Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus
- iGPU:
- None (KF
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 5.3 GHz / 4.2 GHz (P-core)
- Core/Thread Count:
- 18 Core / 18 Thread (6 P-cores + 12 E-cores)
- Cache:
- 30MB Intel Smart Cache
- NPU:
- Intel AI Boost
- TDP:
- 125W base
- CPU Socket:
- LGA1851 (FCLGA1851)
- CPU Process Node:
- TSMC N3B
- CPU Series:
- Arrow Lake Refresh
- Memory Support:
- DDR5-7200
- PCIe Lanes:
- 24 (PCIe 5.0 + 4.0)
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated:
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Review
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus desktop processor, 18 cores (6P+12E) / 18 threads, 4.2GHz P-core base up to 5.3GHz boost, no integrated graphics, LGA 1851, Arrow Lake Refresh
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the graphics-less counterpart to the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus in Intel's Arrow Lake Refresh lineup, dropping the integrated GPU entirely for buyers who are always pairing it with a discrete graphics card, at a lower price than the graphics-equipped part.
KF Means No Integrated Graphics
Like other KF-suffix Intel desktop chips, the 250KF Plus is functionally identical to the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus except it ships with zero Xe-cores active, meaning it has no display output on its own and absolutely requires a discrete GPU to post or run a display.
Who Actually Needs This
Buyers who already own or are buying a discrete GPU and have no use for a chip's integrated graphics get the same 18-core Arrow Lake Refresh performance as the 250K Plus for less money. It is not a fit for anyone who wants a fallback display output or a headless-but-occasionally-monitored build.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus in this catalog, the 250KF Plus is the same silicon minus integrated graphics and minus part of the price premium. Against AMD's Ryzen 5 9600X, Intel positions the 250-series Plus chips as substantially ahead in multi-core workloads based on its own testing, though independent reviews should be checked for gaming-specific comparisons.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core Ultra 5 |
| Model Number | 250KF Plus |
Segment and platform
| Microarchitecture | Arrow Lake Refresh, Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1851 (FCLGA1851) |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5-7200, 2-Channel, up to 256GB |
|---|
Graphics and AI
| NPU Peak TOPS | Intel AI Boost, 13 TOPS |
|---|
Expansion
| PCIe Lanes | 24 |
|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 18 Core / 18 Thread (6 P-cores + 12 E-cores) |
| TDP | 125W base, up to 159W Turbo |
| iGPU | None (0 Xe-cores, KF variant) |
| Cache | 30MB Intel Smart Cache / 30MB L2 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 5.3 GHz / 4.2 GHz (P-core); E-core 3.3 GHz base |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Builds already using a discrete GPU
- Budget-conscious 18-core desktop builds
- Buyers who never need integrated graphics
Not for
- Headless servers needing occasional display output
- GPU-less troubleshooting or diagnostics
- Buyers without a discrete GPU on hand
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is a processor from Intel. Key specs: iGPU None (0 Xe-cores, KF variant), Boost/Base Clock 5.3 GHz / 4.2 GHz (P-core); E-core 3.3 GHz base, Core/Thread Count 18 Core / 18 Thread (6 P-cores + 12 E-cores), Cache 30MB Intel Smart Cache / 30MB L2, NPU Intel AI Boost, 13 TOPS.
Will the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus work with my current setup?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus lists CPU Socket is LGA1851 (FCLGA1851). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus best suited to?
It suits builds already using a discrete gpu, budget-conscious 18-core desktop builds, buyers who never need integrated graphics.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?
It is a poor fit for headless servers needing occasional display output, gpu-less troubleshooting or diagnostics, buyers without a discrete gpu on hand.