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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.

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 7 255HX across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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