Core Ultra 7 256V
Intel
PassMark
19,579
MSRP
$450
AVG Price
$350
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 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.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core Ultra 7 256V across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 7 256V specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 7 256V is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2.5 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 19,579, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,658, while multi-core reaches 11,000. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 10,065.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 256V |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 8C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Lunar Lake (2024) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 3 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2.5 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 192 kB (per core) |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 37 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 19,579 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 10,065 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 2,658 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 11,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 256V fits into the FCBGA2833 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel Arc Graphics 140V — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 256V |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA2833 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 8 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 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 Graphics 140V |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Lunar Lake |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core Ultra 7 256V is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 256V |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Mobile |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | true |
Power & Cooling
The Core Ultra 7 256V has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 256V |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 17 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $350 (MSRP: $450), the Core Ultra 7 256V delivers 56 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #801 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core Ultra 7 256V |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $450 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $350 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $299 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #801 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 24 September 2024 (1 year ago) |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | TSMC |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Core Ultra 7 256V
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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