Best value
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
AM5 · 6 · 12
8.5
$240Nov 92 videos
IntelBest value
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
An 18-core entry chip that Tom's Hardware names an Editor's Choice for its multithreaded value.
- LGA1851
- 18
- 18
- 5.3 GHz
- 125 W
PCPR score
8.0
Great
Best price we’ve seen
$219MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores (6 P plus 12 E), 30 MB of cache and DDR5-7200 support on socket LGA1851. Tom's Hardware found it matches the Ryzen 5 9600X in games and runs well ahead of similarly priced rivals in threaded applications, with modest power and cooling needs. The main caveat is the end-of-line LGA1851 platform, which limits future upgrades.
Pros
- 18 cores at a mainstream price tier
- Matches the Ryzen 5 9600X in gaming per Tom's Hardware
- Maximum turbo power of 159 W makes it easy to cool
- DDR5-7200 support
Cons
- LGA1851 is a dead-end platform
- Some applications still run poorly on Arrow Lake in general
- Boxed unit has no cooler
Best for
- Budget builds that mix gaming and multithreaded work
- Replacing an older 6-core Intel or AMD chip
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Series
- Core Ultra 200S Plus
- Architecture
- Arrow Lake Refresh
- Cores
- 18
- Performance cores
- 6
- Efficiency cores
- 12
- Threads
- 18
Performance
- Base clock
- 4.2 GHz
- Max boost
- 5.3 GHz
- L3 cache
- 30 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Gaming index
- 73
- Single-thread index
- 94
- Multi-thread index
- 68
Power
- TDP
- 125 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 159 W
Features
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
- Integrated GPU
- Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
- Unlocked multiplier
- Yes
- Cooler in box
- No
- Process
- TSMC N3B
- NPU
- 13 TOPS
Memory
- Memory support
- DDR5
- Rated memory speed
- 7,200 MT/s
- Max memory
- 256 GB
Expansion
- PCIe version
- 5.0
- PCIe lanes
- 24
Compatibility notes
- Socket LGA1851 needs an Intel 800-series chipset board (Z890, B860, H810); it is not compatible with LGA1700 boards. Intel notes LGA1700 and LGA1851 coolers are mechanically similar but pin layouts differ.
- DDR5 only, up to 7200 MT/s per Intel's spec page.
- Needs a cooler rated for 125 W base power.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Intel official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
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- See it at Newegg
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- See it at Best Buy
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- See it at B&H
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- See it at Micro Center
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We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.
AV1
Video reviews
Positive · Review
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Review & Benchmarks vs. 5800X3D, 9600X & More
Hardware Unboxed
Hardware Unboxed's review and benchmarks against the 5800X3D, 9600X and others.
Positive · Review
Intel's Redemption Arc Begins.
Hardware Canucks
Hardware Canucks' launch coverage of Intel's 200S Plus chips under a title about Intel's redemption.
Positive · Review
Intel’s $199 CPU Is a Problem | Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Review
ImWateringPSUs
A review framing the 18-core chip as a problem for rival entry-level processors.
Positive · Review
Is Intel Back? | Intel Core Ultra 270K Plus & 250K Plus CPU Review
WELSHYTECH
Welshytech's review of both the 270K Plus and 250K Plus.
AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
PositiveAwards an Editor's Choice, saying it beats far costlier chips in threaded work and matches the Ryzen 5 9600X in games while staying efficient and easy to cool, with the dead-end socket as the main downside.
Review
Read the sourceTom's Guide
PositiveTom's Guide found the 250K Plus a superb value all-rounder, closing most of the gaming gap to AMD's X3D chips while dominating productivity, though 1% lows still trail.
Review
Read the sourceWindows Central
PositiveWindows Central praises the 250K Plus as an affordable creator CPU beating Ryzen 5 9600X on value, though gaming gains are modest and fast DDR5 is costly.
Review
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Which motherboards work with the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus?
It uses socket LGA1851 and needs an Intel 800-series chipset board. LGA1700 boards from the previous two generations will not fit.
What memory does the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus support?
Intel lists DDR5 only, up to 7200 MT/s across two channels and up to 256 GB. It does not support DDR4, so it needs a DDR5 LGA1851 board.
Is there a version without integrated graphics?
Yes. Intel lists a Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus without integrated graphics, which is a separate product.
J9Alternatives
