 vs Core Ultra 7 255HX
Core Ultra 7 265
Core Ultra 7 255HX
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 7 265
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 255HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-HX (2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($320) | ✅ 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 Ultra 7 265 and Core Ultra 7 255HX
Core Ultra 7 265
The Core Ultra 7 265 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,666 points. Launch price was $394.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core Ultra 7 265 and Core Ultra 7 255HX share an identical 20-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 255HX — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 255HX uses Arrow Lake-HX (2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 265 scores 49,666 against the Core Ultra 7 255HX's 49,765 — a 0.2% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 20 | 20 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+2% | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Arrow Lake-HX (2025) |
| PassMark | 49,666 | 49,765 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,923 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 16,885 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 265 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 255HX uses FCBGA2114 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265 versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 255HX — the Core Ultra 7 265 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 265 supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 7 265) and Intel HM870,Intel WM880 (Core Ultra 7 255HX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+127900% | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 | 192 GB+78643100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 7 255HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core Ultra 7 265 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 7 265) vs true (Core Ultra 7 255HX). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Graphics (Core Ultra 7 265) and Intel Arc Xe-LPG (Core Ultra 7 255HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 265 rivals Ryzen 7 9700X; Core Ultra 7 255HX rivals Ryzen 9 9850HX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265 | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics | Intel Arc Xe-LPG |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
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