Intel Core Ultra 7 265 hits a record new low with a quarter shaved off its MSRP
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If you’re thinking of putting together a productivity-focused build in 2026, you’ll find yourself with plenty of options from Intel and AMD. The majority of the base favors Team Red, but Intel also has solid offerings like the Core Ultra 7 265, which has a high core and thread count, an efficient power draw, support for super-fast RAM clock speeds, and is based on the LGA 1851 platform. Right now, it is up for grabs for 25% less, or more specifically, $279.99.
On top of that, the Arrow Lake architecture also delivers exceptional multi-core performance, which is crucial for handling demanding tasks like rendering, simulations, content creation, compilation, encoding, running apps in parallel, and more. The gaming performance is also decent, and with it, you can pair a mid-range GPU to run games at 1440p or even 4K, which puts more load on the card giving you better FPS, depending on its capabilities.
Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265
What we liked about the Core Ultra 7 265
Solid gaming performance
The Core Ultra 7 265 has good gaming performance thanks to the hybrid core architecture with 8 Performance cores and 12 Efficient cores. This configuration can run demanding games while tackling background processes. This allows you to run a CPU-intensive strategy game while dozens of processes like Discord, a browser, and game launchers run in the background without any noticeable performance drops.
Prime Day may have ended, but that hasn't stopped major retailers slashing prices on popular tech hardware. Below, we've listed some of the best deals available today.
- AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 9 9900X 12-Core - was $499 now $328
- CORSAIR 4000D PC Case - was $124.99 now $75.99
- Hisense 65" Class E6SR - was $549 now $377.99
- Apple 2026 MacBook Air - was $1,999 now $1,799
- Skytech Gaming PC Desktop (9850X3d) - was $4,299 now $3,799
- Apple Magic Mouse - was $79 now $59
- MSI Prestige 16 Flip - was $2,149 now $1,899
- Kotin 9700X Gaming PC - was $2,399 now $2,199
Prices correct as of October 9th, 2026.
Excellent multitasking
This processor brings a ton of processing power to the table with its 20 cores and 20 threads. You will have no issue running multiple processes at once, such as gaming, streaming, recording your gameplay, having multiple tabs open, and more. For example, while playing Cyberpunk 2077, you could easily stream with OBS while the game and streaming chat with Discord and have other guides open at the same time without ever batting an eye.
Efficient hybrid architecture
One of its biggest strengths is the hybrid architecture. This allows the processor to allocate the most demanding workload to Performance cores and some background tasks to Efficient cores for balancing performance and efficiency. So, when the going gets tough, the P-cores will come into action and handle that. After their work is done, the E-cores will take over for lighter tasks, background processes, etc. This ensures that the CPU isn’t pulling a lot of power for each and every task.
Built-in NPU for AI
Equipped with an NPU designed for AI workloads, the 265 is capable of offloading different types of AI work to compatible apps. This can be useful for AI services like background removal, voice booster, and other AI productivity aids. For example, video calling applications may utilize AI features without burdening the CPU as much.
Perfect for content creators
Apart from gaming, there is enough power in the Core Ultra 7 265 for higher-end creative work. The multi-core nature of the CPU is good for video editing, photo processing, rendering, animation, and more.
More CPU deals
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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X with Wraith Stealth Cooler
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
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