CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a high-performance mobile processor designed for enthusiast gaming laptops and portable workstations. Launched in early 2025, it is based on the Arrow Lake-HX architecture, featuring a robust 20-core configuration without Hyper-Threading. This setup includes 8 'Lion Cove' P-Cores and 12 'Skymont' E-Cores, operating across 20 threads. Manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process, the chip boasts a die size of 243 mm² and packs 17.8 billion transistors. It reaches impressive clock speeds, with a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and a maximum turbo of 5.2 GHz. The processor features an unlocked multiplier, a rare feature for mobile chips, allowing OEMs and extreme enthusiasts to push performance boundaries. With a base power of 55W and a maximum turbo power of 160W, it delivers desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor, paired with Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU and a 13 TOPS NPU.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Excellent sustained performance in heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Slight edge over 255HX in CPU-bound games due to 100MHz higher turbo.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
20 physical cores are ideal for parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Efficiency is secondary to raw performance, drawing up to 160W under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Sufficient for basic background AI tasks but not heavy local LLMs
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-core boost clocks minimize bottlenecks
- Best paired with RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Not intended for thin-and-light gaming
- 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 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
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 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.
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
A powerhouse mobile CPU offering unlocked overclocking and massive multi-core throughput for desktop replacements.
Best for: Desktop replacement gaming 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 255HX 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.
Do Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2114 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.