Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus vs Intel Processor N250 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus dominates the comparison against the Intel Processor N250 in every recorded benchmark category. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads, while the Intel Processor N250 has 4 cores and 4 threads. The benchmark database shows the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,867, while the N250 has no recorded Cinebench results. The single-core Cinebench R23 score for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is 2,261.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus achieves a PassMark multi-thread score of 51,596, which places it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Processor N250 sits at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of zero. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus records a PassMark single-thread score of 4,757, a data compression score of 568,721, and a data encryption score of 42,144. The N250 has no scores recorded in any of these tests.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus shows a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz, against the N250's base clock of 0.10 GHz and boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses 125 W TDP, while the N250 uses 6 W TDP. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus with 115.2 GB/s bandwidth. The N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 on a single-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus achieves a PassMark physics score of 3,494 and a floating point math score of 162,692. Its integer math score is 125,091, and its extended instructions score is 44,565. The random string sorting score is 69,090, and the find prime numbers score is 486. The N250 has no corresponding data in the database, so the comparison is strictly one-sided.

The nearest rivals to the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus in the database include the AMD EPYC 4465P with an average score of 66,925, which is 0.1% behind, and the Intel Xeon 6515P with an average score of 67,006, which is 0.2% behind. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX scores 67,469, 0.9% ahead of the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 66,159, 1.1% behind. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has an average benchmark score of 66,855, placing it among strong desktop processors.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Intel Processor N250 has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The Intel Processor N250 has a boost clock of 3.80 GHz.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports DDR5 memory. The Intel Processor N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory.

Q: Are both processors currently in production?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and the Intel Processor N250 have a production status of Active in the database.

Q: What is the process node for each chip?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC. The Intel Processor N250 uses a 10 nm process node from Intel.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has an average benchmark score of 66,855. The Intel Processor N250 has an average benchmark score of 0.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Arrow Lake Refresh codename. It is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC, with 17,800 million transistors and a die size of 243 mm². The Intel Processor N250 uses the Twin Lake architecture and codename, built on a 10 nm process node at Intel. The N250 has no recorded transistor count or die size in the database.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses an L1 cache of 192 KB per core, an L2 cache of 3 MB per core, and an L3 cache of 30 MB shared. The N250 uses an L1 cache of 96 KB per core, an L2 cache of 2 MB shared, and an L3 cache of 6 MB shared. These cache configurations reflect the different design goals: the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus targets high-throughput desktop workloads, while the N250 is designed for low-power mobile use.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has a multiplier unlocked, meaning overclocking is permitted. The N250 has a locked multiplier. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus integrates Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, while the N250 integrates UHD Graphics 730. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports ECC memory, while the N250 does not.

The memory bus differs substantially. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses a dual-channel memory bus with 115.2 GB/s bandwidth. The N250 uses a single-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes available on the CPU, while the N250 uses PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus fits the Intel Socket 1851, and the N250 fits the Intel BGA 1264 socket.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification field. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads, versus 4 cores and 4 threads on the N250. The base clock is 4.20 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 0.10 GHz for the N250. The boost clock is 5.30 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 3.80 GHz for the N250. The TDP is 125 W versus 6 W.

The process node is 3 nm for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 10 nm for the N250. The foundry is TSMC for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Intel for the N250. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 17,800 million transistors; the N250 has no recorded transistor count. The die size is 243 mm² for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, with no die size recorded for the N250.

The cache structure differs: L1 is 192 KB per core for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus versus 96 KB per core for the N250. L2 is 3 MB per core versus 2 MB shared. L3 is 30 MB shared versus 6 MB shared. Memory support includes DDR5 for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, while the N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5. The memory bus is dual-channel versus single-channel, and memory bandwidth is 115.2 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports ECC memory; the N250 does not. PCIe generation is Gen 5 with 20 lanes versus Gen 3 with 9 lanes. Integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU versus UHD Graphics 730. The market segment is Desktop for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Mobile for the N250. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has an unlocked multiplier; the N250 is locked. The release dates are 2026-03-10 for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and 2025-01-06 for the N250. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has a launch MSRP of $199; the N250 has no launch MSRP recorded.

The Verdict

The data clearly separates these two processors by intent. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is a desktop-class processor with 18 cores, a 5.30 GHz boost clock, and a 93rd percentile ranking across all CPUs in the database. The Intel Processor N250 is a mobile processor with 4 cores, a 3.80 GHz boost clock, and a 50th percentile ranking. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus delivers an average benchmark score of 66,855, while the N250 has no recorded benchmark scores.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses 125 W TDP, consistent with a high-performance desktop part. The N250 uses 6 W TDP, consistent with a low-power mobile part. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus offers dual-channel DDR5 memory support with 115.2 GB/s bandwidth, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, and ECC memory support. The N250 offers single-channel memory support across DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth and PCIe Gen 3.

The choice between these processors depends entirely on the workload and platform. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is positioned for users who need maximum multi-threaded throughput, based on its 18-core configuration and high cache sizes. The N250 is positioned for low-power mobile systems where energy efficiency is the primary concern, indicated by its 6 W TDP and compact 4-core design. The benchmark database shows no overlap in their performance profiles.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus wins in every benchmark category where data exists. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,867 and single-core score of 2,261 indicate strong performance in both heavily threaded and lightly threaded applications. The PassMark multi-thread score of 51,596 confirms its advantage in parallel workloads. The data compression score of 568,721, data encryption score of 42,144, and extended instructions score of 44,565 demonstrate capability across varied computational tasks.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus also wins in memory bandwidth, offering 115.2 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s for the N250. The dual-channel memory bus and DDR5 support give it a substantial advantage in memory-intensive applications. The PCIe Gen 5 interface with 20 lanes provides higher connectivity bandwidth than the N250's PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes. The larger L3 cache of 30 MB shared versus 6 MB shared further supports demanding workloads.

The Intel Processor N250 wins in power efficiency. Its 6 W TDP is dramatically lower than the 125 W TDP of the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. The N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory types, offering flexibility across memory technologies that the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus does not match, since the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus only supports DDR5. The N250's mobile market segment and BGA 1264 socket suit compact, low-power designs.

The N250 also has an earlier release date of 2025-01-06 compared to the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus's release on 2026-03-10. The N250's locked multiplier and 4-core design indicate its role as an efficient, fixed-performance processor for mobile systems. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, with its unlocked multiplier and 18-core design, serves desktop users who prioritize raw performance and overclocking capability. The benchmark data does not record any wins for the N250, as it has no entries in the test suite.