CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a versatile mobile processor launched in January 2025, based on the Arrow Lake-H architecture. It is tailored for premium thin-and-light laptops and portable creators, featuring a 16-core, 16-thread hybrid design. The configuration includes 6 'Lion Cove' P-Cores, 10 'Skymont' E-Cores, and 2 Low-Power E-Cores (LP E-Cores) for maximum efficiency. Built on TSMC's 3nm process, with specific tiles utilizing N6 and N5 nodes, it achieves an excellent balance of performance and power efficiency. The processor operates at a 2.0 GHz base frequency and boosts up to 5.1 GHz. With a default TDP of 28W and a configurable turbo power up to 115W, it adapts dynamically to thermal constraints. It also features Arc Graphics 140T and a 13 TOPS NPU, delivering a combined 96 TOPS of AI performance, making it a highly capable chip for modern AI-accelerated workflows.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy application performance and strong multi-core scaling for a 28W chip.
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Gaming
Arc 140T graphics allow for respectable 1080p gaming at medium settings without a discrete GPU.
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by 16 threads.
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and mixed TSMC nodes.
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU provides 13 TOPS
- Arc GPU provides 74 TOPS
- Total platform AI reaches 96 TOPS
- 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
- Arc 140T is a massive leap over previous iGPUs
- Can handle esports titles at high framerates
- Supports XeSS upscaling for better performance
- 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
- 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
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 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.
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
An 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 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 7 255H 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 uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (28 W), Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (55 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H: Intel BGA 2049, Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (20 cores).