Core Ultra 7 255HX
Intel
PassMark
49,765
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 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.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core Ultra 7 255HX across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Delta Force
Dota 2
Fortnite
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 7 255HX specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 7 255HX is a 20-core / 20-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 30 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 3 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 192 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 49,765, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Current Gen generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,923, while multi-core reaches 16,885.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 20C / 20T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 5.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Arrow Lake-HX (2025) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 3 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 3 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 192 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 243 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 17,800 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 49,765 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 2,923 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 16,885 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 255HX fits into the FCBGA2114 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 24 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 192 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Arc Xe-LPG — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 24 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 192 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Intel Arc Xe-LPG |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Intel HM870,Intel WM880 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 9 9850HX.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | true |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Ryzen 9 9850HX |
Power & Cooling
The Core Ultra 7 255HX has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 55 Watt — 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.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 55 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Laptop Cooling |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #205 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 255HX |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $450 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #205 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2025-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | TSMC |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $450 |
| Manufacturer | TSMC |
| Release Date | 2025-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Arrow Lake-HX (2025) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 205 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 20 |
| Threads | 20 |
| Die Size | 243 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 192 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 5.2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Efficiency Cores | 12 |
| Transistor Count | 17,800 million |
| Performance Cores | 8 |
| Process Technology | 3 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 55 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
3 specs
Memory
3 specs
| RAM Types | DDR5-6400 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 256 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Core Ultra 7 255HX
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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