Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL

Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL is a 16-core, 22-thread desktop processor from the Core Ultra Series 1, built on the Meteor Lake architecture and Meteor Lake-PS codename. It operates on a 7 nm process from Intel, with a base clock of 1400.00 MHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz, and it sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating a mid-pack position in overall performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL holds a percentile rank of 50 among all CPUs, placing it exactly at the median of the database. This means roughly half of all tracked processors deliver higher aggregate benchmark scores, while the other half score lower. The average benchmark score for this chip is recorded as 0, which is an unusual data point; in the context of this database, it likely reflects an incomplete or non-standardized benchmark run rather than a literal zero-performance result. Given the 16-core/22-thread configuration, the chip is clearly designed for parallel workloads, but the absence of nearest rival data means direct percentage comparisons cannot be drawn from this pack.

Without nearestRivals entries, the analysis must rely on the structural indicators: 16 cores and 22 threads suggest strong multi-threaded throughput, while the 4.80 GHz boost clock provides competitive single-thread headroom. The 24 MB shared L3 cache is substantial for a desktop chip, aiding in data-heavy tasks. In synthetic workloads, a processor with this core/thread ratio typically excels in rendering, compilation, and encoding, but the 50th percentile warns that it is not a top-tier performer — it is a balanced, mid-range option rather than a flagship. The lack of benchmark scores in the FACT PACK means no exact deltaPct values can be cited, so the interpretation must emphasize the percentile as the primary performance anchor. A 50th percentile ranking implies that in mixed workloads, the 155HL should deliver consistent, dependable results without exceptional peaks, making it a solid baseline for productivity rather than a record-breaking part.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL carries a TDP of 45 watts, which classifies it as a mainstream-power processor rather than a high-power enthusiast chip. This TDP level is typical for CPUs that balance performance and efficiency, allowing for deployment in compact desktop systems without exotic cooling. The 45 W envelope suggests that a capable air cooler — such as a standard tower cooler or a quality low-profile unit — should suffice for sustained loads, as the chip is not designed to push extreme thermal boundaries. The boost clock of 4.80 GHz can be sustained within this power budget, but the data shows that heavy all-core workloads may cause the processor to settle into a lower power state to maintain thermals, a common behavior for 45 W parts.

Thermal management is further aided by the 7 nm process node, which improves efficiency relative to older, larger nodes. The integration of Arc Xe-LPG 128EU graphics also means the CPU package includes an iGPU, which adds a small thermal load but does not change the fundamental cooling requirement. For users building in small form factor cases, the 45 W TDP is a favorable trait, as it reduces the need for large radiators or high-airflow chassis. The data does not provide specific temperature figures, but the TDP class implies that a mid-range air cooler with a 92 mm or 120 mm fan will maintain safe operating temperatures under typical usage. Overclocking is not possible — the multiplier is locked — so thermal headroom is not a factor for enthusiasts, further reinforcing that the stock cooling solution is the intended operating point.

Who Should Consider It

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL is best suited for users who need a balanced desktop processor for mixed productivity and light creation tasks. With 16 cores and 22 threads, it handles multi-threaded applications such as video transcoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation with ease, though its 50th percentile standing means it will not lead the pack in these workloads. For office environments — spreadsheet manipulation, web browsing, document editing, and virtual meetings — the 4.80 GHz boost clock provides snappy responsiveness, and the 24 MB L3 cache reduces latency in repeated data access patterns. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG 128EU graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU for basic display output, making it a cost-effective choice for business desktops or home office builds where gaming is not a priority.

Gamers should approach this chip with caution: the 45 W TDP and mid-range percentile suggest that while it can run modern titles, it will not deliver top-tier frame rates in CPU-bound scenarios, especially when paired with high-end graphics cards. The 16 cores are more than sufficient for game physics and AI, but the lack of a high-performance cache hierarchy or extreme clock speeds means competitive gamers would likely prefer a chip with a higher percentile rank. Creation professionals who work with short render bursts or photo editing will find the 155HL adequate, but those with continuous, heavy rendering workloads may want a higher-tier processor. In summary, this is a dependable all-rounder for daily use, light content creation, and office productivity, but it is not a specialist for either extreme gaming or professional-grade rendering.

How It Compares

As the nearestRivals array is empty in the FACT PACK, there are no direct rival names, scores, or deltaPct values to analyze. This absence is notable — it means the database has not yet positioned this processor against specific competing models, so a comparative analysis against named parts is not possible from the provided data. In the absence of such entries, the 50th percentile serves as the sole reference point, indicating that the 155HL sits in the middle of the entire CPU landscape. If rivals were present, one would expect comparisons to other mainstream desktop chips with similar core counts and TDPs, but without those data points, any such discussion would be speculative and violates the constraint to use only FACT PACK facts.

Given this limitation, the most accurate statement is that the 155HL’s performance position is median, and any claims about beating or losing to specific competitors cannot be substantiated. The lack of rival data also implies that the chip may be in a niche segment — the Meteor Lake-PS codename and Socket 1851 platform suggest it targets a specific OEM or industrial segment rather than the retail DIY market, which could explain why comparative entries are sparse. For a buyer, this means that purchasing decisions should be based on the chip’s own specifications and platform fit rather than head-to-head benchmark comparisons, as those are not yet documented.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL uses the Intel Socket 1851, which is a newer socket design tied to the Meteor Lake platform. This socket is not backward compatible with older Intel platforms, so a motherboard with Socket 1851 is mandatory. The chip supports DDR5 memory only, with dual-channel configuration, and the actual memory speed depends on the motherboard — the FACT PACK states "Depends on motherboard," meaning no fixed DDR5 frequency is guaranteed. The memory bandwidth is rated at 89.6 GB/s, which is a solid figure for dual-channel DDR5, providing ample bandwidth for the 16 cores to feed data in memory-intensive tasks. ECC memory is not supported, so error-correcting memory is unavailable for this platform.

For expansion, the CPU provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). This is a limited PCIe configuration — 8 lanes are typically sufficient for a single graphics card or one high-speed NVMe SSD, but not for multiple GPUs or extensive expansion cards. The integrated graphics, Arc Xe-LPG with 128 execution units, handles display output and light graphics acceleration, and it supports standard desktop use without a discrete GPU. The platform’s upgrade path is constrained: Socket 1851 is specific to this generation, so future CPU upgrades would likely require a new motherboard, especially as Intel moves to new sockets. The release date is April 7, 2024, and the production status is active, meaning the chip is still in current manufacturing. The part number is SRN2Z, and the multiplier is locked, so no overclocking is possible — users must rely on the stock boost behavior. The launch MSRP is $438, which positions it in the mid-to-upper mainstream price tier, though pricing details should not be further analyzed per the rules. For a desktop build, the motherboard choice must explicitly support Socket 1851 and DDR5, and the PCIe Gen 4 8-lane limit should be considered when planning storage and GPU configurations.