Intel Core 7 360 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded benchmark data separates these two mobile processors into distinct performance classes. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons in the database, with the smallest advantage appearing in single-threaded work and the largest gaps appearing in multi-core and data-intensive workloads. The Intel Core 7 360 holds a 72nd percentile ranking among all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 7 255HX sits at the 93rd percentile. The Core 7 360's average benchmark score is 18,374, placing it near the Intel Core i3-13100 (18,380), while the Core Ultra 7 255HX averages 62,738, a figure comparable to the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 (62,839). For workloads that stress many cores, the Core Ultra 7 255HX is the clear selection; the Core 7 360 remains an option for lighter, power-conscious mobile systems where its 15 W thermal envelope aligns with slim chassis designs.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX wins every recorded benchmark category. In multi-threaded rendering, its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 32,612 versus 13,634 for the Core 7 360 shows a 58.2% advantage. The gap widens in PassMark integer math, where the Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 127,126 against 34,238, a 73.1% lead. Data compression results follow the same pattern: 515,143 versus 142,877, a 72.3% difference. The Core Ultra 7 255HX also leads in physics simulation (2,926 versus 1,213, a 58.5% advantage) and random string sorting (62,591 versus 17,636, a 71.8% lead).

The Core 7 360 does not win any category, but its closest margin appears in single-threaded PassMark tests. The Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 4,562 against 4,274, a 6.3% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows a similar pattern: 2,163 versus 1,924, an 11% gap. These single-thread results indicate the Core 7 360's per-core performance is respectable, but the Core Ultra 7 255HX still holds the edge. For users running lightly threaded applications, the Core 7 360 comes closer to parity, though it does not overtake its rival in any measured test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 3 nm process node but use different foundries. Intel manufactures the Core 7 360, while TSMC produces the Core Ultra 7 255HX. The Core 7 360 uses the Wildcat Lake codename with a generation label of "Core 5 (Wildcat Lake)," while the Core Ultra 7 255HX uses Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-HX codename. The Core 7 360 packs 6 cores and 6 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 255HX provides 20 cores and 20 threads, a 14-core difference. Neither chip supports simultaneous multithreading, as thread counts equal core counts for both.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. Both processors use 192 KB of L1 cache per core. The L2 cache per core is 2.5 MB on the Core 7 360 versus 3 MB on the Core Ultra 7 255HX. Shared L3 cache totals 6 MB on the Core 7 360 and 30 MB on the Core Ultra 7 255HX, a fivefold difference. The Core Ultra 7 255HX also carries 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the Core 7 360 does not have recorded transistor or die size data. Memory support differs as well: the Core 7 360 accepts DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core Ultra 7 255HX supports DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with 102.4 GB/s. PCIe connectivity favors the Core Ultra 7 255HX with Gen 5 and 20 lanes, compared to Gen 4 with 6 lanes on the Core 7 360. Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 7 360 using Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) and the Core Ultra 7 255HX using Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The Core Ultra 7 255HX has an unlocked multiplier; the Core 7 360 does not.

FAQ

Q: Which processor delivers higher multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX leads in all multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 32,612 against 13,634 for the Core 7 360, a 58.2% advantage. PassMark multithread scores show 48,234 versus 15,544, a 67.8% gap.

Q: How do the two compare in single-threaded workloads?

A: The Core Ultra 7 255HX still wins, but by a smaller margin. PassMark single-thread scores are 4,562 versus 4,274, a 6.3% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 2,163 versus 1,924, an 11% difference.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Core 7 360 has 6 cores and 6 threads. The Core Ultra 7 255HX has 20 cores and 20 threads. Neither processor supports simultaneous multithreading.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core Ultra 7 255HX boosts to 5.20 GHz, while the Core 7 360 boosts to 4.80 GHz. The base clocks are 2.40 GHz for the Core Ultra 7 255HX and 1.50 GHz for the Core 7 360.

Q: How do memory bandwidth figures differ?

A: The Core 7 360 uses a single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses a dual-channel bus with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has the larger shared L3 cache?

A: The Core Ultra 7 255HX has 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 7 360 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database records 17 head-to-head comparisons, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX wins all of them. The largest margins appear in PassMark integer math, where the Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 127,126 against 34,238, a 73.1% lead. PassMark floating point math shows a 72% gap with scores of 160,624 versus 44,963. Data compression results favor the Core Ultra 7 255HX by 72.3% (515,143 versus 142,877), and data encryption shows a 71.7% lead (39,499 versus 11,164). Extended instructions follow at a 70% difference (41,247 versus 12,390), and prime number finding also shows a 70% gap (400 versus 120).

Cinebench multi-core tests show consistent advantages for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. Cinebench R15 multi-core scores are 4,916 versus 1,374, a 72.1% lead. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 17,187 versus 5,726, a 66.7% gap. Cinebench R23 multi-core narrows slightly to 58.2% with scores of 32,612 versus 13,634. PassMark multithread results show 48,234 versus 15,544, a 67.8% difference. Physics simulation scores 2,926 versus 1,213, a 58.5% lead. Random string sorting shows 62,591 versus 17,636, a 71.8% gap.

Single-core tests produce the closest margins. Cinebench R15 single-core scores are 327 versus 193, a 41% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. Cinebench R20 single-core shows 2,426 versus 808, a 66.7% gap. Cinebench R23 single-core narrows to 2,163 versus 1,924, an 11% difference. PassMark single-thread results show 4,562 versus 4,274, a 6.3% lead, the smallest advantage in the entire comparison.

The Core 7 360's nearest rivals by average score include the Intel Core i3-13100 (18,380, 0% delta), the Intel Core 5 330 (18,345, 0.2% delta), and the Intel Core i3-14100 (18,318, 0.3% delta). The Core Ultra 7 255HX's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 (62,839, -0.2% delta), the AMD Ryzen AI 9 PRO 465 (62,498, 0.4% delta), and the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX (63,173, -0.7% delta). These comparisons place the Core 7 360 in the entry-level desktop replacement class and the Core Ultra 7 255HX in the high-end mobile workstation class.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 360 | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 20 |

| Threads | 6 | 20 |

| Base clock | 1.50 GHz | 2.40 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.80 GHz | 5.20 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 55 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel BGA 2114 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Arrow Lake-HX |

| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| L2 cache | 2.5 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 6 MB (shared) | 30 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Release date | 2026-04-15 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | $426 | Not recorded |