Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX specifications and in-depth review

Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a high-performance laptop CPU, designed to offer advanced processing capabilities for demanding tasks. With a base clock of 8 x 2.4 GHz and a turbo clock speed of 5.2 GHz, it delivers impressive performance. The processor features 20 threads, allowing for efficient multitasking and high-speed processing in various applications.

In terms of technical specifications, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX supports PCIe 5.0 and boasts a maximum RAM size of 192GB with a DDR5 memory interface running at up to 6400 MHz. The processor also incorporates integrated graphics with a GPU clock speed of 300 MHz, which can boost up to 1850 MHz for demanding graphical tasks. With a thermal design power (TDP) of 55W, it maintains efficient performance while keeping heat in check.

Pros
  • Supports up to 192GB of RAM, offering ample memory capacity for demanding tasks.
  • Integrated graphics with a turbo clock speed of 1850 MHz, enabling better graphical performance for non-dedicated workloads.
  • Equipped with a 3 nm semiconductor size, ensuring power efficiency and better overall performance.
  • Has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking to enhance performance if needed.
  • Supports PCIe 5.0, providing fast data transfer rates for compatible devices.
Cons
  • Does not support ECC memory, limiting its use in applications where data integrity is critical.
  • Maximum CPU temperature of 105°C may limit overclocking potential without proper cooling solutions.
  • Only supports two memory channels, which could slightly limit bandwidth compared to more advanced configurations.
Who is this for?

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is well-suited for users who need a powerful and efficient laptop CPU for demanding multitasking and performance-heavy applications. With its support for up to 192GB of RAM and a turbo clock speed of 5.2 GHz, it excels in environments requiring high computational power, such as content creation, software development, and gaming. The integrated graphics also provide good visual performance for tasks that do not require a dedicated GPU, making it ideal for users who want to balance processing power and graphics without an external card.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor may not be ideal for users who require absolute data integrity in their workloads, as it does not support ECC memory. Additionally, the maximum CPU temperature of 105°C could become a limitation in scenarios where extended high-load processing is required without effective cooling. Users in need of top-tier gaming or GPU-intensive applications may also find the integrated graphics insufficient compared to dedicated solutions.

General info:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a laptop processor with a 55W thermal design power (TDP) and a 3 nm semiconductor size, ensuring efficient power consumption and performance. It features integrated graphics, supports PCIe 5.0, and runs on a BGA 2114 socket. This CPU also supports 64-bit architecture and operates at a maximum temperature of 105°C.

Performance:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX offers strong processing power with 20 threads and a total clock speed configuration of 8 x 2.4 GHz & 12 x 1.8 GHz, ensuring efficient performance across various tasks. This processor also features a turbo clock speed of 5.2 GHz for intensive workloads and supports big.LITTLE technology to optimize power efficiency. With 36 MB of L2 cache and an unlocked multiplier, it is designed to handle demanding computing needs.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 50739
PassMark result (single) 4645
PassMark result (overclocked) 53565

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX has impressive benchmark results, with a PassMark score of 50,739 for overall performance. In single-threaded tasks, it achieves a score of 4,645, while its overclocked performance reaches 53,565, indicating strong processing power across various workloads.

Integrated graphics:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX features integrated graphics with a base GPU clock speed of 300 MHz and a turbo boost of 1850 MHz. It supports up to four displays and is compatible with DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 3, ensuring solid performance for graphics tasks and multimedia.

Memory:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX supports DDR5 memory with a maximum speed of 6400 MHz and can handle up to 192GB of RAM. It operates with two memory channels, offering enhanced bandwidth for efficient multitasking, though it does not support ECC memory.

Features:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX supports a variety of instruction sets, including MMX, AES, AVX, AVX2, and SSE 4.1/4.2, enabling efficient execution of advanced operations. It also features NX bit support, which enhances security by preventing the execution of malicious code in certain areas of memory.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a powerful laptop CPU designed for users who need strong performance across a variety of tasks, including content creation and gaming. With its impressive turbo clock speed of 5.2 GHz and support for up to 192GB of RAM, it excels in multitasking and demanding applications. While its integrated graphics and lack of ECC memory may limit its suitability for the most data-intensive or GPU-heavy tasks, it remains a solid choice for users looking for a well-rounded, high-performance processor in a laptop.

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