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Intel Core Ultra 7 356H specifications and in-depth review

Intel Core Ultra 7 356H

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H is a laptop processor offering a solid performance foundation with its 16 threads and 4.7GHz turbo boost. It comes with integrated graphics and supports modern features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.

In terms of technical specifications, the Core Ultra 7 356H operates at a base clock speed of 1.9GHz across 4 cores and up to 4.7GHz with Turbo Boost. It features a 18MB L3 cache and supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 8533 MHz. The processor also includes the latest PCIe 5.0 support for faster data transfer.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM for extensive multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
  • Equipped with integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU for basic visual tasks.
  • Supports PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer, enhancing compatibility with next-gen devices and storage solutions.
  • Features big.LITTLE technology, optimizing power efficiency by dynamically adjusting performance based on workload demands.
Cons
  • The maximum operating temperature of 100°C might indicate a relatively high heat threshold during heavy usage, potentially limiting cooling options.
  • No specific mention of support for higher-end graphics features or GPU processing, limiting performance for graphics-intensive tasks.
Who is this for?

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H is well-suited for users who require solid performance in a laptop for general productivity, multitasking, and moderate graphical tasks. With its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0, it excels in handling memory-intensive applications and data-heavy workflows. The integrated graphics and big.LITTLE technology make it a good fit for tasks that require energy efficiency without compromising too much on performance, such as light gaming, content creation, or everyday office tasks.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor may not be ideal for users requiring intensive graphical performance, such as high-end gaming or professional video editing. While it features integrated graphics, it lacks the power needed for demanding graphical tasks. Additionally, with a maximum temperature of 100°C, it could face thermal limitations during prolonged heavy workloads, which might not be suitable for users pushing the system to its limits in extreme scenarios.

General info:

Type Laptop
Has integrated graphics ✓
release date January 2026
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 25W
CPU temperature 100 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit ✓

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H is a laptop CPU with a thermal design power (TDP) of 25W, which balances energy efficiency and performance. It features integrated graphics for enhanced visual processing and supports the latest PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer. The processor also supports 64-bit architecture, ensuring compatibility with modern software. Its maximum operating temperature is 100°C, offering an indication of its thermal capabilities during heavy usage.

Performance:

CPU speed 4 x 1.9 & 8 x 1.5 & 4 x 1.5 GHz
CPU threads 16 threads
turbo clock speed 4.7GHz
L3 cache 18 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology ✓
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H features a combination of cores with varying clock speeds: 4 cores at 1.9GHz, 8 cores at 1.5GHz, and an additional 4 cores at 1.5GHz, enabling balanced performance for different tasks. It supports 16 threads and boasts an 18MB L3 cache, providing ample space for fast data access. With Turbo Boost version 2.0, the processor can reach a turbo clock speed of 4.7GHz, ensuring enhanced performance during intensive workloads. Additionally, it utilizes big.LITTLE technology to optimize power efficiency and performance.

Benchmarks:

Integrated graphics:

GPU turbo 2450 MHz
DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
supported displays 4
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H integrates graphics that support DirectX 12 Ultimate and OpenGL 4.6, ensuring compatibility with modern graphical applications. It features a GPU turbo speed of 2450 MHz to boost performance during demanding visual tasks. The integrated GPU also supports up to 4 displays, allowing for multi-monitor setups, and supports OpenCL 3 for efficient parallel processing.

Memory:

RAM speed (max) 8533 MHz
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
maximum memory amount 128GB

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H supports DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 8533 MHz, ensuring high-speed data transfer. It features 2 memory channels for efficient data handling and can support up to a total of 128GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for demanding applications and multitasking.

Features:

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

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H includes a comprehensive set of instruction sets such as MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2, which enhance its computational capabilities for various applications. Additionally, it features the NX bit, which provides an extra layer of security by preventing the execution of malicious code in certain areas of memory.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H is a solid laptop processor offering a good balance of performance and energy efficiency, making it suitable for users who need reliable multitasking and moderate graphical power. Its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 ensures smooth handling of memory-intensive applications. However, its integrated graphics may not meet the demands of high-end gaming or heavy graphical workloads. Overall, it's a strong choice for general productivity, light content creation, and day-to-day computing tasks.