Core Ultra 7 265HX vs Xeon E7-4880 v2

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 265HX vs Xeon E7-4880 v2 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 265HX vs Xeon E7-4880 v2: 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 265HX

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $6,169 less on MSRP ($450 MSRP vs $6,619 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1387.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.8 vs 7.3 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $6,619 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 130W, a 75W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2114 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 38 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E7-4880 v2, which brings 15 cores / 30 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E7-4880 v2

2014

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (38 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 15 cores / 30 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 7 265HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (48,435 vs 48,975).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.3 vs 108.8 PassMark/$ ($6,619 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
❌136.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2011, while Core Ultra 7 265HX moves to FCBGA2114 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 265HX better than Xeon E7-4880 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7-4880 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 7 265HX 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 265HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.1% 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 265HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core Ultra 7 265HX is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 7 265HX comes in $6,169 cheaper on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $6,619 MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1387.3% better value on MSRP (108.8 vs 7.3 PassMark/$), 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 265HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2014), a healthier platform with FCBGA2114 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011, more multi-core headroom with 20 cores / 20 threads instead of 15/30, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 7 265HX vs Xeon E7-4880 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 7 265HX

The Core Ultra 7 265HX 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 2.6 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: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 48,975 points. Launch price was $500.

Xeon E7-4880 v2

The Xeon E7-4880 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 48,435 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 265HX packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads — the Core Ultra 7 265HX has 5 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265HX versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — a 52.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265HX (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265HX is built on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 265HX scores 48,975 against the Xeon E7-4880 v2's 48,435 — a 1.1% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265HX vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4880 v2.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 265HX	Xeon E7-4880 v2
Cores / Threads	20 / 20+33%	15 / 30
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+71%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+4%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	37.5 MB+25%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)	—
Process	3 nm-86%	22 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-HX (2025)	—
PassMark	48,975+1%	48,435
Geekbench 6 Single	2,990	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	17,417	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 265HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265HX versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — the Core Ultra 7 265HX supports 300% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-4880 v2 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 265HX) vs 4 (Xeon E7-4880 v2). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 7 265HX) vs 40 (Xeon E7-4880 v2) — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WM880,HM870 (Core Ultra 7 265HX) and C602-J (Xeon E7-4880 v2).

Feature	Core Ultra 7 265HX	Xeon E7-4880 v2
Socket	FCBGA2114	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+300%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	1536 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	40+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core Ultra 7 265HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core Ultra 7 265HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 7 265HX includes integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU), while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon E7-4880 v2 rivals AMD Opteron 6380.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 265HX	Xeon E7-4880 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 7 265HX was priced at $450, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 came in at $6619. On launch pricing ($450 vs $6619), Core Ultra 7 265HX was $6169 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 265HX delivers 108.8 pts/$ vs 7.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — making the Core Ultra 7 265HX the 174.8% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 265HX	Xeon E7-4880 v2
MSRP	$450-93%	$6619
Performance per Dollar	108.8+1390%	7.3
Release Date	2025	2014

Search Core Ultra 7 265HX on Amazon

Search Xeon E7-4880 v2 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.