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.

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 256V

#160

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

110%

#161

Ryzen 7 7840U

MSRP: $400|Avg: N/A

110%

#162

Core Ultra 5 226V

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

110%

#163

Xeon E3-1505M v5

MSRP: $115|Avg: $115

109%

#164

Processor N95

MSRP: $160|Avg: $80

107%

#165

E-300

MSRP: $60|Avg: $20

105%

#166

Pentium N3530

MSRP: $161|Avg: $20

104%

#167

Core Ultra 5 228V

MSRP: $295|Avg: $295

103%

#168

Ryzen 7 PRO 250

MSRP: $400|Avg: $380

103%

#169

Ryzen 7 6800U

MSRP: $360|Avg: N/A

102%

#170

FX-7600P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

102%

#171

E2-3800

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

102%

#172

Athlon II Neo K145

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

101%

#173

A10-8700P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $40

101%

#174

Core i7-3615QE

MSRP: $400|Avg: $100

100%

#175

Core Ultra 7 256V

MSRP: $450|Avg: $350

100%

#176

Core i7-12700H

MSRP: $457|Avg: N/A

99%

#177

FX-9800P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

98%

#178

Core i9-12900HX

MSRP: $606|Avg: N/A

97%

#179

Celeron 877

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

96%

#180

Atom x7835RE

MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A

96%

#181

Celeron 807

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

96%

#182

Core i7-8709G

MSRP: $338|Avg: $150

95%

#183

3015Ce

MSRP: $150|Avg: $40

94%

#184

Core i7-13700H

MSRP: $502|Avg: N/A

93%

#185

Core i7-610E

MSRP: $250|Avg: $40

93%

#186

A9-9420

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

92%

#187

Atom 330

MSRP: $43|Avg: $30

91%

#188

Core 2 Duo E8235

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $20

91%

#189

Celeron B820

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

91%

#190

A9-9425

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core Ultra 7 256V across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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