Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus socket: LGA 1851
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses the LGA 1851 socket. It is the 18-core Arrow Lake Refresh processor for upper mid-range desktops, needing an 800 series DDR5 motherboard and, for display output without a card, nothing extra since graphics are built in.
- Socket
- LGA 1851
- Launched
- March 26, 2026
- Cores and threads
- 18 and 18
- Base power
- 125 W
- Codename
- Arrow Lake Refresh
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core Ultra 5
- Clocks
- 4.2 / 5.3 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus specifications
| Cores | 18 (6 Performance-cores and 12 Efficient-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 18 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Lion Cove (P-cores) and Skymont (E-cores) |
| P-core clocks | 4.2 GHz base, up to 5.3 GHz boost |
| E-core clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 4.6 GHz boost |
| Cache | 30 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) and 30 MB total L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 125 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 159 W |
| Manufacturing process | TSMC N3B (compute tile) |
| Memory support | DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s, two channels, up to 256 GB |
| PCI Express | Up to 24 lanes (PCIe 5.0 and 4.0): 1x16 plus 2x4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, up to 1.9 GHz |
| NPU | Intel AI Boost, 13 TOPS |
| ECC memory | Yes (where the board enables it) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1851 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
| Launch price | $199 (Intel RCP at launch) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus needs a motherboard with a LGA 1851 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 800 series | Z890, B860, H810, Q870, W880 | Works out of the box Intel says these boards should start without a BIOS update, though updating first is still recommended. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1851.
LGA 1851 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,851 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 45.0 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | October 2024 |
| Memory | DDR5 only |
| Cooler mounting holes | 78 × 78 mm |
What the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is an 18 core desktop processor from Intel's Core Ultra 200S Plus family, released on March 26, 2026 under the codename Arrow Lake Refresh. It carries 6 Performance-cores and 12 Efficient-cores for 18 cores and, with no Hyper-Threading, 18 threads. Performance-cores run 4.2 GHz base with boost to 5.3 GHz, while Efficient-cores run 3.3 GHz base with boost to 4.6 GHz. The 30 MB Intel Smart Cache is shared with 30 MB of total L2.
Intel rates the base power at 125 W with maximum turbo power at 159 W. The compute tile uses TSMC N3B. Integrated Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores up to 1.9 GHz cover display output and media work, and an Intel AI Boost NPU with 13 TOPS covers local AI features. ECC memory is supported where the board enables it.
The chip launched at $199, which made it the value centre of the refresh. Against the Core Ultra 5 245K it adds four Efficient-cores, 6 MB of L3 cache and 100 MHz of P-core boost, with a die to die interconnect lifted from 2.1 GHz to 3.0 GHz and official memory support raised from DDR5-6400 to DDR5-7200. Review coverage at launch measured clearly stronger multithreaded performance than the 245K with modest gaming gains, and several outlets named it the standout budget pick of its season. The K suffix marks the unlocked multiplier, and Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 250K Plus goes into an LGA 1851 socket. Only motherboards with 800 series chipsets (Z890, B860, H810, Q870, W880) carry it, and Intel's compatibility pages list the Plus chips across that series. It is not compatible with the 600 and 700 series boards of LGA 1700.
Z890 boards unlock the multiplier for K-series overclocking, while B860 boards run rated clocks with memory tuning. The integrated graphics drive board display outputs, which keeps office builds and troubleshooting simple without a discrete card. A dozen new 800 series board designs were reported alongside the launch for buyers who want fresh firmware from day one.
Since the refresh reuses the existing socket, many 800 series boards accept the chip with their shipping firmware, though a BIOS update to the newest revision before fitting the processor remains the safe move. LGA 1851 boards take DDR5 only, so DDR4 modules cannot transfer. Intel specifies DDR5-7200 across two channels to 256 GB.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The processor provides up to 24 PCI Express lanes across PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, split by the board in patterns such as 1x16 plus 2x4 for graphics and NVMe storage. A discrete card gets a full x16 link in typical layouts, with remaining links serving fast solid state drives. The chipset adds further lanes for extra devices and networking.
Cooling must handle 125 W base with turbo peaks to 159 W during heavy loads, so a capable tower air cooler suits most builds. Mounting holes keep the 78 mm pattern shared with LGA 1700, so many LGA 1700 coolers carry over with maker approval. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers the patterns. No cooler ships in the box.
Memory overclocking through XMP profiles works on supporting boards, including CUDIMM kits for higher speeds. The move to an official 7200 MT/s rating narrows the gap between stock and overclocked memory behaviour, though board level tuning still decides the ceiling.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 1851 the 250K Plus sits in the upper mid-range, below the 24-core Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and above the 10-core Core Ultra 5 225. Coming from an older platform the move needs a new board and DDR5 memory, since neither carries over. Builders who already own a discrete card and want to save money can pick the 250KF Plus, which is the same silicon without graphics.
Eighteen threads across the hybrid layout suit gaming with background tasks running alongside. Lion Cove Performance-cores take latency sensitive work while Skymont Efficient-cores absorb throughput and background jobs. The 4 Xe-core integrated graphics cover office use and media playback, and the 13 TOPS NPU covers local AI features with enough system memory.
Intel's next desktop generation is reported to use a different socket, so LGA 1851 may not extend past the current family plus its refresh. That makes the 250K Plus a strong single purchase rather than the start of a long board level roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus use?
It uses LGA 1851, written FCLGA1851 in Intel's documents.
Does the 250K Plus have integrated graphics?
Yes. Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores up to 1.9 GHz drive displays and media. The 250KF Plus is the same chip without graphics.
Does the 250K Plus support DDR4?
No. LGA 1851 boards use DDR5 only, officially up to 7200 MT/s on the Plus parts.
What changed over the Core Ultra 5 245K?
It adds four Efficient-cores, 6 MB more L3 cache, 100 MHz more P-core boost, faster die to die links and DDR5-7200 support at the same 125 W base power.
Which chipset should surround a 250K Plus?
Z890 if you plan to change CPU multipliers. B860 is enough for stock speeds and still allows memory overclocking.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 250K Plus specifications (Intel ARK)
- Intel Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU Review and Benchmarks (GamersNexus)
- Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus review (PCMag)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .