The Intel Ultra 5 250K Plus (250KP) is a $200 CPU that marks a significant improvement over Intel’s previous 200 series, bringing performance closer to parity with the 14th generation and rivaling CPUs like the 14600K and 285K in gaming and production workloads. This new CPU features a 6 performance core and 12 efficiency core configuration, totaling 18 cores and 18 threads, with a maximum boost clock of 5.3 GHz and a TDP of 159 watts. It supports DDR5 7200 memory, an upgrade from the previous 6400, and offers more cores and cache compared to its predecessor, the 245K, which contributes to its improved performance.
Intel requires users to install the Intel Platform Performance Package (PPP) software to ensure proper CPU functionality, including core scheduling and power management. However, the setup process is somewhat complicated, involving multiple executables and a hotfix, which reviewers found disorganized and problematic. Intel also offers a binary optimization tool intended to optimize CPU performance in select applications, but this tool currently supports only 12 games and delivers minimal performance gains, making it a non-essential feature for most users.
In gaming benchmarks, the 250KP generally performs well, often matching or slightly surpassing the 285K and 14600K in various titles, though AMD’s X3D CPUs like the 5800X3D and 5700X3D still lead in many scenarios. The 250KP shows significant gains over the 9600X and the older 245K, with improvements ranging from 8% to over 20% in some games. Despite these gains, some games show minimal benefit from the PPP software, and the 250KP’s performance remains limited by the high cost of DDR5 memory, which continues to be a barrier for many PC builders.
Production workloads highlight the 250KP’s strengths, with notable improvements over the 245K and strong competition against AMD’s similarly priced CPUs. In compression, decompression, rendering, Photoshop, code compilation, and video editing tests, the 250KP consistently outperforms the 9600X and shows respectable gains over Intel’s previous generation. However, higher-end CPUs like the 285K and AMD’s 9950X still lead these workloads, indicating that while the 250KP is a solid mid-range performer, it is not a top-tier option for heavy production tasks.
Power consumption tests reveal the 250KP draws around 186 watts in heavy workloads like Blender rendering, which is above its rated TDP but expected due to measurement methods. Gaming power draw is lower and more variable. Overall, the 250KP is seen as a positive step for Intel, offering competitive performance at a reasonable price point and improving upon the troubled launch of the earlier 200 series. However, its arrival late in the LGA 1851 motherboard lifecycle and the persistent high cost of DDR5 memory temper the enthusiasm, leaving some uncertainty about platform longevity and overall value for prospective buyers. The reviewer plans to follow up with a review of the $300 270K Plus CPU soon.
