AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
AM5 · 8 · 16
8.7
$479Nov 93 videos
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
The graphics-free 265K: 20 Arrow Lake cores for builders who already have a discrete GPU.
- LGA1851
- 20
- 20
- 5.5 GHz
- 125 W
PCPR score
7.3
Good
Best price we’ve seen
$379MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The Core Ultra 7 265KF has 20 cores (8 P plus 12 E), 30 MB of cache and a 125 W base power rating on socket LGA1851. It omits integrated graphics, so a discrete card is required. Reviewers found it competitive in productivity but unconvincing in games at launch. Its newer sibling the 270K Plus adds cores and DDR5-7200 support, which makes this chip a value pick only when discounted.
Pros
- 20 cores give strong multithreaded performance
- Fewer thermal demands than Raptor Lake i7 and i9 parts
- DDR5 6400 support and PCIe 5.0
Cons
- Gaming trails AMD X3D parts
- The 270K Plus is faster for less in many cases
- LGA1851 is reported to be a dead-end socket
- No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required
Best for
- Productivity builds that also game
- Buyers who want DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 on a new Intel board
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Series
- Core Ultra 200S
- Architecture
- Arrow Lake
- Cores
- 20
- Performance cores
- 8
- Efficiency cores
- 12
- Threads
- 20
Performance
- Base clock
- 3.9 GHz
- Max boost
- 5.5 GHz
- L3 cache
- 30 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Gaming index
- 70
- Single-thread index
- 97
- Multi-thread index
- 76
Power
- TDP
- 125 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 250 W
Features
- Integrated graphics
- No
- Unlocked multiplier
- Yes
- Cooler in box
- No
- Process
- TSMC N3B
- NPU
- 13 TOPS
Memory
- Memory support
- DDR5
- Rated memory speed
- 6,400 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 6400 MT/s per Intel's spec page.
- Needs a separate cooler rated for 125 W base power.
- The F suffix means no integrated graphics: video outputs on the motherboard will not work.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Intel official page
Direct link
- Check price on 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
Mixed · Review
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU Review & Benchmarks vs. 285K, 245K, 7800X3D, 7900X, & More
Gamers Nexus
Gamers Nexus' launch review of the 265K against the 285K, 245K and 7800X3D. Covers the non-F 265K, which has identical CPU cores.
Positive · Review
Intel Core 7 Ultra 265K Review: Is This The CPU for a 10-Year PC?
The Don Tech
The Don Tech asks whether the 265K can anchor a long-lived PC build. Covers the non-F 265K, which has identical CPU cores.
Overview · Comparison
Core Ultra 7 270K Plus vs Core Ultra 7 265K (Worth Upgrading?)
The Don Tech
A comparison of the 270K Plus against the Core Ultra 7 265K asking whether the upgrade is worth it.
Overview · Review
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K Review – 20 Cores Up to 5.5GHz
Value Vault
A short review summarising the 20-core, 5.5 GHz chip. Covers the non-F 265K, which has identical CPU cores.
R9
Common questions
Which motherboards work with the Core Ultra 7 265KF?
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 7 265KF support?
Intel lists DDR5 only, up to 6400 MT/s across two channels and up to 256 GB. It does not support DDR4, so it needs a DDR5 LGA1851 board.
Is the 265KF worth buying over the 270K Plus?
The 270K Plus has 24 cores and DDR5-7200 support and is described by Tom's Hardware as a large improvement over the 265K. The 265K only makes sense when it is clearly cheaper.
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