CPU Comparison
Intel Core 7 240H vs Intel Core 7 250H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 7 240H is a 10-core mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture of 6 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores, designed for high-performance laptops targeting gamers and creators.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads efficiently, though it trails behind higher core-count HX series chips.
The 14-core/20-thread design excels in multi-threaded creator workloads like video rendering and compiling, offering performance comparable to desktop-class processors from a few generations ago.
Gaming
When paired with a dedicated GPU, the 5.2 GHz boost clock ensures minimal CPU bottlenecks in most modern titles.
Provides a very good gaming experience, especially when paired with a dedicated GPU. Its high P-Core boost clock ensures strong frame rates in CPU-bound scenarios, though it may be slightly outpaced by newer architectures in the most demanding titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for running a few light virtual machines, but limited by 45W base power and 10 cores compared to desktop replacements.
Efficiency
The 10nm process and 115W PL2 limit mean it requires significant cooling, reducing battery life under load.
While the configurable base TDP allows for some power savings, the 10nm process and high core count mean it is not the most efficient option available when under full load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware found in Core Ultra chips.
- Relies on CPU instructions for AI workloads.
- Suitable for basic background blur or noise cancellation, not heavy local LLM inference.
- Lacks dedicated AI acceleration hardware (like NPU) found in newer Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI processors.
- Suitable for running small, CPU-based machine learning inference models.
- For serious AI development or training, a dedicated GPU or a newer processor with an NPU is recommended.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High 5.2 GHz boost clock benefits CPU-limited games.
- Hybrid architecture requires Windows 11 Thread Director for optimal scheduling.
- Sufficient for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming with a mid-range dGPU.
- High 5.4 GHz boost clock is beneficial for CPU-limited gaming scenarios.
- 14 cores provide ample headroom for background tasks while gaming.
- Performance is very similar to the previous generation Core i7-13800H.
- May become a bottleneck in very CPU-heavy simulations at 1080p High settings.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 5.2 GHz maximum boost clock
- Strong single-core performance for gaming
- Versatile memory support (DDR4 to LPDDR5)
- Capable Iris Xe 64EU iGPU
- PCIe 5.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- No integrated NPU for AI tasks
- 10nm process is less efficient than newer competitors
- 115W PL2 power draw requires substantial laptop cooling
- Locked multiplier restricts manual CPU overclocking
Pros
- Excellent multi-core performance for mobile, thanks to its 14-core hybrid design.
- High single-core boost clock (5.4 GHz) benefits gaming and snappy responsiveness.
- Support for a wide range of memory types offers flexibility to laptop manufacturers.
- Configurable base power (35-45W) allows for a spectrum of laptop designs.
- Proven, stable architecture with mature platform and driver support.
Cons
- Based on the older Raptor Lake architecture, not a new design.
- No integrated NPU for AI workloads, a feature becoming standard in competitors.
- Multi-core performance is comparable to the previous generation, offering no significant generational leap.
- Can be confusing to consumers due to Intel's complex and overlapping 'Core' and 'Core Ultra' branding.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 7 240H
- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSRival
Mobile Premium
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Mobile Gaming
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile Efficiency
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HAlt
Offers better efficiency and a dedicated NPU for AI tasks.
- Intel Core 7 240HXAlt
If available, offers more cores and higher power limits for heavier workloads.
- Alt
Better overall efficiency for non-gaming, ARM-based workflows.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core 5 220HAlt
A lower-cost option if extreme single-core speed is not strictly necessary.
Intel Core 7 250H
- AMD Ryzen 7 7745HXRival
High-Performance Mobile Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Thin & Light Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840HSRival
Premium Thin & Light with AI
A higher-power (55W+) option from the same generation with more E-Cores, for maximum laptop performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core 5 220HAlt
A more budget-friendly option from the same 'Series 2' family with 12 cores, if extreme performance is not needed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640UAlt
A highly efficient alternative for everyday tasks and light content creation in a thin-and-light form factor.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 10-core mobile chip that balances multi-threaded productivity with high single-core speeds for gaming, though it faces fierce competition from AMD's Ryzen 8000 series and Intel's own Core Ultra lineup.
Best for: The Intel Core 7 240H is highly recommended for users purchasing a premium thin-and-light or mid-range gaming laptop in 2025 who prioritize raw CPU frequency and legacy software compatibility. Its 5.2 GHz boost clock makes it particularly well-suited for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated mid-range GPU like an RTX 4060. It is also an excellent choice for students and content creators who need snappy performance in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. However, you should avoid this chip if your workflow relies heavily on local AI generation, as it lacks a dedicated NPU. Additionally, if maximum battery life is your primary concern, the newer Core Ultra chips built on the Intel 4 process will serve you much better.
Read the full reviewThe Core 7 250H is a capable, familiar refresh of the Raptor Lake architecture, offering excellent multi-core performance and high clock speeds for mobile workstations and gaming laptops. However, it represents a rebranding of the previous generation's successful formula rather than a new architectural leap, making it a solid but incremental choice in a market increasingly moving towards newer designs.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range to high-end gaming or creator laptop in early-to-mid 2025 at a significant discount, as it offers proven performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 7 240H or Intel Core 7 250H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 7 240H comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 7 240H or Intel Core 7 250H?
For gaming, the Intel Core 7 240H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core 7 240H and Intel Core 7 250H.
Do Intel Core 7 240H and Intel Core 7 250H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 7 240H: BGA 1744, Intel Core 7 250H: BGA-1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 7 250H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 7 240H (10 cores), Intel Core 7 250H (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core 7 250H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core 7 250H (13,928). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.