Intel Core Ultra 7 255U

Name: Intel Core Ultra 7 255U
Brand: Intel
SKU: 33191

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is a laptop processor designed to deliver solid performance in everyday tasks. It features a base clock speed of 2 x 2 & 8 x 1.7 GHz with a turbo boost up to 5.2 GHz, making it suitable for multitasking and light gaming.

This CPU supports a maximum of 128GB of DDR5 RAM, runs at a max speed of 8400 MHz, and operates at a thermal design power (TDP) of 15W. Its integrated graphics are capable of supporting up to four displays, while the CPU uses the big.LITTLE technology for improved efficiency.

Pros

Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM for high memory capacity.
Integrated graphics with support for up to 4 displays, offering versatility for visual tasks.
Uses big.LITTLE technology, improving power efficiency and performance balance.
Supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming and multimedia applications.

Cons

Does not support ECC memory, limiting reliability in error-sensitive applications.
Has a relatively low thermal design power (TDP) of 15W, potentially restricting sustained high-performance tasks.
Clock multiplier is fixed at 20, preventing overclocking for users seeking maximum performance boosts.

Who is this for?

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is ideal for users who need a well-balanced laptop processor for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. Its 14 threads and big.LITTLE technology make it efficient for light to mid-level workloads, such as office work, web browsing, and content creation. Additionally, with support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and integrated graphics capable of handling multiple displays, it is suitable for users who require good visual performance without a discrete GPU.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor may not be suitable for users who demand high-performance capabilities for heavy workloads, such as professional video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming at high settings. The 15W TDP limits sustained performance under heavy tasks, and the lack of ECC memory support reduces reliability for data-sensitive applications. Additionally, users looking to overclock for maximum performance may be disappointed by the fixed clock multiplier and absence of an unlocked multiplier.

General info:

Type	Laptop
CPU socket	BGA 2049
Has integrated graphics	✓
release date	January 2025
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	15W
semiconductor size	3 nm
CPU temperature	110 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version	4
Supports 64-bit	✓

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is a laptop CPU with a semiconductor size of 3 nm, designed to offer efficiency and performance. It operates at a thermal design power (TDP) of 15W, providing an optimized balance between power consumption and processing capabilities. The processor supports PCIe 4.0 and is compatible with 64-bit systems. Additionally, it features integrated graphics and uses the BGA 2049 socket for installation.

Performance:

CPU speed	2 x 2 & 8 x 1.7 GHz
CPU threads	14 threads
turbo clock speed	5.2GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier	✕
Uses big.LITTLE technology	✓
clock multiplier	20

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U delivers solid performance with a total clock speed of 2 x 2 & 8 x 1.7 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 5.2 GHz. It features 14 threads, allowing for efficient multitasking. Additionally, it utilizes big.LITTLE technology to optimize power consumption and performance, while its clock multiplier is set to 20, ensuring stable operation under varying workloads.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result	18555
PassMark result (single)	3732
PassMark result (overclocked)	20473

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has achieved a PassMark score of 18555 in total, indicating its strong overall performance. For single-threaded tasks, it scores 3732, while its overclocked performance boosts the result to 20473, showcasing an increase in processing power under optimized conditions.

Integrated graphics:

GPU turbo	2100 MHz
DirectX version	DirectX 12 Ultimate
supported displays	4
OpenGL version	4.6
OpenCL version	3

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U features integrated graphics with a GPU turbo speed of 2100 MHz, ensuring smooth visual performance. It supports up to 4 displays and is compatible with DirectX 12 Ultimate, offering enhanced graphics capabilities. Additionally, the GPU supports OpenGL 4.6 and OpenCL 3, providing flexibility for a wide range of applications.

Memory:

RAM speed (max)	8400 MHz
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
maximum memory amount	128GB
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports a maximum RAM speed of 8400 MHz and is compatible with DDR5 memory. It operates with 2 memory channels for improved data throughput and can handle up to 128GB of RAM, offering significant memory capacity for demanding tasks. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Features:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U supports a range of instruction sets including F16C, MMX, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2, enhancing its compatibility with various applications. It also utilizes multithreading, improving efficiency in handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, the processor features an NX bit for enhanced security, preventing the execution of harmful code in certain areas of memory.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is a solid choice for users seeking an efficient laptop processor for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. Its 14 threads and support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM make it well-suited for multitasking and general productivity, while the integrated graphics with support for multiple displays provide versatility. However, its relatively low 15W TDP and lack of overclocking options may limit its suitability for demanding applications like professional content creation or high-performance gaming. Overall, this processor excels in energy-efficient performance for typical laptop use, making it ideal for users who prioritize a balance of efficiency and multitasking capability.