Core Ultra 7 255H
CPU·Mid-Range

Core Ultra 7 255H

Intel

PassMark

30,932

1 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
26 MB + 24 MB
Arrow Lake-H (2025)

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.

Overview

The Core Ultra 7 255H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-H (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): 26 MB + 24 MB. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 30,932 points. Launch price was $514.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 255H

#167
Core Ultra 7 258V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $400
112%
#169
Core i7-1280P
MSRP: $482|Avg: $482
110%
#173
Core Ultra 5 238V
MSRP: $454|Avg: $454
106%
#176
Core i9-13900HK
MSRP: $697|Avg: N/A
104%
#178
Core i7-1360P
MSRP: $480|Avg: $280
102%
#179
Core i7-1260P
MSRP: $432|Avg: $432
102%
#181
Core Ultra 7 255H
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#184
Core Ultra 7 266V
MSRP: $520|Avg: $520
98%
#185
Ryzen 7 5825C
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
97%
#187
Core Ultra 9 288V
MSRP: $600|Avg: $600
90%
#188
Core i7-10870H
MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 7 255H specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 255H is a 16-core / 16-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-H (2025) architecture, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.1 GHz from a base frequency of 4.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24 MB of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 30,932, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Current Gen generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,800, while multi-core reaches 15,700.

SpecificationCore Ultra 7 255H
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units16C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost5.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency4.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designArrow Lake-H (2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient5 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores24 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)110 °C
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score30,932
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,800
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance15,700
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 255H fits into the FCBGA2049 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 28 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-6400 memory at speeds up to DDR5-6400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Arc Graphics 140T — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore Ultra 7 255H
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA2049
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion28
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5-6400
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-6400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel Arc Graphics 140T
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM870,WM880
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core Ultra 7 255H is primarily designed for High-End Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore Ultra 7 255H
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryHigh-End Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 7 255H has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 26 MB + 24 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationCore Ultra 7 255H
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload26 MB + 24 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)110 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #413 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore Ultra 7 255H
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$514
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#413
Release DateLaunch date1 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

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