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Overview

The Core Ultra 7 265F 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: 49,161 points. Launch price was $379.

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 265F

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

122%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

121%

#16

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

118%

#17

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

116%

#18

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

114%

#19

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

113%

#20

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

113%

#21

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

109%

#22

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

106%

#23

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

105%

#24

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

105%

#25

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

103%

#26

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

102%

#27

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

102%

#28

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

102%

#29

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

100%

#30

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

100%

#31

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

98%

#32

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

98%

#33

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

98%

#34

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

98%

#35

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $178

95%

#36

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

92%

#37

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

92%

#38

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

91%

#39

Ryzen 5 5600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $135

91%

#40

Core i5-14600KF

MSRP: $304|Avg: $239

91%

#41

Ryzen 7 5800

MSRP: $349|Avg: $160

90%

#42

Core i3-14100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $96

90%

#43

Ryzen 7 3700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $140

90%

#44

Ryzen 5 7600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $178

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 7 265F across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core Ultra 7 265F specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 265F is a 20-core / 20-thread processor based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.3 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 112 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 49,161, 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 3,000, while multi-core reaches 20,000. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 25,459.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265F
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	20C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
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	112 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	243 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	17,800 million
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	49,161
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	25,459
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	3,000
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	20,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 265F fits into the LGA1851 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 256 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265F
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1851
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	256 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Z890,B860,H810
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core Ultra 7 265F is primarily designed for High Performance Gaming. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265F
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	High Performance Gaming
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 7 265F has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 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: Liquid Cooler 280mm+.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265F
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Liquid Cooler 280mm+

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $276 (MSRP: $369), the Core Ultra 7 265F delivers 178 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #208 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265F
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$369
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$276
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$379
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#208
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year	2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	TSMC