Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh lineup is taking shape, and the latest entry to emerge from benchmark leaks is the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus—a CPU that defies expectations with a 18-core architecture and a staggering 5.3 GHz boost clock. While the 5.3 GHz figure alone grabs attention, the real story lies in how this chip balances core count, clock speeds, and efficiency to target a sub-$300 price point.
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus builds on Intel’s hybrid architecture, pairing 6 performance cores with 12 efficiency cores—a four-core upgrade over the existing Core Ultra 5 245K. This expansion isn’t just about raw numbers; it reflects a deliberate push to deliver sustained multi-threaded performance without sacrificing single-core efficiency. The base clock sits at 4.2 GHz for performance cores and 3.5 GHz for efficiency cores, with a 100 MHz boost over the 245K’s 5.2 GHz peak.
Benchmark results from a Geekbench test on an ASUS PRIME Z890-P WIFI motherboard with 32 GB of DDR5 memory show the chip scoring 3,113 in single-core and 15,251 in multi-core tests. While these figures aren’t record-breaking, they set a new baseline for Intel’s mainstream lineup, particularly in workloads where thread count matters—such as video editing, rendering, or light server tasks. The 24 MB of L3 cache and 26 MB of L2 cache further support this positioning, though the chip remains constrained by the LGA 1851 socket’s limitations.
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus isn’t just a refresh; it’s a bridge. With Intel’s transition to the LGA 1954 socket looming for Nova Lake CPUs later this year, this chip represents the final act for the current platform. Its 159W TDP (with a 125W PL1) keeps power draw in check, making it viable for high-end desktops without requiring extreme cooling. Pricing is expected to stay under $300, positioning it as a compelling upgrade over the $200–$215 Core Ultra 5 245K.
For context, the full Arrow Lake Refresh lineup includes higher-tier models like the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus (24 cores, 5.8 GHz boost) and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus (24 cores, 5.5 GHz boost), both targeting enthusiasts and creators. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, however, carves out a niche for mainstream users who need more cores without stepping into premium pricing. Its arrival also underscores Intel’s strategy to maximize performance from the LGA 1851 platform before the shift to Nova Lake.
The chip’s specifications include
- Core Configuration: 18 cores (6 P-cores + 12 E-cores)
- Base Clock: 4.2 GHz (P-cores) / 3.5 GHz (E-cores)
- Boost Clock: 5.3 GHz (P-cores) / 4.7 GHz (E-cores)
- Cache: 24 MB L3 / 26 MB L2
- Memory Support: DDR5-7200
- TDP: 125W (PL1) / 159W (PL2)
- Socket: LGA 1851
- Expected Price: Under $300
This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a recalibration of what Intel expects from its mainstream chips. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus delivers a meaningful jump in core count and clock speeds while maintaining accessibility. For users stuck on LGA 1851 motherboards, it’s the last chance to future-proof their builds before the Nova Lake transition. Whether it justifies the upgrade over the 245K depends on workloads, but one thing is clear: Intel is leaving no stone unturned in squeezing every last bit of performance from its current platform.
Availability details remain unconfirmed, but the chip is already listed at online retailers ahead of its official launch. The full Arrow Lake Refresh lineup—including the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus—is set to follow in the coming months.
