The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K has a suggested retail price of USD 390.00. This is about USD 80.00 more than the Core Ultra 5 245K but about USD 80.00 cheaper than the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X. The performance cores also do not feature the proprietary hyper-threading technology called Simultaneous Multithreading or SMT. The actual thread count of this processor is essentially less than that of older-generation processors with the same number of cores and SMT. Hence, to be more specific, the core count equals the thread count.
Key Specifications of Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
1. CPU Core Configuration and Clock Speeds
At the heart of the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is a 20-core CPU that features a hybrid processor architecture comprising 8 Lion Cove performance cores or P-Cores and 12 Skymont efficiency cores or E-Cores. This combination is designed to handle diverse workloads. P-Cores operate at a base frequency of 3.9 GHz and boosts at up to 5.5 GHz. This boost clock is only slightly lower than the Intel Core i7 14700K. E-Cores run at a base clock of 3.3 GHz and boost up to 4.6 GHz. This is a notable 7 percent increase in frequency over the Core i7 14700K.
The Arrow Lake architecture combines the P-Cores and the E-Cores in the same compute tile. Both share a 30MB L3 cache. The P-Cores have 24MB of L2 cache and the E-Cores have 12MB. The E-Cores are grouped in clusters of four and are placed between the P-Cores to balance thermal distribution and prevent hotspots. Hence, by avoiding the concentration of P-Cores in one area, Intel has noted that the layout optimizes performance by spreading the heat load to avoid thermal inefficiencies and lessen the chances of overheating under normal use.
2. Integrated GPU and Dedicated AI Accelerator
The processor also includes an Intel Graphics. This integrated graphics processor is based on the specific Intel Xe LPG architecture. It has 4 Xe Cores and DirectX 12 Ultimate capability. There is also support for OpenGL 4.5 and OpenCL 3. The base frequency is 300 MHz with a max dynamic frequency of 2 GHz. It also supports Intel Deep Learning Boost. The iGPU can support 4K display output at 60Hz via the HDMI 2.1 TMDS interface or an Embedded DisplayPort interface and an 8K display output at 60Hz using HDMI 2.1 Fixed Rate Link or DisplayPort.
A dedicated artificial intelligence accelerator is also included. This enables the on-device handling of specific AI workloads or inferences. The specific AI chip is the third-generation Intel AI Boost neural processing unit that can provide up to 13 trillion operations per second or TOPS. There is also another separate AI accelerator called the Intel Gaussian and Neural Accelerator or Intel GNA. It is an ultra-low power accelerator designed to natively run audio-based neural networks and speech-centric AI workloads with minimal power requirement.
3. Memory Support and Socket Compatibility
The Core Ultra 7 265K supports DDR5 memory exclusively. This signals the end of DDR4 support in the modern mainstream desktop processor lineup from Intel. It specifically supports memory speeds up to 6400 MT/s with JEDEC Memory Standard certification to ensure compatibility with high-speed RAM modules. This change marks a push toward higher bandwidth and improved efficiency but requires users to adopt the latest RAM technology. Max memory size is 192GB and max memory speed is 6.4 GHz. Max number of memory channels is 2.
It also utilizes the new LGA1851 socket. This means the processor requires a new motherboard that supports this specific socket type. This shift from the previous LGA1700 socket used by earlier Intel processors means that users looking to upgrade from older systems will need to invest in a new motherboard. This is not an issue for new builds. The transition also marks the broader strategy of Intel of future-proofing its system by offering better power delivery, improved thermal management, and enhanced compatibility with upcoming technologies.
Performance Review of Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
1. Processing Benchmark Performance Scores
The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K demonstrates strong single-core performance based on Cinebench, It achieves 145 points. This is 4 percent higher than the AMD Ryzen 7 9900X and 14 percent faster than the Intel Core i7 14700K. Scores from multi-core tests are under 2200 points. It outperforms the Core i7 14700K by 9 percent and the Ryzen 7 9900X by 18 percent based on the same tests. This positions its multi-core performance on par with high-end processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel Core i9 14900K and showcases its balanced capabilities.
It also delivers performance akin to the Core i9 14900K and Ryzen 990X based on the Corona 10 Benchmark. The Blender Open Data test shows the Core Ultra 7 265K outperforming the Core i7 14700K by 7 percent and the Ryzen 7 9900X by 8 percent. It nearly matches the performance of the Core i9 14900K. However, in file compression performance based on 7-Zip File Manager, it is about 6 percent slower than the 14700K using an identical DDR5-720 RAM. It is also 15 percent behind the Core i9 14700K and about 18 percent behind the Ryzen 7 9900X.
2. Application-Specific Processing Performance
In Photoshop 2025, Arrow Lake processors tend to underperform, with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K matching the Core i5 12600K. This is a disappointing result given its expected capabilities in such workloads. Performance in Premium Pro has some improvement but it remains lackluster overall. It falls behind both the Core i7 14700K and Ryzen 7 9900X and fails to meet the anticipated standards for creative tasks. These results highlight areas needing optimization to align with the potential of the processor in demanding content-creation applications.
Gaming performance reveals mixed results across several popular PC game titles. It trails behind the Core i7 14700K by 10 percent, the Ryzen 7 9700X by 9 percent, and the Ryzen 9 9900X by 6 percent in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. However, in The Last of Us: Part 1, it edges out the 14900K and 14700K and outpaces the 9900X by 12 percent. The chip delivers mid-tier performance in Hogwarts Legacy and lags and performs worse than the Core i5 14600K and even the older Core i7 12700K in Assetto Corsa Competizione and Counter-Strike 2.
3. Power Consumption and Overall Chip Value
The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K draws 218 watts. This is comparable to the Core i9 12900K and Ryzen 9 7950X. It specifically showcases similar power efficiency with the 7950X since both have more aligned capabilities. This chip is also 8 percent faster than the Core i7 14700K while saving nearly 100 watts or a 29 percent reduction. It is still worth noting that the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D delivers comparable performance but at 33 percent less power consumption. The power consumption in gaming generally matches the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X.
Nevertheless, in terms of value, it offers better value than the Core Ultra 9 285K. It costs about 40 percent less while being only 5 percent slower. However, while it slightly outcompetes the Ryzen 9 9900X in value, it lags behind stronger contenders. The Ryzen 7 7700X, priced at just USD 275, delivers 35 percent better value, while the 7800X3D offers 4 percent better value despite its higher USD 480 price tag. This chip also underperforms even within the same generation of Intel CPUs. The 14700K and 14600K offer superior value by 20 and 35 percent.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K Pros and Cons Summary
The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K provides a balanced yet imperfect performance for users seeking a mid-to-high-end processor. The hybrid architecture with enhanced thermal efficiency is definitely one of its strengths. Results from benchmark tests show capable single-core and multi-core task handling outpaces chips like AMD Ryzen 7 9900X and Intel Core i7 14700K. It also offers better value than the higher-tier Core Ultra 9 285K with its better rice-to-performance ratio for certain workloads. The inclusion of the third-generation Intel AI Boost NPU makes it suitable for running AI workloads.
However, as mentioned, there are some shortcomings and tradeoffs. It is not as powerful as other high-tier processors and creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. The same is true for some gaming scenarios. Another downside of the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is its exclusive support for DDR5 memory standard and the new LGA1851 motherboard. These provide future-proofing and better performance but increase the total cost for upgraders. It struggles to compete in terms of value with the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X and other Intel offerings like the Core i7 14700K and Core i5 14600K.