Intel Launches Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPUs with Higher Performance

Intel has unveiled two new desktop processors for its LGA 1851 platform: the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. These CPUs are part of the Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series, offering higher core counts, faster clocks, and improved multi-threaded performance.

The new Plus series is positioned as an incremental upgrade to the Arrow Lake-based CPUs, providing better performance per dollar and support for the latest memory and platform features. Intel highlights the lineup as suitable for gaming, content creation, and PC enthusiasts looking for additional performance on the LGA 1851 platform.

Core Ultra 7 270K Plus Features

The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is the flagship model, offering 24 cores, consisting of 8 P-Cores (Lion Cove) and 16 E-Cores (Skymont). It features a max boost clock of 5.5 GHz, with all-core boosts of 5.4 GHz for P-Cores and 4.7 GHz for E-Cores.

Additional specifications include:

• 36 MB L3 cache and 40 MB L2 cache
• 3.0 GHz die-to-die (D2D) frequency
• 4Xe integrated GPU cores at 2.0 GHz
• 250W maximum turbo power (MTP)

The 270K Plus shows improvements over the previous 265K, including more efficiency cores, higher all-core E-Core boosts, and a lower price of $299.

Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Features

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus provides 18 cores (6 P-Cores + 12 E-Cores) with a max boost of 5.3 GHz. All-core boosts reach 5.1 GHz for P-Cores and 4.6 GHz for E-Cores.

Key specifications:

• 30 MB L3 cache and 36 MB L2 cache
• 3.0 GHz D2D frequency
• 4Xe iGPU cores at 1.9 GHz
• 159W MTP

The 250K Plus improves on the 245K by adding more efficiency cores, slightly faster boost clocks, and better multi-threaded performance, all at a $199 MSRP.

Platform Improvements

Intel introduces the Binary Optimization Tool, which improves instructions per cycle (IPC) for supported workloads. The D2D frequency has been increased by +900 MHz, enhancing CPU and memory controller link speeds while reducing system latency.

Memory support has been upgraded to DDR5 7200 MT/s, with early support for 4-Rank CUDIMM modules, allowing up to 128 GB per DIMM on compatible 800 Series motherboards. Intel plans to release 12 new motherboards and over 100 system integrator designs to support the Plus CPUs.

Performance and Gaming

Intel claims that the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus delivers up to double the multi-core performance compared to older models, while offering 15% faster gaming performance versus the 265K.

The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus also shows double-digit gains in gaming and multi-threaded workloads, outperforming AMD’s Ryzen 5 9600X in comparable benchmarks. Both CPUs are optimized for gaming at 1080p and high refresh rates.

Pricing and Availability

• Core Ultra 7 270K Plus: $299
• Core Ultra 5 250K Plus: $199

Both CPUs will be available from March 26, with new compatible motherboards launching in the following months. While the LGA 1851 platform continues to offer strong performance, future upgrades may require a move to Intel’s next-generation socket.

Intel’s Core Ultra 200S Plus lineup provides gamers and PC builders with more cores, faster clocks, and improved memory support, delivering solid performance for both gaming and multi-threaded workloads on the current platform.

Intel Core Ultra Series Specifications