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Intel®

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Desktop Processor

  • Processor Core Count: 16
  • Processor Count: 18
  • Processor Socket: LGA 1851
  • Processor Series: Intel Core Ultra 5

Last refreshed Sep 9, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A capable unlocked chip for a fresh Intel 800 series build, best paired with a Z-series board and solid cooling to use the overclocking headroom it is built for.

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ASIN: B0GMKXVVJQCategory: CPU Processors

Overview

Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 250K Plus with 18 cores, 6 performance plus 12 efficiency, turbo clocks up to 5.5 GHz, built for the LGA1851 socket on Intel 800 series chipset motherboards.

This sits in Intel's current Ultra 5 lineup as an unlocked, overclocking-friendly chip for the newer LGA1851 platform, distinct from the older LGA1700 generation. The hybrid design pairs 6 performance cores with 12 efficiency cores, a layout aimed at balancing single-thread gaming speed with multi-threaded productivity work. Its 125W base and 250W max turbo power figures mean cooling and motherboard VRM capability matter more than with a lower-power chip.

  • 18 cores: 6 performance cores plus 12 efficiency cores
  • Turbo boost up to 5.5 GHz
  • LGA1851 socket on Intel 800 series chipsets
  • Unlocked for overclocking on Z-series boards

Who it's for

Suits a builder assembling a new Intel 800 series platform who wants unlocked overclocking headroom and DDR5 support at up to 7200 MT/s. Not a fit for anyone with an existing LGA1700 board, since this requires the newer LGA1851 socket and a new motherboard purchase.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • 18-core hybrid design balances gaming and multi-threaded work
  • Unlocked for overclocking on Z-series 800 chipset boards
  • Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s
Cons
  • Requires a new LGA1851 motherboard, incompatible with older Intel boards
  • 250W max turbo power calls for a capable cooler

Performance notes

The 6 performance plus 12 efficiency core layout lets heavier single-threaded tasks like gaming lean on the P-cores while background and multi-threaded work spreads across the E-cores, a split that generally favors responsiveness over raw multi-core throughput compared to an all-P-core design. Being unlocked, it needs a Z-series chipset board to actually access overclocking, and the 250W max turbo power figure means a cooler rated well above stock is worth budgeting for if you intend to push clocks. PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 at up to 7200 MT/s give it current-generation bandwidth for both storage and memory.

Specifications

BrandIntel®
Dimensions & fit
Cache Memory Installed Size0.03 GB
Item Weight0.09 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W4.6 × 1.7 inches
Capacity & performance
Cooling MethodAir
Power & efficiency
Wattage125 watts
Included components
Unit Count1
Warranty & support
Warranty Description3 years
Other details
Processor Core Count16
Processor Count18
Processor SocketLGA 1851
Processor SeriesIntel Core Ultra 5
Processor Number of Concurrent Threads36
Secondary Cache30 MB
Processor BrandIntel
PlatformNot Machine Specific
Number of Items1
Mfr Part NumberBX80768250K
BuiltIn MediaCore Ultra 5 Process 250K Plus

Closest rivals on specs

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition Desktop Processor
  • Cache Memory Installed Size 0.03 vs 0.21 GB (-86%)
  • Item Weight 0.09 vs 0.11 pounds (-18%)
  • Wattage 125 vs 200 watts (-37%)
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Desktop Processor
  • Cache Memory Installed Size 0.03 vs 0.04 GB (-17%)
  • Item Weight 0.09 vs 0.2 pounds (-55%)
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Desktop Processor
  • Cache Memory Installed Size 0.03 vs 0.04 GB (-25%)
  • Item Weight 0.09 vs 0.2 pounds (-55%)
  • Wattage 125 vs 105 watts (+19%)
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Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus use?

LGA1851, requiring an Intel 800 series chipset motherboard rather than an older LGA1700 board.

Is the 250K Plus unlocked for overclocking?

Yes, it is unlocked and intended to be paired with a Z-series chipset board to access overclocking headroom.

What memory speed does this CPU support?

DDR5 memory up to 7200 MT/s.