Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Which is the best gaming CPU?

The Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 are some of the best processors by the tech giant. Both chips are slightly different, with Core i7 being performance-heavy and the Ultra 7 being more AI-centered and graphically advanced. However, right off the bat, the main difference is that the Ultra 7 processors are exclusively made for laptops, while the i7 is available on both desktop and laptop platforms.

Regardless of whether you're going for a desktop or laptop CPU, you might be confused because of the naming. You might be wondering if the Ultra in the name means superior performance or whether they're both similar due to the 7 in the name.

Either way, we're doing a thorough comparison between the two chips and we'll be looking into their specs, performance, and more so you can get a solid idea about the processors.

Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Specifications comparison

Both Core i7 and Ultra 7 processors are quite different in terms of specs (Image via Intel)

We must look into the specifications of the Intel Core i7 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 series processors to get a better idea about the two. You might see some very contrasting numbers between the Core i7 and Core Ultra 7 processors, which surprised me.

If we're being realistic, the Ultra 7 can't truly compare to the i7 14th-gen chips as they're just too powerful. However, the 16 cores and 22 threads on the Ultra 7 processors are fast enough for daily computing and moderate gaming. They pack enough performance for handling heavy multi-core tasks with relevant ease.

Features	Intel Core i7-14700K	Intel Core i7-13700HX	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	Intel Core Ultra 7 165H
Architecture	Raptor Lake	Raptor Lake	Meteor Lake	Meteor Lake
Cores	20 (8 performance, 12 efficient)	16 (8 performance, 8 efficient)	16 (6 performance, 8 efficient)	16 (6 performance, 8 efficient)
Threads	28	24	22	22
Base Frequency	3.4 GHz Performance-core 2.5 GHz Efficient-core	2.1 GHz	1.4 GHz Performance-core 900 MHz Efficient-core	1.4 GHz Performance-core 900 MHz Efficient-core
Max Clock Speed	5.6 GHz	5 GHz	4.8 GHz	5 GHz
Cache	33 MB Intel Smart Cache	30 MB Intel Smart Cache	24 MB Intel Smart Cache	24 MB Intel Smart Cache
Max Memory Size	192 GB	192 GB	96 GB	96 GB
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	125 W	55 W	28 W	28 W
Maximum Turbo Power (MTP)	253 W	157 W	115 W	115 W

You might notice some very low base frequencies on the Ultra 7 processors. However, this isn't something to be worried about as the hybrid architecture of the CPUs features enough cores and threads to efficiently handle tasks. Moreover, you can boost the frequency to up to 5 GHz, which brings it on par with the i7 chips.

Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Performance comparison

The Core i7 processors are far better in terms of performance (Image via Intel)

Both the Intel Core i7 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 are powerhouses in their own right. Intel has focused more on AI support with the Ultra 7, whereas the Core i7 is more of an all-rounder. While the difference is quite large, the Ultra 7 processors aren't all that bad, as you can see they put up good numbers in both single and multi-core performance.

Benchmark	Intel Core i7-14700K	Intel Core i7-13700HX	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
iGPU - FP32 Performance	820	794	4460
Geekbench 6 single core	2898	2534	2294
Geekbench 6 multi core	19765	13825	12749

The Intel Core i7 puts up incredible numbers, making it the best performer. However, the Ultra 7, too, shows up good numbers, making it a great fit for daily computing, video rendering, and even moderate gaming.

Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Gaming performance comparison

The Ultra 7 processors are inferior to the i7 chips in terms of gaming (Image via Dell)

The 14th-gen i7 is the most powerful chip, and when paired with a good GPU, it is an absolute beast. However, the Intel Arc graphics of the Intel Ultra 7 processors perform surprisingly well. Moreover, they're far better than Intel's Iris Xe and UHD graphics processors.

I sourced the following framerates from YouTube channels like Hubwood, Deadrig Gaming, and Zax Game Inn. I know it would be unfair to compare an RTX-paired CPU with the Intel Arc graphics of the Core Ultra series, so I have also included a CPU with the UHD 770 graphics for a fair comparison.

Games	Intel Core i7-14700K (RTX 4060)	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Intel Arc Graphics)	Intel Core i7-13700K (Intel UHD 770)
Forza Horizon 5	240 fps	44 fps	41 fps
Red Dead Redemption 2	170 fps	41 fps	29 fps
Cyberpunk 2077	109 fps	28 fps	22 fps
Starfield	101 fps	29 fps	GPU not supported

As you can see, when paired with the RTX 4060 GPU, the i7 performed the best. However, the Arc graphics also puts up playable framerates. With some compromises in quality, you can easily run modern games easily. However, the same can't be said about the UHD cards. They may run older games, but some newer titles may be quite hard to play.

Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Which has greater value for money?

Ultra 7 laptops are cheaper, but i7 laptops would be the better choice (Image via Intel)

If we're talking prices, the Intel Core i7-14700K costs ‎$399.99, whereas the Intel Ultra 7 155H is priced at $503. However, the Ultra 7 is a laptop CPU, so you get it with a laptop, which further adds to the price. Judging solely by CPU prices, the Core i7 would be the best option to buy. However, if we're talking about laptops with these chips, it can be quite variable.

You can get both Intel Core i7 and Core Ultra 7 laptops for around $1000-$1500. However, i7 laptops usually tend to be more expensive. The Intel Core Ultra 7 are much more efficient in terms of power as they aren't as power-hungry as the Core i7 chips.

Ultra 7 chips would be a good option for those on a tighter budget, but that's only if you're looking to buy a laptop with these CPUs. For desktops, I would suggest you to go for the Core i7 chips, as they beat the latter in almost every aspect.

Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7: Final Verdict

Both the Intel Core i7 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 are excellent performers. But if we're choosing just one winner in this comparison, the Intel Core i7 would be the one. It is faster and much more efficient in handling tasks. It beats the Ultra 7 processor in both desktop and laptop comparisons.

However, the Intel Core Ultra 7 processors are the most power-efficient and would be a better pick if you're on a tighter budget.

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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan