Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i9 13980HX

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 70/100 to the Intel Core i9 13980HX's 64, leading on Benchmark. Choose the Intel Core i9 13980HX 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 13980HX

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 125 W (127% more)
Core Specifications Base Frequency: 4.2 GHz (91% more)
Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (57% less)

Winner by category for Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i9 13980HX
Category	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 13980HX	Winner
Core Specifications	51	52	Tie
Integrated Graphics	0	44	Intel Core i9 13980HX
Benchmark	79	72	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 13980HX

The product name is listed as an Intel processor type in technical hardware lists. It belongs to the 13th generation of Intel Core processors, according to video sources.

Pros

It utilizes the architecture associated with the 13th Gen Intel Core processors.

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 13980HX

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus51,261

Intel Core i9 13980HX45,231

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 13980HX
Cores	18	24
Threads	18	32
Base Frequency	4.2 GHz91% more	2.2 GHz
Base Power Consumption	125 W127% more	55 W
Maximum Frequency	5.3 GHz	5.6 GHz6% more
Maximum Power Consumption	159 W	157 W
L1 Cache	1,824 KB	2,176 KB19% more
L2 Cache	30 MB	32 MB7% more
L3 Cache	30 MB	36 MB20% more
Lithography Process	3 nm57% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	Yes	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 13980HX
Model	N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus	Intel Core i9 13980HX
PassMark CPU Mark	51,26113% more	45,231

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 13980HX comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus rates higher at 82/100 versus 75/100 for Intel Core i9 13980HX — a 7-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 13980HX 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 75/100 for Intel Core i9 13980HX.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus (82/100) edges out Intel Core i9 13980HX (75/100). But if Intel Core i9 13980HX 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.