Intel Core 9 273PQE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL Comparison

Intel Core 9 273PQE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL

The Intel Core 9 273PQE is the clear performance leader in this comparison, but the two processors serve fundamentally different roles. The Core 9 273PQE is a high-power desktop part with a 93rd percentile ranking, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL is a lower-power desktop chip that sits at the 50th percentile. The data shows a significant performance gap, driven by differences in core count, clock speeds, cache size, and power targets. The Core 9 273PQE is the only one of the two with recorded benchmark scores, making direct numerical comparisons one-sided, but its specifications and competitive standing are fully documented.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL has 16 cores, while the Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores. However, the Core 9 273PQE has 24 threads compared to the Core Ultra 7 165HL's 22 threads.

Q: What is the maximum boost clock for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE boosts up to 5.90 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL's maximum boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: How do the power requirements differ?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE has a TDP of 125 watts, whereas the Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL has a TDP of 45 watts. This makes the Core Ultra 7 165HL a lower-power option.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory support is exclusive to the Intel Core 9 273PQE. The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL does not support ECC memory.

Q: What are the integrated graphics solutions?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL features Arc Xe-LPG 128EU graphics.

Q: What is the release date difference?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL was released on 2024-04-07, and the Intel Core 9 273PQE was released later on 2026-03-08.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on different architectures and manufacturing nodes. The Intel Core 9 273PQE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and is fabricated on a 10 nm process by Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL uses the Meteor Lake architecture with the Meteor Lake-PS codename and is fabricated on a 7 nm process, also by Intel. This node difference gives the Core Ultra 7 165HL a smaller process geometry, which contributes to its lower power envelope.

Core counts differ between the two. The Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL has 16 cores and 22 threads. The Core Ultra 7 165HL has more physical cores, but the Core 9 273PQE has more threads. Cache configurations also vary. The Core 9 273PQE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, with a larger 36 MB shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 165HL has 112 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, but its shared L3 cache is smaller at 24 MB.

Memory support shows a key difference. The Core 9 273PQE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL supports only DDR5, with capacity depending on the motherboard. Both processors use a dual-channel memory bus and have the same memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Core 9 273PQE includes ECC memory support, which the Core Ultra 7 165HL lacks.

PCIe connectivity is another differentiator. The Core 9 273PQE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the CPU, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. This gives the Core 9 273PQE both a newer PCIe generation and more lanes. The integrated graphics also differ: the Core 9 273PQE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL uses Arc Xe-LPG 128EU.

The sockets are incompatible. The Core 9 273PQE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL uses Intel Socket 1851. Both processors have locked multipliers, meaning they are not unlocked for overclocking.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark results for the Intel Core 9 273PQE but no recorded scores for the Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL. As a result, the analysis focuses on the Core 9 273PQE's absolute scores and its position relative to nearby competitors. The Core 9 273PQE achieves an average benchmark score of 66099, placing it at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

In Cinebench testing, the Core 9 273PQE scores 3950 in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 557 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 16459 multi-core and 2323 single-core. The Cinebench R23 results show 39190 multi-core and 5532 single-core. These scores indicate strong multi-threaded throughput and solid single-thread performance. The single-core scores, particularly the R23 result of 5532, reflect the processor's high boost clock of 5.90 GHz.

Passmark results for the Core 9 273PQE cover a range of workloads. In data compression, the processor scores 585752, and in data encryption it scores 29636. Extended instructions yield 38743, while finding prime numbers produces a score of 198. Floating point math scores 125546, and integer math scores 164629. The multithread score is 46107, with a physics score of 2754 and random string sorting at 53167. Single-thread performance is measured at 4573.

The nearest rivals provide context for the Core 9 273PQE's standing. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an average score of 66159, which is 0.1% higher than the Core 9 273PQE. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D scores 65914, which is 0.3% lower. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scores 66855, putting it 1.1% higher. The AMD EPYC 4465P scores 66925, which is 1.2% higher. The data shows the Core 9 273PQE sits in a tight cluster with these rivals, with the largest difference being a 1.2% gap to the AMD EPYC 4465P.

