CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX is a high-performance mobile processor featuring 14 cores, an unlocked multiplier, and 20 direct PCIe Gen 5 lanes, designed for enthusiast laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
14 strong cores handle multi-threaded creator workloads efficiently.
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Gaming
Paired with a discrete GPU, the high clock speeds and fast DDR5 memory provide top-tier mobile gaming.
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Virtualization
Solid performance for local VMs, aided by 20 PCIe lanes for fast storage.
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
Efficiency
Poor battery life when unplugged due to the high 55W base power and lack of LP-E cores.
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Only 13 TOPS NPU, falling short of Copilot+ requirements
- Relies on discrete GPU for serious AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference is capable but slow
- 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
- High base clock prevents significant frequency drops during gaming
- Ideal pairing for RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Unlocked multiplier can squeeze out extra FPS
- 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
- Unlocked for enthusiast overclocking
- Massive 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- High 3.1 GHz base clock
- Strong single-core performance
- 24MB of L3 cache
Cons
- High power draw limits battery life
- Requires bulky laptop cooling solutions
- Weak 13 TOPS NPU
- Xe-LPG iGPU is outdated for gaming
- No Hyper-Threading
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 Ultra 5 245HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950HXRival
Next-Gen Enthusiast
Offers more cores and higher clocks if budget allows.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSAlt
Better battery life and AI performance if you don't need PCIe Gen 5.
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
The 245HX brings desktop-class features like an unlocked multiplier and vast PCIe connectivity to the mobile space, making it a powerhouse for thick-and-heavy enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Enthusiasts buying a thick gaming laptop who want to manually overclock.
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 Ultra 5 245HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 Ultra 5 245HX or Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2114 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (20 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.