Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is a mobile processor from the Core Ultra Series 1, built on the Meteor Lake architecture. It combines 16 cores and 22 threads with a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz, positioning it in the upper tier of laptop processors. The benchmark data shows it performing at the 88th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 33122, placing it in strong contention with several desktop and high-end mobile parts.

Benchmark Performance

The Core Ultra 7 155H delivers competitive scores across a range of workloads. In Cinebench R23, it scores 21148 in multi-core and 2985 in single-core. These results put it squarely in the range of its closest rivals. Its average benchmark score of 33122 is nearly identical to the Intel Core i7-12700 (33179), trailing by only 0.2%. Similarly, it sits just 0.2% behind the Intel Core i7-13650HX, which scores 33185. Against the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F (33003), the Ultra 7 155H leads by a slim 0.4%. The largest gap among its nearest rivals is with the Intel Core i5-14600T (33377), where the Ultra 7 155H trails by 0.8%.

The Cinebench R20 results reinforce this picture. The multi-core score of 8882 and single-core score of 1253 show a balanced architecture that scales well with thread count. In the older Cinebench R15 test, the multi-core score of 2131 and single-core score of 300 follow the same pattern. The data indicates that this processor performs at a level consistent with established desktop parts from a previous generation, but in a mobile form factor. The delta percentages are minimal, all within one percentage point, meaning real-world differences between these processors will be difficult to discern without specific application testing.

PassMark results add further depth. The multithread score of 24873 and single-thread score of 3468 are strong, while specialized workloads show particular strengths. Data compression scores 277353, and data encryption scores 16358. Extended instructions reach 16456, and floating point math hits 63703. Integer math is notably high at 86870. These numbers suggest the processor handles both general productivity and mathematically intensive tasks with equal competence.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance reveals a processor designed for versatility. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2985 is respectable for a mobile chip, though not class-leading. The multi-core score of 21148 is where the processor makes its mark, indicating substantial parallel capability. The ratio between these scores shows strong scaling, but not perfect linearity, which is typical for hybrid architectures with different core types.

For real workloads, this means the Ultra 7 155H excels in scenarios that can use many threads. Video rendering, code compilation, and batch photo processing will leverage the 16 cores and 22 threads effectively. The PassMark multithread score of 24873 confirms this, as does the physics score of 1727, which often reflects multi-core efficiency in simulation tasks. Single-thread performance, while lower in absolute terms, is still sufficient for responsive everyday use. The single-thread score of 3468 in PassMark and 2985 in Cinebench R23 indicate that lightly threaded applications like web browsing, office suites, and legacy software will run without bottlenecking.

The real strength lies in mixed workloads. A user who runs a browser with many tabs, a spreadsheet with complex formulas, and a background video encode simultaneously will see the multi-core headroom absorb the parallel tasks while the single-thread performance keeps interactive applications snappy. The data shows a processor that does not favor one extreme but instead offers a balanced profile, with the multi-core side slightly more dominant.

Power and Thermals

The processor carries a TDP of 28 watts, which classifies it as a low-power mobile part. This is a critical data point for system integrators and users planning cooling solutions. A 28-watt TDP means the processor can be cooled by a modest laptop cooling solution, likely a dual-heatpipe assembly with a single fan, rather than the elaborate vapor chambers or dual-fan setups required for higher-power parts.

The architecture, built on a 7 nm process from Intel, contributes to this efficiency. The Meteor Lake design uses a chiplet approach, which allows different components to be manufactured on optimized nodes, but the overall package remains within a mobile-friendly power envelope. The 28-watt figure suggests sustained workloads will generate manageable heat, allowing for thin-and-light laptop designs without significant thermal throttling.

For users, this implies that the Ultra 7 155H can be placed in a chassis that prioritizes portability over raw cooling capacity. A capable air cooler, such as those found in premium ultrabooks, should suffice. The boost clock of 4.80 GHz will require short bursts of higher power draw, but the base clock of 3.80 GHz at 28 watts indicates the processor can maintain solid sustained performance in a well-designed thermal solution. The data does not indicate any extreme thermal requirements, positioning this as a mainstream mobile processor in terms of cooling needs.

Who Should Consider It

Workload-based recommendations follow directly from the benchmark scores. For gaming, the processor is more than adequate as a CPU, though the integrated Arc Xe-LPG 128EU graphics will handle lighter titles. Users pairing this with a discrete GPU will find the multi-core performance sufficient for modern game physics and AI-driven NPCs, as the PassMark physics score of 1727 suggests solid computational throughput.

Content creators are the primary beneficiaries of this processor. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 21148 and PassMark integer math score of 86870 indicate strong performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. The data compression score of 277353 is particularly notable for file archiving and data-heavy workflows. A laptop with this processor can handle 4K video exports and complex After Effects compositions without excessive wait times.

Office and productivity users will find the single-thread performance more than sufficient. The PassMark single-thread score of 3468 ensures smooth operation of spreadsheets, document processing, and web-based applications. The 22 threads provide headroom for background tasks like antivirus scans, cloud sync, and system indexing without noticeable slowdowns. The low TDP also makes it suitable for all-day battery life in productivity scenarios, as the processor can throttle down during light use while retaining burst capability for demanding tasks.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Core i7-12700, the Ultra 7 155H is effectively tied, with a delta of -0.2%. The i7-12700 is a desktop processor, so this comparison shows the mobile chip matching a previous-generation desktop part in overall average score. The Ultra 7 155H achieves this at a fraction of the power envelope, making it an efficient alternative for those who need desktop-like performance in a portable form.

The comparison with the Intel Core i7-13650HX shows a similar story, with the Ultra 7 155H trailing by only 0.2%. The i7-13650HX is a high-performance mobile processor, often found in gaming laptops, and the near-parity in scores indicates the Ultra 7 155H is competitive with that class of chip while likely offering better efficiency in lighter workloads.

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700F is the only rival where the Ultra 7 155H leads, with a delta of 0.4%. The 8700F is a desktop processor, and this slight edge suggests the Intel part holds its own against AMD's modern desktop offerings in aggregate benchmark scores. This is a meaningful result for users choosing between platforms.

The Intel Core i5-14600T is the strongest rival in this group, with the Ultra 7 155H trailing by 0.8%. The i5-14600T is a desktop low-power part, and the gap, while small, shows that Intel's desktop product line still holds a slight advantage over the mobile Ultra 7 155H. However, the difference is minor enough that most users would not notice it outside of highly specific workloads.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel BGA 2049 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable platform. This means the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard, and users cannot swap it out for a newer part. The platform supports DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus, and the memory bandwidth is rated at 89.6 GB/s. The exact memory speed depends on the motherboard, as noted in the specifications.

PCIe support includes Gen 5 with 8 lanes available from the CPU. This provides high-bandwidth connectivity for a discrete GPU or NVMe storage, though the limited lane count means users must prioritize devices. The integrated graphics, Arc Xe-LPG with 128 execution units, handles display output and light graphics tasks without a discrete GPU. ECC memory is not supported, which is typical for consumer and mainstream mobile platforms.

The upgrade path is essentially none, as the BGA socket precludes processor replacement. Users should consider this a fixed configuration, and system integrators must select the processor with future needs in mind. The lack of an unlocked multiplier also prevents overclocking, reinforcing the processor's positioning as a mainstream, efficiency-focused part rather than an enthusiast one. The production status is active, with a release date of December 2023, and the launch MSRP is $503.