Intel Core i9 12900HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

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

For most buyers the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is the better pick — it scores 57/100 to the Intel Core i9 12900HX's 54, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Intel Core i9 12900HX instead if benchmark matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and Intel Core i9 12900HX are closely matched

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

Intel Core i9 12900HX

Where Intel Core Ultra 7 255H stands out

Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (57% less)
Integrated Graphics Model: Intel Arc 140T
Core Specifications L2 Cache: 20 MB (43% more)

Where Intel Core i9 12900HX stands out

Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 55 W (96% more)
Core Specifications Threads: 24
Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 157 W (37% more)

Winner by category for Intel Core i9 12900HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
Category	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H	Intel Core i9 12900HX	Winner
Core Specifications	57	43	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
Integrated Graphics	37	26	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
Benchmark	60	64	Intel Core i9 12900HX

In-depth analysisAI

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

Intel Core i9 12900HX

The Intel Core i9-12900HX is a high-performance laptop processor designed for intensive computational tasks and heavy multitasking. Released in April 2022, it features 16 cores and 24 threads with a maximum boost frequency of 5.0 GHz. Built on a 7 nm process, it operates with a 55 W base power rating that can scale up to 157 W under heavy loads, targeting users who need desktop-class performance in a portable machine.

Best for Heavy multi-threaded processing and CPU-intensive computational work on mobile lBest for High-end laptop setups that pair the CPU with a discrete graphics card for gamin

Pros

High core and thread count featuring 16 cores and 24 threads for multi-threaded tasks
Reaches high boost clock speeds of up to 5.0 GHz
Includes 30 MB of L3 cache to support data-heavy operations
Delivers high benchmark performance with a PassMark score of 32704

Cons

High maximum power draw reaching up to 157 W under load
Processor is locked against traditional overclocking
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics provide minimal baseline display output, requiring a discrete GPU for demanding visual workloads

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a mobile processor in Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 lineup, belonging to the Arrow Lake-H family. Designed for higher-tier laptops and mobile workstations, it targets users who need strong computing capability for demanding applications on the move. As an H-series processor, it balances performance scaling with modern power management features.

Best for Demanding multi-threaded tasks on high-performance laptopsBest for Mobile productivity requiring elevated processing capacity

Pros

Part of Intel's Series 2 mobile architecture designed for performance laptops
Tailored for high-throughput computing in portable form factors

Cons

H-series power requirements typically result in faster battery drain under heavy sustained workloads

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Intel Core i9 12900HX

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Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Intel Core i9 12900HX32,704

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H30,754

See the raw benchmark values →

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

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Intel Core i9 12900HX	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
Cores	16	16
Threads	24	16
Base Frequency	2.3 GHz15% more	2 GHz
Base Power Consumption	55 W96% more	28 W
Maximum Frequency	5 GHz	5.1 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	157 W37% more	115 W
L1 Cache	1,408 KB	1,632 KB16% more
L2 Cache	14 MB	20 MB43% more
L3 Cache	30 MB25% more	24 MB
Lithography Process	7 nm	3 nm57% less
Is unlocked	Yes	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Intel Core i9 12900HX	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Intel Core i9 12900HX	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
PassMark CPU Mark	32,7046% more	30,754

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 i9 12900HX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255H comparison

They are closely matched: Intel Core i9 12900HX scores 64/100 and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H scores 64/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Intel Core i9 12900HX and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H 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 64/100 for Intel Core i9 12900HX and 64/100 for Intel Core Ultra 7 255H.

It's close — Intel Core i9 12900HX (64/100) and Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (64/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.