Intel Core 9 273PE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX wins 15 of 17 head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core 9 273PE takes only two. The margin is consistent and often large.

In Cinebench, the Ultra 7 265HX leads by a uniform 23% across all six tests. The R15 multicore score is 4096 versus 3153, R20 multicore is 17069 versus 13140, and R23 multicore is 40642 versus 31288. Single-core results follow the same pattern: R15 single-core is 578 versus 445, R20 single-core is 2409 versus 1855, and R23 single-core is 5737 versus 4417. A 23% gap in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads indicates the Ultra 7 265HX has a fundamental architectural advantage, not just more cores.

PassMark tests show a wider spread. The largest deficit for the Core 9 273PE is in prime number finding, where the Ultra 7 265HX scores 406 versus 203, a 50% advantage. Data encryption shows a 42.4% gap (39472 versus 22719), and extended instructions are 39.5% ahead (40741 versus 24630). Floating point math favors the Ultra 7 265HX by 33.2% (161605 versus 107884). Random string sorting is 27.8% ahead (62458 versus 45098), and multithread performance is 23.3% higher (47985 versus 36810). Data compression trails by 20.7% (511817 versus 405885), while single-thread performance is 18.9% lower on the Core 9 273PE (4500 versus 3650).

The Core 9 273PE claims two wins. Integer math scores 139410 versus 126954, a 9.8% advantage. Physics scores 3120 versus 2978, a 4.8% edge. These are modest wins in narrow workloads, while the Ultra 7 265HX dominates across the broader spectrum of tests.

The average benchmark score tells the same story: the Ultra 7 265HX averages 63173, while the Core 9 273PE averages 49845. The Ultra 7 265HX sits at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, versus the 90th percentile for the Core 9 273PE. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-13790F (delta 0.1%) and AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G (delta -0.2%), placing it in strong company. The Core 9 273PE sits near the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 (delta 0.1%) and Intel Core i5-14600KF (delta 0.9%).

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX wins every multi-core test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 40642 versus 31288 for the Core 9 273PE, a 23% advantage. PassMark multithread shows 47985 versus 36810, also 23.3% higher.

Q: Does the Core 9 273PE win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, two. PassMark integer math goes to the Core 9 273PE at 139410 versus 126954, a 9.8% lead. PassMark physics also favors it, 3120 versus 2978, a 4.8% edge.

Q: How do single-core scores compare?

A: The Ultra 7 265HX leads consistently by 23% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core tests. PassMark single-thread shows 4500 versus 3650, an 18.9% advantage.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The biggest delta is in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Ultra 7 265HX scores 406 versus 203, exactly double the Core 9 273PE's result (a 50% difference).

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Ultra 7 265HX averages 63173, while the Core 9 273PE averages 49845. The Ultra 7 265HX ranks at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 90th percentile for the Core 9 273PE.

Q: Are these processors in the same performance class?

A: The data says no. The Ultra 7 265HX is 23% ahead in Cinebench across the board and wins 15 of 17 tests. Its nearest rival is the Intel Core i7-13790F (delta 0.1%), while the Core 9 273PE sits near the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 (delta 0.1%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design approaches. The Intel Core 9 273PE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture on a 10 nm process fabricated by Intel. It has 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. Cache layout is 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730. It is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700 with a 65 W TDP.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX uses the Arrow Lake architecture on a 3 nm process fabricated by TSMC. It has 20 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The transistor count is 17,800 million on a 243 mm² die. Cache is larger per core: 192 KB L1, 3 MB L2, with 30 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR5 only, dual-channel, with higher bandwidth at 102.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. It is a mobile part on Intel BGA 2114 with a 55 W TDP.

Key architectural differences: the Ultra 7 265HX uses a more advanced 3 nm process versus 10 nm, has 8 more cores, larger per-core caches, higher memory bandwidth, and more PCIe lanes. The Core 9 273PE counters with a higher boost clock (5.70 GHz versus 5.30 GHz), support for DDR4, ECC memory, and more threads per core (24 threads from 12 cores, versus 20 threads from 20 cores, meaning the Core 9 uses hyperthreading while the Ultra 7 does not).

