CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-14700HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-14700HX is a 20-core mobile processor bringing desktop-class multi-threaded performance to high-end gaming laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 12 E-cores provide massive throughput for mobile rendering.
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Gaming
Top-tier mobile gaming performance, easily driving high-end mobile GPUs.
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Virtualization
Excellent for running local VMs on a laptop.
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
Efficiency
Very high power draw limits battery life significantly.
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Strong CPU-based AI inference due to 28 threads.
- Includes DLBoost for enhanced AI operations.
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in newer Meteor Lake chips.
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Sufficient for basic background AI tasks but not heavy local LLMs
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal pairing with mobile RTX 4080 and 4090 GPUs.
- 5.5 GHz boost maximizes framerates in eSports titles.
- Requires substantial laptop cooling to maintain boost clocks.
- High single-core boost clocks minimize bottlenecks
- Best paired with RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Not intended for thin-and-light gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 20 cores and 28 threads offer incredible mobile multi-core performance.
- Up to 5.5 GHz clock speed for elite mobile gaming.
- Includes UHD 770 graphics with Quick Sync support.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 for next-gen mobile GPUs and SSDs.
- Unlocked for OEM and enthusiast tuning.
Cons
- Very high power draw (up to 157W) requires thick, heavy laptops.
- Generates substantial heat requiring robust cooling.
- Battery life will be very poor during intense workloads.
- Significantly more expensive than lower-tier mobile CPUs.
Pros
- Massive 20-core count
- Unlocked multiplier for mobile overclocking
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Excellent 5.2 GHz single-core boost
- Desktop-class performance
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Modest 13 TOPS NPU
- Requires massive cooling solution
- Poor battery life in laptops
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-14700HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HXRival
Mobile Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HXRival
Mobile Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-14650HXRival
Mobile Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSAlt
Better efficiency for slightly thinner gaming laptops.
Previous generation with very similar 20-core performance.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DRival
Mobile
Slightly higher base and boost clocks for similar price.
Compare head-to-headBetter choice for thin-and-light designs with good battery life.
Compare head-to-headPrevious generation, often available at a discount.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
More efficient alternative for moderate gaming.
Our Verdict on Each
A beastly mobile CPU that mirrors the desktop 14700K, offering unparalleled multi-core performance for demanding laptop users.
Best for: Buying a top-tier desktop replacement gaming laptop.
Read the full reviewA powerhouse mobile CPU offering unlocked overclocking and massive multi-core throughput for desktop replacements.
Best for: Desktop replacement gaming laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-14700HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-14700HX comes out ahead with a score of 9.1/10. 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 i7-14700HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-14700HX leads with a gaming performance score of 93/100 among Intel Core i7-14700HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX.
Do Intel Core i7-14700HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-14700HX: Intel BGA 1964, Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.