Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX

Overview

Welcome to our in-depth specification comparison between the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX — two high-performance laptop processors built on the same 3 nm architecture and BGA 2114 platform. While they share a strong common foundation including DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0, and integrated graphics, the key battlegrounds in this comparison lie in core counts, clock speeds, cache size, and real-world benchmark performance. Read on to see how these two CPUs stack up across every major specification.

Common Features

  • Both CPUs are laptop-type processors.
  • Both use the BGA 2114 CPU socket.
  • Both have integrated graphics.
  • Both have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 55W.
  • Both are manufactured using a 3 nm semiconductor process.
  • Both have a maximum CPU temperature of 105 °C.
  • Both support PCIe version 5.
  • Both support 64-bit computing.
  • Both have an unlocked multiplier.
  • Both use big.LITTLE technology.
  • Both feature Turbo Boost version 2.
  • The integrated GPU base clock speed is 300 MHz on both.
  • Both support DirectX 12.
  • Both support up to 4 displays via integrated graphics.
  • Both support OpenGL version 4.5.
  • Both support OpenCL version 3.
  • Both support a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz.
  • Both use DDR5 memory.
  • Both have 2 memory channels.
  • Both support a maximum memory amount of 192 GB.
  • Neither CPU supports ECC memory.
  • Both support the same instruction sets: MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2.
  • Both have the NX bit feature.

Main Differences

  • CPU speed is 8 x 2.4 GHz & 12 x 1.8 GHz on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 8 x 2.7 GHz & 16 x 2.1 GHz on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • CPU threads count is 20 on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 24 on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • Turbo clock speed is 5.2 GHz on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 5.4 GHz on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • L2 cache is 36 MB on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 40 MB on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • Clock multiplier is 24 on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 27 on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • PassMark multi-core result is 50739 on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 56426 on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • PassMark single-core result is 4645 on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 4723 on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
  • Integrated GPU turbo clock speed is 1850 MHz on Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and 1900 MHz on Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
Specs Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX

General info:
Type Laptop Laptop
CPU socket BGA 2114 BGA 2114
Has integrated graphics
release date January 2025 January 2025
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 55W 55W
semiconductor size 3 nm 3 nm
CPU temperature 105 °C 105 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5 5
Supports 64-bit

In terms of general platform characteristics, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX are effectively identical. Both are laptop-class processors sharing the same BGA 2114 socket, meaning they are soldered directly to the motherboard — not user-upgradeable. They both feature integrated graphics, a 55W TDP, a cutting-edge 3 nm semiconductor process, a maximum operating temperature of 105 °C, PCIe 5.0 support, and full 64-bit compatibility.

The real-world implication of these shared fundamentals is significant: both chips will behave identically from a platform perspective. The 3 nm node delivers strong power efficiency for the performance tier, while PCIe 5.0 ensures neither chip will bottleneck next-generation SSDs or discrete GPUs. The identical 55W TDP means system integrators will use the same thermal and power delivery designs for both, so laptop chassis built around one will accommodate the other without redesign.

For this spec group, the two processors are in a complete tie — there is no differentiator here whatsoever. Any advantage one holds over the other will emerge exclusively from core counts, clock speeds, or cache — not from these general platform specs.

Performance:
CPU speed 8 x 2.4 & 12 x 1.8 GHz 8 x 2.7 & 16 x 2.1 GHz
CPU threads 20 threads 24 threads
turbo clock speed 5.2GHz 5.4GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier
L2 cache 36 MB 40 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology
clock multiplier 24 27
Turbo Boost version 2 2

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX differ in their CPU speed and threading capabilities. The 255HX features 8 cores running at 2.4 GHz and 12 cores at 1.8 GHz, totaling 20 threads. In comparison, the 275HX has 8 cores running at 2.7 GHz and 16 cores at 2.1 GHz, providing a higher total of 24 threads. This makes the 275HX more capable in multi-threaded tasks.

Both processors have unlocked multipliers, with the 255HX using a clock multiplier of 24 and the 275HX using a slightly higher multiplier of 27. The turbo clock speed for the 255HX is 5.2 GHz, while the 275HX achieves a slightly higher turbo speed of 5.4 GHz.

