Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Processor

Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus desktop processor

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is an unlocked desktop processor built for current-generation LGA1851 systems. It combines 18 processing cores, a maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.30 GHz, integrated Intel Graphics and dedicated Intel AI Boost acceleration within a single desktop platform.

This boxed processor is suitable for new desktop configurations intended for gaming, content creation, software development, business applications, multitasking and other processor-intensive workloads. The final level of performance will depend on the selected motherboard, memory, graphics card, cooling solution, power supply, operating system and software.

18-core hybrid processor design

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses a hybrid core configuration consisting of:

• 6 Performance-cores
• 12 Efficient-cores
• 18 total cores
• 18 total threads

Performance-cores are intended to handle demanding and latency-sensitive processing, while Efficient-cores support background operations and parallel workloads. Intel Thread Director helps compatible operating systems allocate work between the available core types.

The processor does not use Intel Hyper-Threading Technology. Its 18 threads correspond to its 18 physical processing cores.

Intel officially lists the processor with six Performance-cores, twelve Efficient-cores and eighteen total threads.

Up to 5.30 GHz turbo frequency

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus can reach a maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.30 GHz on its Performance-cores. Its specified operating frequencies are:

• Performance-core base frequency: 4.20 GHz
• Performance-core maximum turbo frequency: 5.30 GHz
• Efficient-core base frequency: 3.30 GHz
• Efficient-core maximum turbo frequency: 4.60 GHz

Turbo frequencies are dynamic rather than continuously guaranteed operating speeds. Available frequency depends on workload, processor temperature, cooling capacity, motherboard configuration, system power limits and other operating conditions.

The processor also includes 30 MB Intel Smart Cache and 30 MB of total L2 cache, supporting data access across its hybrid core configuration.

Unlocked desktop processor

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is part of Intel’s unlocked K-series desktop range. An unlocked multiplier provides additional configuration options when the processor is installed on a compatible motherboard.

Any manual frequency or voltage adjustment requires appropriate technical knowledge, a compatible chipset, suitable cooling and adequate power delivery. Operating results vary between individual processors and system configurations. Stability, temperature and component limits should be assessed before changing default settings.

StellDex does not guarantee a particular overclocked frequency or performance result.

LGA1851 desktop platform

The processor is designed for the LGA1851 socket, formally identified in Intel’s specifications as FCLGA1851. It must be installed on a compatible Intel 800-series desktop motherboard with appropriate firmware support.

Intel lists compatible chipset families including Z890, B860, H810, Q870 and W880. Available processor features can differ by motherboard model and chipset. Buyers should verify the motherboard CPU-support list and required BIOS version before installation.

Intel Core Ultra Desktop Processors Series 2 are not electrically compatible with older LGA1700 motherboards. A physically similar cooler mounting arrangement does not make the processor compatible with an LGA1700 motherboard.

DDR5 memory support

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports:

• Up to 256 GB of system memory
• DDR5 memory speeds up to 7200 MT/s
• Two memory channels
• ECC memory support on compatible platforms

Maximum memory capacity and operating speed depend on the motherboard, number of installed modules, memory configuration, BIOS, module design and processor memory-controller limits.

DDR5-7200 support does not mean every DDR5-7200 kit will operate at its rated speed in every configuration. High-capacity or four-module arrangements may operate at a lower supported frequency. Compatibility should be checked against the motherboard manufacturer’s qualified-memory list where available.

ECC functionality also requires compatible memory, motherboard support, chipset support and firmware configuration.

PCI Express connectivity

The processor supports PCI Express 5.0 and PCI Express 4.0 connectivity, with up to 24 processor PCI Express lanes. Supported processor lane arrangements include configurations intended for graphics cards and high-speed storage devices.

The exact distribution of PCI Express lanes, available M.2 slots, graphics-slot bandwidth and lane sharing depends on the selected motherboard. Some motherboard slots or ports may share bandwidth or become unavailable when particular storage or expansion configurations are used.

Intel lists PCI Express configurations of up to 1×16 + 2×4, 2×8 + 2×4, or 1×8 + 4×4, depending on platform implementation.

