CPU Comparison
Core Ultra 7 258V vs Core Ultra 7 268V
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.
32GB of RAM ensures smooth performance even with dozens of tabs and apps open.
Gaming
Good for light gaming, though slightly lower clocks than 268V marginally impact FPS.
Similar to other Arc 140V chips, great for light gaming.
Virtualization
Sufficient memory and cores for light VM usage.
32GB RAM allows for more comfortable VM hosting than the 266V.
Efficiency
Top-tier power efficiency identical to other Lunar Lake chips.
Maintains class-leading efficiency despite higher memory capacity.
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
- Total 118 TOPS platform performance
- Great for running local LLMs thanks to 32GB RAM
Content Creation
Gaming
- Arc 140V handles esports titles well
- Slightly lower dynamic GPU frequency (1950 MHz)
- Not intended for AAA gaming at high settings
- Same Arc 140V graphics as the rest of the Ultra 7 V-series
- Suitable for 1080p low setting gaming
- Excellent for older or indie titles
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
- Integrated 32GB memory for heavy multitasking
- Class-leading power efficiency
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+
- Arc 140V graphics offer great mobile performance
- 5.0 GHz boost clock
Cons
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Expensive laptops required
- Not meant for heavy 3D 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 268V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 288VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If you only need 16GB of RAM and want to save money.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
A slightly slower but cheaper 32GB Lunar Lake option.
- Apple MacBook Pro M3Alt
For a premium alternative ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X EliteAlt
For a different ARM-based Windows experience.
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 reviewThe 268V is the ultimate Lunar Lake chip for power users needing 32GB of RAM in a highly efficient, portable form factor.
Best for: Since the Core Ultra 7 268V is a mobile processor, it is only available inside pre-built laptops. If you are a professional, developer, or power user who needs a highly portable laptop that can handle heavy multitasking, virtualization, or large datasets, a 268V laptop is an outstanding investment. The 32 GB of integrated memory ensures you have plenty of RAM for the lifespan of the device. It is the ideal choice if you want the longest possible battery life without sacrificing performance. However, remember that the RAM and CPU are non-upgradable, so you should buy a laptop with this chip only if you are certain 32 GB is sufficient for your long-term needs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core Ultra 7 258V or Core Ultra 7 268V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core Ultra 7 268V comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 268V?
For gaming, the Core Ultra 7 268V leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 7 268V.
Do Core Ultra 7 258V and Core Ultra 7 268V use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2833 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.