In terms of cache, the 255HX has an L2 cache of 36 MB, while the 275HX comes with 40 MB, which could provide a small performance boost in cache-sensitive applications. Both models also use big.LITTLE technology and share the same Turbo Boost version (2), meaning they offer similar dynamic performance adjustments when needed.

Benchmarks:
PassMark result 50739 56426
PassMark result (single) 4645 4723

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX show differences in their PassMark benchmark results. The 255HX achieves a total PassMark result of 50739, while the 275HX scores higher with a result of 56426, indicating better overall performance in the multi-threaded test. For single-threaded performance, the 255HX has a result of 4645, while the 275HX achieves a slightly higher result of 4723.

In both the overall and single-thread benchmarks, the 275HX outperforms the 255HX, although the differences are relatively modest. Both products demonstrate strong performance in their respective categories, but the 275HX holds a slight edge in both multi-threaded and single-threaded scenarios.

Overall, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX provides a higher PassMark result than the 255HX, reflecting its slightly better performance in both total and single-threaded benchmarks.

Integrated graphics:
GPU clock speed 300 MHz 300 MHz
GPU turbo 1850 MHz 1900 MHz
DirectX version DirectX 12 DirectX 12
supported displays 4 4
OpenGL version 4.5 4.5
OpenCL version 3 3

Both the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX feature integrated graphics with a GPU clock speed of 300 MHz. However, there is a slight difference in their GPU turbo speeds. The 255HX has a GPU turbo of 1850 MHz, while the 275HX reaches a slightly higher turbo speed of 1900 MHz.

Both processors support DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 3, meaning they are capable of handling modern graphical and computational tasks. Additionally, both the 255HX and 275HX support up to 4 displays, which is the same for both products.

In summary, while the 255HX and 275HX have nearly identical integrated graphics specifications, the 275HX offers a slightly higher GPU turbo speed of 1900 MHz compared to the 255HX's 1850 MHz.

Memory:
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz 6400 MHz
DDR memory version 5 5
memory channels 2 2
maximum memory amount 192GB 192GB
Supports ECC memory

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX share identical memory specifications. Both processors support a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz and use DDR5 memory. They also feature dual memory channels (2), allowing for efficient data transfer between the processor and memory.

In terms of maximum memory capacity, both models support up to 192GB of RAM, which is the same for each. Neither product supports ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, indicating that neither is specifically designed for error-resistant memory configurations.

In summary, the memory specifications for both the 255HX and 275HX are identical, with the same RAM speed, memory version, memory channels, maximum capacity, and lack of ECC support.

Features:
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2 MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX share identical features in terms of instruction sets and additional security features. Both processors support a wide range of instruction sets, including MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2, allowing them to handle a variety of computational tasks efficiently.

Additionally, both processors include the NX bit (No Execute bit) feature, which helps protect against certain types of malicious attacks by preventing code from executing in certain areas of memory.

In summary, the feature sets for the 255HX and 275HX are identical, with both offering the same instruction sets and security capabilities.

Comparison Summary & Verdict

Both the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX and the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX are capable laptop processors sharing the same 3 nm process, 55W TDP, DDR5 memory support, and PCIe 5.0 interface. However, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX pulls ahead in nearly every performance metric — it offers 24 threads versus 20, a higher turbo clock speed of 5.4 GHz, a larger 40 MB L2 cache, and a notably stronger PassMark multi-core score of 56,426. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX remains a solid choice for users who need strong laptop performance without necessarily demanding the absolute peak of the HX lineup. The Core Ultra 9 275HX is best suited for power users, content creators, and professionals who require maximum multi-threaded throughput and every last bit of computational headroom.

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
Buy Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX if...

Buy the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX if you want a highly capable HX-series laptop processor and are less concerned with peak multi-threaded performance, as it still delivers strong clock speeds and solid benchmark scores at its tier.

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
Buy Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX if...

Buy the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX if you demand the highest possible performance, with more CPU threads, a faster 5.4 GHz turbo clock, a larger L2 cache, and significantly higher multi-core benchmark results for demanding workloads.