Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a 20-core, 20-thread mobile processor from the Core Ultra Series 2, built on the Arrow Lake-HX architecture and fabricated on a 3 nm process at TSMC. It holds a 96th-percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 67,102. Its closest rivals are the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX, AMD EPYC 4465P, Intel Core i9-13900, and AMD EPYC 4484PX, with score deltas ranging from -1.1% to +0.9%.

Benchmark Performance

The Core Ultra 7 255HX delivers strong multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, as evidenced by its Cinebench scores. In Cinebench R23, it scores 43,162 points in the multicore test and 6,093 points in the single-core test. The R20 results follow suit at 18,128 and 2,559, while R15 yields 4,350 and 614. These numbers place it comfortably in the upper tier of mobile processors, with the single-core score indicating excellent responsiveness for latency-sensitive tasks.

Passmark results reinforce this profile. The multithread score is 50,739, while the single-thread score is 4,645. Integer math reaches 132,810, floating-point math 168,930, and extended instructions 44,240. Data compression hits 548,248 and encryption 41,662, suggesting strong throughput for data-heavy workloads. The random string sorting score of 66,420 and the find prime numbers score of 422 further round out the compute picture.

Against its nearest rivals, the 255HX is essentially tied with the Core Ultra 7 265HX, showing a 0% delta in average benchmark score. It edges ahead of the AMD EPYC 4465P by 0.1% and the Intel Core i9-13900 by 0.9%, while trailing the AMD EPYC 4484PX by 1.1%. These deltas are based on aggregate average scores, but they indicate that the 255HX sits in a very tight performance band—no more than a few percent away from any of its closest competitors. In practical terms, benchmark results show that the 255HX is a high-end part that can handle demanding workloads without being the absolute fastest in its immediate peer group.

Who Should Consider It

The Core Ultra 7 255HX is best suited for users who need a balance of high single-thread performance and substantial multi-thread capability in a mobile form factor. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6,093 and Passmark single-thread score of 4,645 indicate excellent performance for gaming, where per-core speed often matters most. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units provides a baseline for light gaming or media acceleration, though dedicated GPUs would still be preferred for high-end titles.

For content creation, the multicore scores are compelling. The R23 multicore result of 43,162 and Passmark multithread score of 50,739 suggest strong performance in video rendering, 3D modeling, and compilation workloads. The data compression and encryption scores (548,248 and 41,662, respectively) point to efficient handling of archival and security-related tasks. Office productivity and general multitasking will be more than covered, given the high single-thread performance and 20 threads.

The 55 W TDP, however, places it in the high-performance mobile segment, meaning it is likely found in larger laptops or workstation-class machines rather than ultraportables. Users who prioritize battery life over raw compute should look elsewhere. But for those who need desktop-level performance in a laptop, the 255HX is a strong candidate.

How It Compares

Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX: The 255HX and 265HX are effectively identical in average benchmark score, with a 0% delta. Both parts share the same Arrow Lake-HX architecture and similar core counts, so the performance difference is negligible. In real-world terms, choosing between them would likely come down to other factors like clock bins or availability, not measurable performance.

AMD EPYC 4465P: The 255HX is 0.1% ahead of the EPYC 4465P in average score. This is a razor-thin margin, well within run-to-run variance. The EPYC 4465P is a server-oriented processor, so the comparison is somewhat unusual, but the data shows the 255HX holds its own against this AMD part.

Intel Core i9-13900: The 255HX outperforms the i9-13900 by 0.9% in average score. The i9-13900 is a desktop flagship from the previous generation, and the 255HX, despite being a mobile part, manages to edge it out. This underscores the efficiency of the newer Arrow Lake architecture and the 3 nm process.

AMD EPYC 4484PX: The 255HX trails the EPYC 4484PX by 1.1%, the largest gap among its nearest rivals. The EPYC 4484PX is a high-core-count server chip with a large cache, so its lead is expected. Still, the 255HX remains within a couple of percent, which is impressive for a mobile processor.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 2114 socket, which is a ball-grid array package designed for mobile systems.

Q: What memory types are supported?

A: The processor supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Does the CPU include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it features Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, providing a built-in GPU for display output and light graphics workloads.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing for potential overclocking if the laptop's BIOS and cooling permit it.

Q: What is the process node and foundry?

A: It is fabricated on a 3 nm process at TSMC, with 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die.

Q: When was the processor released?

A: It was released on January 12, 2025.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core Ultra 7 255HX is designed for mobile platforms, using the Intel BGA 2114 socket. This is a soldered package, meaning it is not user-upgradeable; the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard. The platform supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and no ECC is available. For expansion, the processor provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), which can be used for high-speed NVMe storage or discrete graphics. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units handles display output and basic GPU tasks. The processor is currently in active production, and its architecture (Arrow Lake-HX) is part of Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 lineup. Given the mobile BGA form factor, upgrade paths are limited to the system's design; users cannot swap the CPU independently. The unlocked multiplier offers some tuning headroom, but the physical constraints of a laptop chassis will dictate how far that can be pushed.