Intel Core Ultra 7 155U

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U is a 12-core, 14-thread mobile processor from the Core Ultra Series 1, built on Intel's 7nm Meteor Lake architecture. It holds a 79th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 21436. Operating at a 15W TDP with a 4.80 GHz boost clock, this BGA 2049 part pairs an Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated GPU with a strong CPU core configuration. The cache hierarchy includes 112 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is designed for mobile users who require substantial compute power in a low-power envelope. The 15W TDP makes it suitable for ultrabooks and compact notebooks where thermal dissipation is limited. For content creators, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 13940 and Passmark multithread score of 16382 indicate solid capability for video encoding and 3D rendering tasks on the go. The Passmark data compression score of 177122 suggests strong performance in file archiving and data transfer workflows. The Passmark extended instructions score of 9903 indicates robust support for modern SIMD workloads, benefiting scientific and engineering applications. Office and productivity workloads are handled with ease, as the Passmark single-thread score of 3372 ensures rapid application response and smooth multitasking. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG 64EU GPU provides a capable graphics solution for light gaming and media playback, though discrete graphics remain an option via the 12 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. The 79th percentile placement confirms it outperforms the majority of desktop and mobile CPUs in the database, making it a strong choice for a primary work machine.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark results reveal a balanced core design with a strong emphasis on multi-threaded throughput. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 1968 is respectable, but the multi-core score of 13940 demonstrates the scaling power of its 12 cores and 14 threads. The single-core Cinebench R20 score of 826 is competitive, while the multi-core score of 5854 reinforces this trend. Passmark single-thread testing yields a score of 3372, indicating fast per-core execution that benefits everyday UI interactions and single-threaded applications. Multi-threaded workloads see a massive uplift, with Passmark integer math reaching 57564 and floating-point math at 40256. Data compression scores an impressive 177122, showcasing the chip's ability to handle archiving and file management tasks with high parallelism. The Passmark physics score of 1084 and random string sorting score of 19767 provide additional context for mixed workloads. The 14 threads allow seamless background processing, preventing slowdowns when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core Ultra 7 155U utilizes the Intel BGA 2049 socket, a soldered mobile package that integrates directly into the motherboard. Because it is a BGA socket, the CPU is not upgradeable, meaning the motherboard dictates the entire platform lifecycle. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means overclocking is not an option, aligning with its low-power mobile focus. Memory support includes DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, providing a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, though the specific memory type depends on the motherboard. ECC memory is not supported, positioning this chip for consumer and mainstream professional use rather than mission-critical servers. The CPU provides 12 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, sufficient for a fast NVMe SSD and a discrete GPU in a thin chassis. The production status is active, and the release date is December 13, 2023. Built on Intel's 7nm process, the platform is designed for efficiency and portability.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Core i9-11900H, the Ultra 7 155U records an average score of 21436 versus 21394, a marginal 0.2% advantage. This places the two processors in a statistical tie, showing the Ultra 7 matches a high-end mobile part from a previous generation despite its lower TDP class.

The Intel Xeon D-1746TER scores 21635, which is 0.9% higher than the 155U's 21436. The Xeon's lead is minimal, indicating that the Ultra 7 can compete with a server-oriented Xeon in general benchmark workloads, a notable feat for a 15W mobile chip.

The AMD EPYC 9454 posts an average score of 21223, which is 1% lower than the 155U's 21436. This is a striking result, as the EPYC is a high-core-count server processor, yet the mobile Ultra 7 manages to outperform it in average benchmark scoring.

The AMD Ryzen 5 6600U scores 21159, sitting 1.3% behind the 155U. This confirms the Ultra 7's competitive edge over a comparable low-power mobile chip, reinforcing its position in the thin-and-light segment.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 15W, the Core Ultra 7 155U falls into the ultra-low-power class, typically cooled by slim heat pipes and low-profile fans in ultrabook chassis. This implies a capable air cooler or a well-designed heat pipe solution in a thin chassis is sufficient. The base clock of 1700.00 MHz is modest, but the boost clock of 4.80 GHz demands efficient thermal management to sustain peak performance without throttling. The 7nm process node contributes to this efficiency, allowing the chip to deliver high clock speeds within a tight power budget. Sustained all-core loads will generate moderate heat, but the benchmark scores indicate the thermal solution is adequate to maintain performance, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 13940. Users should expect a low-noise thermal profile typical of ultraportables.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U?

A: The launch MSRP is $490.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does it feature?

A: It features an Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated GPU.

Q: What is the maximum boost clock?

A: The maximum boost clock is 4.80 GHz.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: It provides 12 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only).

Q: What is the memory bandwidth?

A: The memory bandwidth is 89.6 GB/s.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data paints a clear picture of a capable mobile processor. The average benchmark score of 21436 places it in the 79th percentile of all CPUs. In Cinebench R15, it scores 1404 multi-core and 198 single-core. Moving to R20, the multi-core score reaches 5854, while single-core hits 826. The R23 results show 13940 multi-core and 1968 single-core, confirming strong scaling across versions. In Passmark, the single-thread score is 3372, and the multithread score is 16382. Specific workload scores highlight its strengths: data compression at 177122, data encryption at 11333, and extended instructions at 9903. The floating-point math score of 40256 and integer math of 57564 indicate robust number-crunching capabilities. The prime number finding score of 65 is lower, reflecting typical integer-heavy single-thread limits, while physics at 1084 and random string sorting at 19767 round out the profile. The Cinebench R15 single-core score of 198 and multi-core score of 1404 provide a baseline for older software compatibility. The data shows a processor that excels in integer-heavy tasks, with the Passmark integer math score of 57564 being particularly strong. Compared to its nearest rivals, the 155U is 0.2% ahead of the i9-11900H, 0.9% behind the Xeon D-1746TER, 1% ahead of the EPYC 9454, and 1.3% ahead of the Ryzen 5 6600U. These tight margins mean the chip is a reliable middle-of-the-pack contender in high-end mobile computing.