CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 322 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 322 is a 6-core, 6-thread mainstream mobile processor from Intel’s Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3) family, built on the Intel 18A process and targeting thin-and-light laptops with configurable TDP from 25 W up to 55 W and integrated Intel Graphics plus a 46 TOPS NPU for AI workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Smooth for everyday office, web, and light creative tasks; limited threads become a bottleneck in heavily multi‑threaded workloads.
Snappy application performance and strong multi-core scaling for a 28W chip.
Gaming
Capable of 1080p gaming in many titles at medium settings, but more demanding games will rely on lowered settings or upscaling.
Arc 140T graphics allow for respectable 1080p gaming at medium settings without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs for development, but not ideal for large multi‑VM setups due to 6 threads.
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by 16 threads.
Efficiency
Strong efficiency for a 6‑core mobile CPU thanks to the 18A process and hybrid core design.
Excellent efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and mixed TSMC nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 46 TOPS NPU supports Windows Studio Effects and Copilot+ features.
- CPU and GPU also expose Intel DL Boost and OpenVINO/DirectML/WebNN.
- Not intended for training large models; focused on inference and AI‑enhanced experiences.
- NPU provides 13 TOPS
- Arc GPU provides 74 TOPS
- Total platform AI reaches 96 TOPS
Content Creation
Gaming
- 2 Xe3‑core iGPU is a step up from older UHD graphics but below Arc B390 / discrete GPUs.
- AV1 encode/decode is useful for streaming and video playback.
- Best suited for esports and older titles at 1080p medium; modern AAA titles may need low settings or FSR/DLSS equivalents.
- Arc 140T is a massive leap over previous iGPUs
- Can handle esports titles at high framerates
- Supports XeSS upscaling for better performance
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 6‑core hybrid design balances performance and efficiency.
- Intel 18A process improves performance per watt for a modern mobile platform.
- 46 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ and AI‑enhanced experiences.
- Integrated Intel Graphics with AV1 encode/decode and DP 2.1 / HDMI 2.1 outputs.
- Support for fast LPDDR5X and DDR5 memory.
- 12 PCIe lanes (Gen5 + Gen4) and Thunderbolt 4 provide modern I/O.
Cons
- Only 6 threads; weaker in heavily multi‑threaded workloads vs 8–12 core competitors.
- iGPU is entry‑level; not a replacement for discrete GPUs for serious gaming or heavy creative work.
- Locked multiplier; no manual overclocking headroom.
- Platform is new; long‑term software maturity is still developing.
- Higher‑end Panther Lake SKUs offer much more GPU and CPU performance for not much more money.
Pros
- Massive 96 TOPS AI performance
- Powerful Arc 140T integrated graphics
- Excellent 28W power efficiency
- Includes LP E-Cores for battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- L3 cache reduced to 24 MB compared to HX
- Max memory limited to 64 GB
- Cannot match discrete GPU performance
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 5 322
- AMD Ryzen AI 5 340Rival
Mainstream Mobile AI APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 332Rival
Mainstream Mobile (Same Generation)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 325Rival
Higher‑TDP Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 8540URival
Thin‑and‑Light Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 7 255HRival
Higher‑End Mainstream Mobile
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M4Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VRival
Mobile
Next generation with better AI performance and graphics.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Excellent alternative for macOS users seeking efficiency.
Compare head-to-head Budget-friendly alternative with similar architecture.
Compare head-to-head- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusAlt
Alternative for ARM-based efficiency and battery life.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid mainstream mobile CPU with a modern 18A process, capable integrated graphics, and strong AI acceleration for its power envelope, though 6 threads limit heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Thin‑and‑light or mainstream laptops where you want good efficiency, modern AI features, and integrated graphics capable of light gaming and AV1 media.
Read the full reviewAn exceptionally well-rounded mobile CPU that perfectly balances power, efficiency, and integrated graphics capabilities for premium laptops.
Best for: Premium ultrabook or thin-and-light creator laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 322 or Intel Core Ultra 7 255H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 5 322 or Intel Core Ultra 7 255H?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 322 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 322 and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 322 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 322 (25 W), Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (28 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 322 and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 5 322: FCBGA2540, Intel Core Ultra 7 255H: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 322 (6 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.