CPU Comparison
Core Ultra 7 258V vs Core Ultra 7 266V
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V is a mobile processor based on the Lunar Lake architecture, tailored for premium thin and light laptops. It features an 8-core design with 4 Lion Cove P-Cores and 4 Skymont E-Cores, delivering 8 threads without Hyper-Threading. Like the 268V, it integrates 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory directly onto the package, running at 8533 MT/s, which provides substantial bandwidth and capacity for demanding applications while conserving power. The 258V differentiates itself with a slightly lower max turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz and an NPU providing 47 TOPS, just slightly under the 48 TOPS found in higher-end variants. It operates at a highly efficient 17W base TDP, ensuring long battery life for on-the-go productivity. The integrated Arc 140V graphics deliver excellent visual performance for a mobile chip. This CPU is positioned as a high-value option for users needing large integrated memory and strong AI capabilities in an ultraportable form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
32GB of RAM ensures excellent multitasking capabilities.
Snappy performance for everyday office and browsing tasks.
Gaming
Good for light gaming, though slightly lower clocks than 268V marginally impact FPS.
Capable of playing modern games at low settings and 1080p.
Virtualization
Sufficient memory and cores for light VM usage.
Limited by 8 threads but can handle light VMs.
Efficiency
Top-tier power efficiency identical to other Lunar Lake chips.
Class-leading power efficiency for exceptional battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 47 TOPS NPU is more than enough for Copilot+
- Total 115 TOPS platform performance
- 32GB RAM is highly beneficial for local AI models
- 48 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ features
- Total 118 TOPS platform performance
- Excellent for local AI model execution
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 140V handles esports titles well
- Slightly lower dynamic GPU frequency (1950 MHz)
- Not intended for AAA gaming at high settings
- Arc 140V is a massive step up from previous iGPUs
- Best for indie or esports titles
- Can run AAA games at low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 32GB of integrated memory
- Excellent power efficiency
- 47 TOPS NPU for AI
- Great value compared to 268V
- Arc 140V graphics
Cons
- Slightly lower clocks than 268V
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Limited to 8 threads
Pros
- Incredible power efficiency
- Integrated 16GB memory saves space
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI
- Strong Arc 140V integrated graphics
- Silent operation capabilities
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradeable
- Limited to 8 cores/8 threads
- Not intended for heavy rendering
Competitors & Alternatives
Core Ultra 7 258V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 228VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 268VAlt
For slightly higher clock speeds and 1 extra NPU TOP.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If 16GB of RAM is enough for your needs.
- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
For a different premium OS experience.
For a cheaper Lunar Lake option.
Compare head-to-head
Core Ultra 7 266V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 268VAlt
If you need 32GB of integrated RAM instead of 16GB.
For a more budget-friendly Lunar Lake option.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Alt
For an alternative x86 AI PC with upgradeable RAM.
- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
For a different ecosystem with similar efficiency.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
For slightly different clock speeds and 32GB memory.
Our Verdict on Each
The 258V offers nearly identical performance to the 268V at a potentially lower price, making it a smart choice for 32GB ultrabooks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 7 258V is exclusively found in pre-built laptops and is a fantastic choice for users who need a highly portable machine with plenty of memory. If you want 32 GB of RAM for multitasking, coding, or light creative work, but don't necessarily need the absolute maximum clock speeds of the 268V, the 258V offers excellent value. It is perfect for students, professionals, and writers who want all-day battery life without worrying about running out of RAM. Just remember that neither the CPU nor the memory can be upgraded. If you find a laptop with the 258V at a good price, it is a highly recommended purchase for everyday productivity and AI tasks.
Read the full reviewAn incredibly efficient mobile processor that brings massive battery life improvements and integrated AI capabilities to premium ultrabooks.
Best for: You cannot buy the Core Ultra 7 266V as a standalone component; it is only available pre-installed in laptops. When shopping for a laptop, if you prioritize battery life above all else and want a device that handles everyday tasks, moderate creative work, and AI features seamlessly, a 266V-equipped laptop is an excellent choice. However, be aware that the 16 GB of RAM is integrated and cannot be upgraded. If you anticipate needing more memory for heavy workloads in the future, you should look for laptops featuring the 268V variant or consider traditional laptop architectures with upgradeable memory. For general users, 16 GB is sufficient.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core Ultra 7 258V or Core Ultra 7 266V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core Ultra 7 266V comes out ahead with a score of 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 is faster for gaming, Core Ultra 7 258V or Core Ultra 7 266V?
For gaming, the Core Ultra 7 266V leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 7 266V.
Do Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 7 266V use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2833 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.