The 3 nm TSMC process gives the Ultra 7 265HX a density and efficiency advantage that shows in the benchmark results. The larger L1 and L2 caches likely contribute to its single-core wins. The Core 9 273PE's higher boost clock helps in integer math and physics, but does not overcome the architectural gap elsewhere.

Specification Differences

The differing specifications between the two processors:

• Cores: 12 (Core 9 273PE) versus 20 (Ultra 7 265HX)
• Threads: 24 versus 20
• Base clock: 2.30 GHz versus 2.60 GHz
• Boost clock: 5.70 GHz versus 5.30 GHz
• TDP: 65 W versus 55 W
• Socket: Intel Socket 1700 versus Intel BGA 2114
• Process node: 10 nm (Intel) versus 3 nm (TSMC)
• Transistors: not listed versus 17,800 million
• Die size: not listed versus 243 mm²
• L1 cache: 80 KB per core versus 192 KB per core
• L2 cache: 2 MB per core versus 3 MB per core
• L3 cache: 36 MB shared versus 30 MB shared
• Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 versus DDR5 only
• Memory bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s versus 102.4 GB/s
• ECC memory: supported versus not supported
• PCIe lanes: 16 versus 20 (both Gen 5)
• Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 730 versus Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU
• Market segment: Desktop versus Mobile
• Multiplier unlocked: No versus Yes
• Launch MSRP: $549 versus not listed
• Release date: 2026-03-08 versus 2025-01-12

The Core 9 273PE has a higher boost clock and more L3 cache, plus ECC support and DDR4 compatibility. The Ultra 7 265HX has more cores, higher base clock, more PCIe lanes, faster memory bandwidth, larger per-core caches, and an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX wins in nearly every category that matters for general computing and productivity. Cinebench results show a 23% edge in both single-core and multi-core rendering, which translates to faster video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation workloads. PassMark data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating point math, multithread, and random string sorting all favor the Ultra 7 265HX. Its single-thread performance advantage of 18.9% suggests snappier application responsiveness and better performance in lightly threaded software.

The Intel Core 9 273PE wins in two specific areas. PassMark integer math shows a 9.8% advantage, indicating strength in integer-heavy calculations such as certain database operations, financial modeling, or compression algorithms that rely on integer arithmetic. PassMark physics shows a 4.8% edge, which may benefit physics simulation in some scientific or engineering workloads. These wins are narrow, however, and do not offset the broad deficit elsewhere.

For sustained multi-threaded workloads, the Ultra 7 265HX's 20 cores provide a clear advantage. For workloads that depend on peak single-core speed, the Ultra 7 265HX also wins despite the Core 9 273PE's higher boost clock, indicating the architectural efficiency of the 3 nm Arrow Lake design matters more than raw clock speed.

The Core 9 273PE's ECC memory support and DDR4 compatibility make it appropriate for stability-sensitive desktop builds where those features are required. The Ultra 7 265HX's mobile form factor and unlocked multiplier suit it for laptop systems and overclocking scenarios.

The Verdict

The benchmark data delivers a clear verdict: the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX is the faster processor in 15 of 17 tests, with a 23% lead across all Cinebench workloads and an average benchmark score of 63173 versus 49845. Its 3 nm process, 20 cores, larger caches, and higher memory bandwidth translate into measurable performance advantages that span single-core, multi-core, and specialized instruction workloads.

The Intel Core 9 273PE wins only in integer math (9.8% ahead) and physics (4.8% ahead). These are real but isolated victories. Its higher boost clock and larger L3 cache do not compensate for the architectural gap. For users requiring ECC memory or DDR4 support on a desktop platform, the Core 9 273PE remains a viable choice, but those needs are niche.

The Ultra 7 265HX ranks at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, versus the 90th for the Core 9 273PE. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-13790F and AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G, both within 0.2% of its average score, confirming its position among top-tier processors. The Core 9 273PE sits near the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and Intel Core i5-14600KF, a lower performance tier.

For users who prioritize raw performance across a wide range of applications, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX is the clear choice from the recorded data. The Core 9 273PE serves a narrower audience with specific requirements for ECC memory, DDR4 compatibility, and desktop socket integration, accepting a substantial performance deficit in exchange for those features.