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 265K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,789 points. Launch price was $394.

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 265K

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

110%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

108%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

107%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

107%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

106%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

106%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

105%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

105%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

104%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

104%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

102%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

102%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

102%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

100%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

100%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

100%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

99%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

99%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

98%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

97%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

97%

#56

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

96%

#57

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

95%

#58

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

94%

#59

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

94%

#60

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

93%

#61

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

93%

#62

Core i5-7440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $30

92%

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

92%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

91%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

⚡

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 265K 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 5.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.9 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 58,789, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 3,283, while multi-core reaches 22,293. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 36,309.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	20C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.9 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
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	58,789
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	36,309
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	3,283
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	22,293

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 265K fits into the LGA1851 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 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). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Arc Graphics 64EU — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265K
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	20
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	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Arc Graphics 64EU
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	LGA1851
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. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265K
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core Ultra 7 265K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 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: Air Cooler 120mm+ / AIO 360mm.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Air Cooler 120mm+ / AIO 360mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $285 (MSRP: $309), the Core Ultra 7 265K delivers 206 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #137 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core Ultra 7 265K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$309
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$285
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$394
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#137
Release DateLaunch date	24 October 2024 (1 year ago)
Release Year	2024
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	TSMC