Integrated Intel Graphics

Unlike the 250KF Plus model, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus includes integrated Intel Graphics. This allows a compatible system to provide display output without requiring a separate graphics card, provided the selected motherboard includes suitable display connections.

The integrated graphics specifications include:

• 300 MHz graphics base frequency
• Up to 1.90 GHz graphics maximum dynamic frequency
• 4 Xe-cores
• Intel Quick Sync Video
• H.264 hardware encode and decode
• H.265/HEVC hardware encode and decode
• AV1 hardware encode and decode
• Support for up to four displays

Supported graphics outputs include DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20, HDMI 2.1 FRL and eDP 1.4b, subject to motherboard implementation.

Maximum supported resolution can reach 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz through a compatible DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 FRL implementation. Actual resolution, refresh rate, colour depth and display count depend on the motherboard outputs, display, cable, drivers and selected configuration.

The integrated graphics are useful for general display output, media processing, system configuration and troubleshooting. A dedicated graphics card may still be required for demanding gaming, professional 3D rendering, GPU compute or other graphics-intensive workloads.

Intel Quick Sync Video and media support

Intel Quick Sync Video provides hardware-assisted media processing for compatible applications. The integrated graphics support hardware encoding and decoding for commonly used formats including H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1.

Availability and performance depend on the operating system, graphics driver, software version, codec implementation and application support. Hardware media acceleration is not used automatically by every application.

Built-in AI acceleration

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus includes Intel AI Boost, Intel’s integrated neural processing unit. Intel specifies:

• 13 NPU peak TOPS
• 8 integrated-GPU peak TOPS
• 30 overall peak TOPS

The processor also supports Intel Deep Learning Boost on the CPU and integrated GPU.

These capabilities can accelerate supported artificial-intelligence functions within compatible applications and software frameworks. Intel lists support for frameworks and interfaces including OpenVINO, WindowsML, DirectML, ONNX Runtime, WebNN and WebGPU across different processing engines.

AI feature availability and actual performance depend on the software, workload, operating system, drivers, model precision and whether the application is designed to use the CPU, GPU or NPU. TOPS figures are theoretical peak measurements and should not be treated as application-performance guarantees.

Power and cooling requirements

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has:

• 125 W processor base power
• 159 W maximum turbo power
• PCG 2020A thermal-solution specification
• Maximum operating temperature of 105°C

A compatible CPU cooler is required. Cooling should be selected for the processor’s sustained and turbo power requirements rather than only its nominal base-power figure.

System builders should also account for the power requirements of the graphics card, motherboard, memory, storage, cooling equipment and connected accessories when selecting a power supply.

Actual processor power consumption and temperature depend on workload, motherboard power settings, airflow, ambient temperature, cooling installation and system configuration.

Suitable system configurations

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus may be considered for:

• Performance gaming desktops
• Gaming and simultaneous streaming
• Content-creation systems
• Photography and media-production workstations
• Software-development computers
• Multitasking and productivity desktops
• General-purpose performance systems
• Business desktops requiring compatible manageability features
• Systems using a discrete graphics card
• Systems requiring integrated graphics as a display or diagnostic fallback

Suitability depends on the individual software, workload, graphics requirements and complete system specification.

Boxed product identification

This listing is for the boxed Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus with the manufacturer ordering code:

BX80768250K

Intel identifies this ordering code as the boxed version of the processor. The associated Intel specification code is SA4UZ.

Confirm the manufacturer part number before ordering, particularly when comparing boxed, tray, KF or region-specific versions.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus requires a compatible LGA1851 motherboard and DDR5 memory. It is not compatible with LGA1700 motherboards.

Before purchase, verify:

• Motherboard socket and processor-support list
• Chipset and BIOS compatibility
• DDR5 memory compatibility
• CPU-cooler socket support and thermal capacity
• Power-supply capacity
• Motherboard display outputs when using integrated graphics
• Operating-system and driver support

Maximum frequency, memory speed, display resolution, PCI Express configuration, ECC functionality, Thunderbolt availability, vPro features and AI acceleration depend on compatible system hardware and software.

Specifications and manufacturer information may be changed without notice. Product images are provided for product identification. Confirm the manufacturer part number before purchase.