Intel · Core Ultra

Core Ultra 5 250K Plus

Released March 2026

An 18-core refresh of the Core Ultra 5 245K for LGA1851, with four more Efficient-cores and faster memory support.

Model history · 5 models, 2021–2026

Cores: 18/18
Boost: 5.3 GHz
L3: 30 MB
Power: 125 W
Socket: LGA1851

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree it is exceptional value, performing like a higher-class chip and often matching far pricier processors in multi-threaded work, with reasonable efficiency. The main reservation is that the LGA 1851 platform has no upgrade path; Club386 noted some shortfalls in games, and Tom's Hardware that a few applications still run poorly on Arrow Lake.

From tomshardware.com, pcgamer.com and club386.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 18 (6 performance, 12 efficiency)
Threads: 18
Base clock: 4.2 GHz
Boost clock: 5.3 GHz
L3 cache: 30 MB
Cores: 6 Performance-cores and 12 Efficient-cores, no Hyper-Threading; codename Arrow Lake
Clocks: P-core base 4.2 GHz, max turbo 5.3 GHz; E-core base 3.3 GHz, max turbo 4.6 GHz
Cache: 30 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3); 30 MB L2

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: Yes
Graphics: Intel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, up to 1.9 GHz; outputs eDP1.4b, DP 2.1 UHBR20, HDMI 2.1 FRL; up to 4 displays; H.264, HEVC and AV1 encode and decode
AI engine: Intel AI Boost NPU, 13 TOPS (INT8); 30 TOPS for the whole processor

Platform

Socket: LGA1851
Base power: 125 W
Maximum power: 159 W
Unlocked: Yes
Memory support: Up to DDR5 7200 MT/s; 2 channels, up to 256 GB; ECC supported
PCIe: PCIe 5.0 and 4.0; 24 lanes (Up to 1x16+2x4, 2x8+2x4, 1x8+4x4); DMI 4 x8; Thunderbolt 4 built in
Chipsets: Intel 800 series
Process: TSMC N3B (CPU)
Cooler: max operating temperature 105 °C; thermal specification PCG 2020A

Pros and cons

Pros

18 cores (6 Performance, 12 Efficient), four more than the 245K
DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s
Works in existing 800 series boards

Cons

No Hyper-Threading: 18 threads

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition	16/32	5.6 GHz	192 MB	200 W	AM5	Apr 2026
AMDRyzen 9 9950X3D	16/32	5.7 GHz	128 MB	170 W	AM5	Mar 2025
IntelCore Ultra 7 270K Plus	24/24	5.5 GHz	36 MB	125 W	LGA1851	Mar 2026

Previous model: Core Ultra 5 245K.

Sources

Photo: intelcorp.scene7.com

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