Intel Core Ultra 7 Processors

The Core Ultra 7 chips here are Intel's Arrow Lake desktop processors for the LGA1851 socket. They are the Core Ultra 7 265K and 265KF with 20 cores and 20 threads, and the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus with 24 cores and 24 threads. All three boost up to 5.5 GHz and are rated at 125 W base power and up to 250 W turbo power. They come without a cooler, and Intel covers them with a 3 year warranty.

The 265K and 265KF are the same processor, except that the KF has no integrated graphics. It needs a graphics card to show a picture. The 265K keeps a display output for troubleshooting or a build without a card. The 270K Plus adds four more cores, which helps in rendering, code compiling and heavy multitasking more than in gaming. Every model needs an LGA1851 motherboard and DDR5 memory. All are unlocked, but CPU overclocking also needs a motherboard whose chipset allows it, so check the board before you plan to tune. Plan for a large tower air cooler or a 240/360 mm liquid cooler to handle the 250 W turbo power. The other Core Ultra tiers are on the Intel Processors page.

Frequently asked questions

Will a Core Ultra 7 processor fit an older Intel motherboard? Only if the board has the LGA1851 socket. Boards built for earlier Intel desktop processors use a different socket and will not take these chips.

What is the difference between the 265K and the 265KF? Cores, threads and clocks are the same. The 265KF has no integrated graphics and must be paired with a graphics card.

Do Core Ultra 7 processors support DDR4 RAM? No. Arrow Lake desktop processors work with DDR5 memory only.