Best value
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AM5 · 8 · 16
8.6
$360Nov 93 videos
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus
A 24-core Arrow Lake Refresh chip that undercuts the old flagship and tops application charts at a far lower cost.
- LGA1851
- 24
- 24
- 5.5 GHz
- 125 W
PCPR score
7.9
Good
Best price we’ve seen
$339MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is a 24-core (8 P plus 16 E) LGA1851 processor launched in early 2026 with DDR5-7200 support. Tom's Hardware calls it a productivity leader with a meaningful gaming uplift over the Core Ultra 7 265K, helped by Intel's iBOT optimisation. Power demand rises noticeably and the platform is described as heading out, so it suits workstation-leaning builders more than long-term upgraders.
Pros
- Leads Intel's own lineup in application performance
- Clear gaming and productivity improvement over the Core Ultra 7 265K
- Supports DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s
- Priced well below the Core Ultra 9 285K it often beats
Cons
- Gaming is still not class-leading versus AMD X3D chips
- Higher power demand than the Core Ultra 7 265K
- LGA1851 has no announced upgrade path in the reviews read
- Boxed unit has no cooler
Best for
- Mixed gaming and heavy multithreaded work
- Builders choosing a current Intel desktop platform on a budget
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Series
- Core Ultra 200S Plus
- Architecture
- Arrow Lake Refresh
- Cores
- 24
- Performance cores
- 8
- Efficiency cores
- 16
- Threads
- 24
Performance
- Base clock
- 3.7 GHz
- Max boost
- 5.5 GHz
- L3 cache
- 36 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Gaming index
- 78
- Single-thread index
- 100
- Multi-thread index
- 92
Power
- TDP
- 125 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 250 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 and 250 W maximum turbo power.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Intel official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Search this retailer
- See it at Newegg
Newegg
Search this retailer
- See it at Best Buy
Best Buy
Search this retailer
- See it at B&H
B&H Photo
Search this retailer
- See it at Micro Center
Micro Center
Search this retailer
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 270K Plus Review - Better Than AMD?
Robeytech
Robeytech's review asks whether the 270K Plus is better than AMD alternatives.
Mixed · Benchmarks
Too Little Too Late? // Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus Gaming Benchmarks
Gear Seekers
Gaming benchmarks from Gear Seekers questioning whether the refresh arrives too late.
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.
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.
AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
PositiveCalls it a productivity dominator at a strong price with a good gaming gain over the 265K, but notes gaming is still middling, power use climbs, and LGA1851 is being phased out.
Review
Read the sourcePC Gamer
PositivePC Gamer praises this Arrow Lake refresh as Intel's best desktop chip, an excellent all-rounder at a competitive price, though X3D Ryzen still wins pure gaming and the platform is a dead end.
Review
Read the sourceTom's Guide
PositiveTom's Guide found Intel's refreshed desktop chips close the gaming gap with AMD's X3D parts while dominating productivity, offering strong value, though 1% lows still trail in competitive play.
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 7 270K 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 7 270K 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.
How is the 270K Plus different from the Core Ultra 7 265K?
It has 24 cores (8 P and 16 E) against 20 on the 265K and supports faster DDR5-7200. Tom's Hardware reports large improvements over the 265K.
J9Alternatives