Specification Differences

The Intel Core 9 273PQE and Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL differ in several key specification fields. The Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL has 16 cores and 22 threads. Base clock speeds differ significantly: the Core 9 273PQE runs at 3.40 GHz, and the Core Ultra 7 165HL runs at 1.40 GHz. Boost clocks are 5.90 GHz for the Core 9 273PQE and 5.00 GHz for the Core Ultra 7 165HL. The TDP is 125 watts for the Core 9 273PQE and 45 watts for the Core Ultra 7 165HL.

The socket types are different, with the Core 9 273PQE using Intel Socket 1700 and the Core Ultra 7 165HL using Intel Socket 1851. The process node is 10 nm for the Core 9 273PQE and 7 nm for the Core Ultra 7 165HL. Cache sizes differ in L1 and L3: the Core 9 273PQE has 80 KB L1 per core and 36 MB shared L3, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL has 112 KB L1 per core and 24 MB shared L3. L2 cache is the same at 2 MB per core for both.

Memory support differs, as the Core 9 273PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL supports DDR5 only. ECC memory is supported on the Core 9 273PQE but not on the Core Ultra 7 165HL. PCIe lanes and generation differ: the Core 9 273PQE has PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and the Core Ultra 7 165HL has PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770 for the Core 9 273PQE and Arc Xe-LPG 128EU for the Core Ultra 7 165HL.

Release dates also differ, with the Core Ultra 7 165HL released on 2024-04-07 and the Core 9 273PQE on 2026-03-08. The launch MSRP for the Core 9 273PQE is $589, and for the Core Ultra 7 165HL it is $459. Both processors have locked multipliers and are classified as desktop market segment parts with active production status.

The Verdict

The Intel Core 9 273PQE is the stronger processor in terms of raw performance. Its average benchmark score of 66099 places it at the 93rd percentile, while the Core Ultra 7 165HL sits at the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmarks. The Core 9 273PQE's boost clock of 5.90 GHz, larger L3 cache of 36 MB, and higher TDP of 125 watts all point to a processor designed for demanding workloads. Its support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ECC memory, and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes adds flexibility for diverse system configurations.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL offers a different set of trade-offs. Its 16 cores provide more physical cores, but its base clock of 1.40 GHz is much lower, and its 45-watt TDP indicates a focus on power efficiency. The 7 nm process node and Arc Xe-LPG 128EU integrated graphics make it a more modern design in some respects, but the lack of benchmark data limits direct performance conclusions. The Core Ultra 7 165HL supports only DDR5 memory and has no ECC support, which narrows its applicability for certain server or reliability-focused use cases.

For users prioritizing compute throughput, the Core 9 273PQE is the clear choice based on the recorded data. The Core Ultra 7 165HL is better suited for scenarios where lower power consumption and more physical cores are the primary considerations, but its performance cannot be quantified from the database. The Core 9 273PQE's competitive position, within 1.2% of its nearest rivals, shows it delivers performance consistent with its high percentile ranking.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 9 273PQE wins in multi-threaded workloads, as evidenced by its Cinebench scores. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 39190 and Passmark multithread score of 46107 show strong parallel performance. The high boost clock of 5.90 GHz also delivers in single-threaded tasks, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 5532. The larger 36 MB L3 cache and PCIe Gen 5 support with 16 lanes make it a better fit for systems with high-bandwidth storage or expansion cards.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 165HL wins on physical core count, with 16 cores versus 12. Its lower TDP of 45 watts makes it a more power-efficient option for systems where heat and energy draw are constrained. The 7 nm process node gives it a smaller manufacturing geometry, and the Arc Xe-LPG 128EU integrated graphics offer a more capable onboard GPU compared to the UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 9 273PQE.

The data shows no benchmark wins for the Core Ultra 7 165HL due to the absence of recorded scores. The Core 9 273PQE has all recorded wins across the benchmark suite, including Passmark integer math at 164629, floating point math at 125546, and data compression at 585752. The Core Ultra 7 165HL's strengths are defined by its specifications alone, not measured performance. For users who need a desktop processor with high core counts and low power draw, the Core Ultra 7 165HL is the only option of the two, but the Core 9 273PQE is the superior performer in every measured category.