Summary
- Efficient Performance: The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX excels in energy efficiency compared to its predecessors.
- Robust Benchmark Results: Impressive single-core and multi-core scores position it favorably against competitors.
- Optimal Power Consumption: Testing indicates that a power range of 55-75W offers the best performance-to-energy ratio.
An In-Depth Look at the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX
The Intel Core Ultra 200 series processors have set a new standard in energy efficiency, particularly with the Core Ultra 7 255HX. In this analysis, we will explore both the performance capabilities of this processor and its energy consumption, determining whether the pursuit of optimal power performance is truly necessary in today’s computing landscape.
Specifications Overview
The Core Ultra 7 255HX is built on the innovative Arrow Lake architecture, boasting a configuration of 20 cores and 20 threads, which includes 8 high-performance cores and 12 energy-efficient cores. The performance cores operate at a base frequency of 2.4GHz, with a maximum frequency of 5.2GHz. In contrast, the energy-efficient cores feature a base frequency of 1.8GHz, peaking at 4.5GHz. The processor comes with a generous 36MB second-level cache and a 30MB third-level cache.
Power consumption is rated at a base level of 55W, with a maximum turbo capability reaching up to 160W, an essential consideration for both gamers and professionals alike.
Benchmark Assessments
CPU-Z Results
In the CPU-Z benchmarks, the Core Ultra 7 255HX recorded a single-core score of 845.2, alongside a multi-core score of 13,023.5. These numbers reflect a strong single-core performance, with the multi-core results showing decent capabilities, though not quite at the flagship tier of the current HX platform.
Cinebench Performance
The Cinebench R23 tests returned a multi-core score of 28,368 points and a single-core score of 2,166 points. Again, the Core Ultra 7 255HX demonstrated robust single-core performance, with multi-core scores placing it in a commendable mid-to-high-end bracket, comparable to the previous generation i9-14900HX.
Following this, the Cinebench 2024 assessment mirrored these results, indicating a multi-core score of 1,589 points and a single-core score of 132 points, reaffirming the processor’s consistent performance across different benchmarking scenarios.
GeekBench Testing
In GeekBench 5.4, the processor earned a single-core score of 2,993 and a multi-core score of 17,981. This reflects its effectiveness in everyday tasks, showcasing a balance between intensive workloads and daily usability.
Analyzing Energy Efficiency
To evaluate the Core Ultra 7 255HX’s energy efficiency, tests were conducted at varying power levels, ranging from 35W to 105W, utilizing Cinebench R23 multi-core results to establish performance curves. The findings indicate that at 75W, the performance reaches approximately 90% of its maximum. Beyond 100W, only marginal improvements were noted, suggesting that 75W is an optimal power consumption point for achieving high performance without excessive energy draw. For those prioritizing energy efficiency, a range of 55-65W is recommended.
Inter-Core Latency
The Core Ultra 7 255HX also demonstrates impressive inter-core latency, averaging just 37.3 nanoseconds with a maximum of 53.3 nanoseconds. This low latency further enhances the processor’s performance capabilities, making it a strong contender in its class.
Conclusion
In summary, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX stands out as a mid-to-high-end processor within the current HX platform landscape. While its peak performance aligns closely with that of the i9-14900HX, the updated architecture ensures that it excels in single-core capabilities and energy efficiency. This makes it particularly suited for gaming laptops, balancing high performance with manageable power consumption. Consequently, the Core Ultra 7 255HX emerges as a viable choice for users seeking both power and efficiency, minimizing heat and noise during operation.
