Intel Core 9 273PE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 356H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive split between the Intel Core 9 273PE and the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, with the desktop part winning 12 of the 17 head-to-head comparisons. The largest margin comes in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the Core 9 273PE scores 4417 against 2040 for the Ultra 7 356H, a 116.5% advantage. That same benchmark in multi-core shows a 70.1% gap, with 31288 versus 18395. The Core 9 273PE also dominates integer math, scoring 139410 against 83111, a 67.7% lead, and data compression at 405885 versus 336177, a 20.7% edge.

The Ultra 7 356H counters in several specific workloads. PassMark single-thread shows 4072 versus 3650, a 10.4% win. Data encryption goes to the Ultra 7 at 26345 versus 22719, a 13.8% advantage. Extended instructions favor the mobile chip at 27898 versus 24630, an 11.7% gap. Prime number finding is another win for the Ultra 7, scoring 327 against 203, a 37.9% margin.

Other multi-core results are closer. Cinebench R15 multi-core has the Core 9 ahead by 3.2% (3153 versus 3055), while R20 multi-core shows an 8.1% edge (13140 versus 12153). PassMark multithread gives the Core 9 an 8.3% win (36810 versus 33978), and physics testing shows a 7.8% lead (3120 versus 2895). Floating-point math is tighter, with the Core 9 at 107884 versus 103128, a 4.6% margin. Random string sorting goes to the Core 9 by 10% (45098 versus 40990). Single-core Cinebench results are less dramatic than R23: R15 single-core shows a 46.9% lead for the Core 9 (445 versus 303), and R20 single-core shows an 8.2% edge (1855 versus 1715).

The average benchmark score reinforces the overall picture. The Core 9 273PE sits at 49845, placing it in the 90th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 at 49796 (0.1% behind) and the Intel Core i5-14600KF at 49394 (0.9% behind). The Ultra 7 356H averages 41215, placing it in the 87th percentile, with its closest competitor being the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 at 41208 (0% delta). The Core 9 273PE also sits ahead of the Intel Core i9-13980HX by 1.1% and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 by 1.2% in average score.

The Verdict

The data points to two distinct usage profiles. The Intel Core 9 273PE is the clear choice for compute-heavy tasks that rely on sustained multi-threaded performance and high single-core responsiveness. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 is 70.1% above the Ultra 7 356H, and the R23 single-core result of 4417 more than doubles the mobile part’s 2040. Integer math, physics, floating-point math, and data compression all favor the Core 9, often by large margins. For rendering, simulation, or heavy compilation workloads, the Core 9 273PE delivers substantially higher throughput.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H wins in specific workloads that appear to leverage its architecture differently. Data encryption (26345 versus 22719), extended instructions (27898 versus 24630), and prime number finding (327 versus 203) all favor the mobile chip. The PassMark single-thread score of 4072 also beats the Core 9’s 3650, which suggests that in certain scalar tasks the Ultra 7 356H has an advantage despite its lower boost clock of 4.70 GHz versus 5.70 GHz.

Benchmark results indicate that the Core 9 273PE is better suited for desktop workstations where power draw is less constrained, given its 65 W TDP. The Ultra 7 356H, with a 25 W TDP, fits mobile platforms that prioritize energy efficiency while still providing competitive performance in several specialized workloads. The Core 9 273PE also supports ECC memory, which the Ultra 7 356H does not, making the desktop part more appropriate for reliability-sensitive applications. The Ultra 7 356H offers higher memory bandwidth at 115.2 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s, which may benefit certain memory-bound tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families. The Core 9 273PE is built on the Bartlett Lake architecture using a 10 nm process node, while the Ultra 7 356H uses the Panther Lake architecture on a 3 nm node. Both are fabricated by Intel, but the process difference is substantial. The Core 9 273PE is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700, whereas the Ultra 7 356H is a mobile processor on Intel BGA 2540.

Core counts differ significantly. The Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Ultra 7 356H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The desktop part uses simultaneous multithreading to reach 24 threads from 12 cores; the mobile part has more physical cores but no threading advantage, yielding 16 threads total. This partly explains why the Core 9 273PE wins most multi-threaded benchmarks despite having fewer physical cores.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The Core 9 273PE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 7 356H has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and only 18 MB of shared L3. The larger shared L3 on the Core 9 273PE likely contributes to its data compression and integer math advantages. The Ultra 7’s larger per-core L1 and L2 may help in the encryption and extended instruction workloads where it wins.

Clock speeds differ by design. The Core 9 273PE has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost of 5.70 GHz. The Ultra 7 356H operates at 1.90 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost. The higher clocks on the desktop part explain its single-core Cinebench dominance, though the Ultra 7 356H still edges out the PassMark single-thread test, indicating architectural efficiency at lower frequencies.

Memory support varies. The Core 9 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and ECC enabled. The Ultra 7 356H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, also dual-channel, with 115.2 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC. PCIe lane counts differ: the Core 9 273PE offers Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 7 356H provides Gen 5 with 12 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Ultra 7 356H uses Intel Xe3 Graphics. The release dates are close: the Ultra 7 356H launched on January 4, 2026, and the Core 9 273PE on March 8, 2026. The Core 9 273PE carries a launch MSRP of $549; no launch MSRP is recorded for the Ultra 7 356H. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE reaches 5.70 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: Why does the Core 9 273PE win most multi-threaded benchmarks despite having fewer cores?

A: The Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads, using simultaneous multithreading, while the Ultra 7 356H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The Core 9 also has a 36 MB shared L3 cache versus 18 MB, and a higher boost clock of 5.70 GHz versus 4.70 GHz.

Q: In which workloads does the Ultra 7 356H outperform the Core 9 273PE?

A: The Ultra 7 356H wins PassMark data encryption, extended instructions, find prime numbers, and single-thread tests. Its encryption score is 26345 versus 22719, and its single-thread score is 4072 versus 3650.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The Core 9 273PE supports ECC memory. The Ultra 7 356H does not.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth differences?

A: The Ultra 7 356H provides 115.2 GB/s, while the Core 9 273PE provides 89.6 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory, but the Ultra 7 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, whereas the Core 9 supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: How do the two processors compare in average benchmark score?

A: The Core 9 273PE averages 49845, placing in the 90th percentile. The Ultra 7 356H averages 41215, placing in the 87th percentile. The Core 9 is 1.1% ahead of the Intel Core i9-13980HX, while the Ultra 7 matches the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 9 273PE dominates in rendering, simulation, and compute-heavy workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 is 70.1% higher than the Ultra 7 356H, and the R23 single-core score of 4417 is 116.5% higher. Integer math at 139410 versus 83111 gives a 67.7% lead, and data compression at 405885 versus 336177 provides a 20.7% edge. Physics, floating-point math, multithread, and random string sorting also favor the Core 9, with margins between 4.6% and 10%. This processor is suited for desktop systems running high-throughput tasks where the 65 W TDP is acceptable and ECC memory support is beneficial.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H wins in specialized workloads that appear to favor its architecture and larger per-core cache. Data encryption at 26345 is 13.8% ahead, extended instructions at 27898 is 11.7% ahead, and prime number finding at 327 is 37.9% ahead. Its PassMark single-thread score of 4072 beats the Core 9’s 3650 by 10.4%. The Ultra 7 also provides higher memory bandwidth at 115.2 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s, which may aid memory-intensive tasks. With a 25 W TDP, this mobile processor suits portable systems where power efficiency is prioritized over peak multi-thread performance. The Core 9 273PE wins 12 head-to-head benchmarks; the Ultra 7 356H wins 5.