Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Processor 300 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Intel Processor 300 occupy entirely different performance tiers, and the recorded data reflects that gap clearly. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus holds benchmark scores across every available test, while the Intel Processor 300 has no recorded benchmark entries in the database. This absence of data for the Processor 300 makes a direct numerical comparison impossible, but the existing scores for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus still provide a useful reference point against its nearest rivals.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 42,718 points. Its single-core score in the same test reaches 6,030. The Cinebench R20 results show 17,941 multi-core and 2,532 single-core, while Cinebench R15 records 4,305 multi-core and 607 single-core. These figures place the processor in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

PassMark results reinforce the multi-threaded strength of the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The multithread score stands at 50,146, with integer math at 123,030 and floating point math at 159,824. Data compression reaches 553,155, while data encryption scores 41,292. Random string sorting completes at 67,209, and extended instructions hit 42,880. The single-thread PassMark score is 4,698.

The nearest rivals provide context for these numbers. The Intel Core 9 273PQE averages 66,099 and sits 0.1% ahead of the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus's average of 66,159. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 65,914, which is 0.4% behind. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus averages 66,855, putting it 1% ahead of the 250KF Plus, while the AMD EPYC 4465P averages 66,925, 1.1% ahead. These tight margins show the 250KF Plus competing within a narrow band at the upper end of desktop performance.

The Intel Processor 300, by contrast, has no benchmark scores, no average score, and no nearest rivals listed. The database shows a 50th percentile ranking, which places it in the middle of all CPUs, but without measured results, the exact performance gap cannot be quantified.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing nodes, sockets, and design generations. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses a 3 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Processor 300 uses Intel's 10 nm process. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is built on Arrow Lake Refresh architecture within the Core Ultra Series 2, whereas the Intel Processor 300 uses Raptor Lake architecture on the Raptor Lake-S codename.

Core counts differ sharply. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads, all presumably performance-oriented given the 1:1 core-to-thread ratio. The Intel Processor 300 has 2 cores and 4 threads, indicating Hyper-Threading support. This 9x core difference explains why the 250KF Plus dominates multi-threaded workloads without needing simultaneous multithreading.

Clock speeds also diverge. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The Intel Processor 300 has a base clock of 3.90 GHz and no listed boost clock, meaning it likely runs at a fixed frequency. The 250KF Plus also has an unlocked multiplier, while the Processor 300 does not, allowing user overclocking on the former.

Cache hierarchies reflect the different designs. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus offers 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. The Intel Processor 300 has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. The L3 cache difference is particularly notable: 30 MB versus 6 MB represents a 5x gap in shared cache capacity.

Memory support differs as well. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports DDR5 only, with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. The Intel Processor 300 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also dual-channel, but has no listed memory bandwidth figure. ECC memory is supported on the 250KF Plus but not on the Processor 300.

PCIe connectivity shows minor differences. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel Processor 300 provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes. The 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics, while the Processor 300 includes UHD Graphics 710.

Physical characteristics differ substantially. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a die size of 243 mm² with 17,800 million transistors, while the Intel Processor 300 has a die size of 163 mm² with no transistor count listed. The 250KF Plus uses Socket 1851, while the Processor 300 uses Socket 1700, making them incompatible with the same motherboards.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split between these two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus targets high-performance desktop builds where multi-core throughput and single-core speed matter equally. Its 93rd percentile ranking, 18 cores, and 5.30 GHz boost clock place it among the fastest desktop CPUs in the database. The nearest rival margins, all within 1.1% of its average score, show it trading blows with AMD's flagship Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Intel's own Core 9 273PQE.

The Intel Processor 300 serves a completely different role. With 2 cores, 4 threads, a 3.90 GHz base clock, and no boost clock, it addresses basic computing needs. The 46 W TDP versus 125 W TDP indicates much lower power draw, and the inclusion of UHD Graphics 710 means it can operate without a discrete GPU. The dual memory support for DDR4 and DDR5 offers flexibility for budget-oriented motherboards.

For workloads that demand heavy parallel processing, rendering, data compression, or encryption, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the only choice between these two. For basic desktop tasks, office productivity, or media playback where integrated graphics suffice, the Intel Processor 300 provides a lower-power alternative. The benchmark gap is not a close contest; it is a separation between two distinct market segments.

FAQ

Q: How many cores does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Intel Processor 300 has 2 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What is the clock speed difference?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus runs at 4.20 GHz base and 5.30 GHz boost. The Intel Processor 300 runs at 3.90 GHz base with no boost clock listed.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports ECC memory. The Intel Processor 300 does not.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics (listed as N/A). The Intel Processor 300 includes UHD Graphics 710.

Q: What sockets do these processors use?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses Intel Socket 1851. The Intel Processor 300 uses Intel Socket 1700.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity for each?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Processor 300 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins in every scenario where raw processing power matters. Its 18 cores and 5.30 GHz boost clock deliver strong multi-threaded performance, as shown by the 42,718 Cinebench R23 multi-core score and 50,146 PassMark multithread score. Data-heavy tasks like compression (553,155 in PassMark data compression) and encryption (41,292) benefit from the large core count and 30 MB L3 cache. The 115.2 GB/s memory bandwidth on DDR5 further supports memory-intensive workloads. The unlocked multiplier adds flexibility for users who want to push clock speeds beyond the stock 5.30 GHz.

The Intel Processor 300 wins in scenarios where power efficiency and simplicity take priority. Its 46 W TDP, less than half the 125 W TDP of the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, makes it suitable for compact or passively cooled systems. The integrated UHD Graphics 710 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic builds. Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory allows builders to reuse older DDR4 modules or adopt newer DDR5 kits. The 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes cover standard expansion needs, and the 163 mm² die size indicates a smaller, simpler chip that runs cooler in constrained environments.

The socket difference also determines which builds each processor suits. Socket 1851 on the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus targets newer platforms, while Socket 1700 on the Intel Processor 300 supports existing LGA1700 motherboards. For users with an existing Socket 1700 board who need a low-power replacement CPU, the Intel Processor 300 fits directly. For new high-performance builds, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus with Socket 1851 is the data-backed choice.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus | Intel Processor 300 |

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

| Cores | 18 | 2 |

| Threads | 18 | 4 |

| Base clock | 4.20 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.30 GHz | None listed |

| TDP | 125 W | 46 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1851 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Arrow Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake-S |

| Architecture | Not listed | Raptor Lake |

| Process node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 17,800 million | Not listed |

| Die size | 243 mm² | 163 mm² |

| L1 cache | 192 KB per core | 80 KB per core |

| L2 cache | 3 MB per core | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 30 MB shared | 6 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

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

| Memory bandwidth | 115.2 GB/s | Not listed |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 lanes | Gen 5, 16 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | N/A | UHD Graphics 710 |

| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $184 | $82 |

| Release date | 2026-03-10 | 2024-01-07 |