Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Specifications and Performance Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is based on the Arrow Lake Refresh architecture and is manufactured using the 3 nm process at the TSMC foundry. It is compatible with the LGA 1851 socket used by Z890, B860, W880, Q870, H810 chipsets and supports PCIe Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only), as well as DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 7200 MT/s across Dual-channel memory. This processor features a hybrid core configuration with 6 performance cores operating at a base clock of 4.20 GHz and boosting up to 5.30 GHz, alongside 12 efficiency cores running at a base clock of 3.30 GHz and boosting up to 4.60 GHz, for a total of 18 threads. It is equipped with 192 kB of L1 cache, 3072 kB of L2 cache, and 30 MB of L3 cache. The efficiency cores feature 96 kB of L1 cache and 4096 kB of L2 cache.

This CPU is designed for a mainstream desktop platform. It supports consumer-grade memory configurations and modern expansion standards, making it suitable for everyday computing, gaming, and productivity workloads.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has a base TDP of 125 W and a moderate maximum TDP of 159 W. Most mid-range aftermarket air coolers are sufficient for thermal control. This processor is also suitable for small form factor builds, which often have limited airflow.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU, which features 4 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.90 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Application Performance

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is an upper mid-range CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 68.79% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. This CPU is ideal for multitasking and can handle professional applications such as 3D rendering, video editing, and other heavy workloads, though not at the same speed or efficiency as higher-end models.

In terms of productivity value, Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus offers excellent performance per dollar, achieving 93.8% efficiency relative to the best possible CPU in the application performance-per-price category. It is an excellent choice for cost-effective computing.

Gaming Performance

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is a strong gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 81.20% compared to the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. This CPU This CPU delivers excellent gaming performance, especially at higher resolutions where the GPU becomes the primary bottleneck. It is recommended for users who work on their computers but also engage in occasional or regular gaming.

For gamers, Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus offers exceptional value, scoring 72.7% in gaming performance per dollar. It's ideal for budget-conscious gamers looking to pair this CPU with a cost-effective graphics card without significantly sacrificing performance.