CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H vs Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus
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.
Excellent sustained performance in heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Arc 140T graphics allow for respectable 1080p gaming at medium settings without a discrete GPU.
Slight edge over 255HX in CPU-bound games due to 100MHz higher turbo.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by 16 threads.
20 physical cores are ideal for parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and mixed TSMC nodes.
Efficiency is secondary to raw performance, drawing up to 160W under load.
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
- Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
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
- Higher clocks slightly reduce frame times
- Ideal for 240Hz+ gaming displays
- Requires top-tier discrete GPU pairing
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
- High 5.3 GHz turbo clock
- 20 physical cores for heavy workloads
- Unlocked multiplier
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Excellent desktop replacement performance
Cons
- Minimal upgrade over 255HX
- Very high power draw (160W)
- Low NPU TOPS for 2026 standards
- Heavy and hot laptop requirements
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 270HX Plus
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX3DRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX PlusRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 9945HXRival
Mobile
Similar performance, possibly cheaper as stock clears.
Compare head-to-headPrevious gen, nearly identical performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter efficiency and AI performance for non-gaming tasks.
Compare head-to-head
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 solid refresh that squeezes more clock speed out of the Arrow Lake-HX die, maintaining its position as a top-tier mobile powerhouse.
Best for: Next-generation enthusiast gaming laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 7 255H or Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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 270HX Plus (55 W).
Do Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H: Intel BGA 2049, Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 cores), Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus (20 cores).