Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i9 12900H

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the better pick — it scores 77/100 to the Intel Core i9 12900H's 45, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Intel Core i9 12900H instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads overall

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus

Intel Core i9 12900H

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 125 W (178% more)
Core Specifications L2 Cache: 30 MB (161% more)
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 51,261 (93% more)

Winner by category for Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i9 12900H
Category	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 12900H	Winner
Core Specifications	62	38	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus
Integrated Graphics	0	44	Intel Core i9 12900H
Benchmark	85	48	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is a mid-range desktop processor built on Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 Arrow Lake microarchitecture. Featuring an unlocked multiplier represented by the 'K' designation, it allows manual tuning alongside the 'F' designation which denotes the removal of integrated graphics. It is targeted at desktop builders and gamers who intend to pair their system with a standalone graphics card.

Best for Mid-tier gaming PC builds using a discrete graphics cardBest for Custom desktop setups prioritizing manual tuning flexibility

Pros

Unlocked multiplier enables manual clock speed tuning and overclocking
Leverages Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 Arrow Lake desktop architecture
Omitting integrated graphics generally lowers cost for builds with dedicated GPUs

Cons

Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output
Requires a compatible platform motherboard supporting Core Ultra Series 2 sockets

Intel Core i9 12900H

The Intel Core i9 12900H is a high-performance mobile processor designed for intensive laptops like portable workstations and gaming rigs. Released in early 2022, it features 14 cores, 20 threads, and maximum clock speeds reaching up to 5.0 GHz. Manufactured on a 7nm lithography process, this chip incorporates 24 MB of L3 cache alongside integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics for basic display management.

Best for High-end mobile gaming setups paired with a dedicated graphics cardBest for Demanding creative workloads like high-resolution video rendering and 3D asset c

Pros

High 14-core, 20-thread configuration delivers solid multi-threaded performance
Reaches peak boost frequencies of up to 5.0 GHz for responsive single-core execution
Large 24 MB L3 cache facilitates fast data access during complex processing tasks
Includes integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics for display output without requiring continuous discrete GPU power

Cons

Maximum power consumption reaches 115W under full load, requiring robust thermal solutions and shortening battery life
Locked design prevents manual core overclocking

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus

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Intel Core i9 12900H

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus51,261

Intel Core i9 12900H26,524

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 12900H
Cores	18	14
Threads	18	20
Base Frequency	4.2 GHz68% more	2.5 GHz
Base Power Consumption	125 W178% more	45 W
Maximum Frequency	5.3 GHz6% more	5 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	159 W38% more	115 W
L1 Cache	1,824 KB46% more	1,248 KB
L2 Cache	30 MB161% more	11.5 MB
L3 Cache	30 MB25% more	24 MB
Lithography Process	3 nm57% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	Yes	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 12900H
Model	N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 12900H
PassMark CPU Mark	51,26193% more	26,524

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i9 12900H comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus rates higher at 82/100 versus 56/100 for Intel Core i9 12900H — a 26-point lead. Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Intel Core i9 12900H are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 82/100 for Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and 56/100 for Intel Core i9 12900H.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus (82/100) edges out Intel Core i9 12900H (56/100). But if Intel Core i9 12900H is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.