Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus socket: LGA 1851
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses the LGA 1851 socket. It is the 18-core Arrow Lake Refresh processor without integrated graphics, so a build needs a discrete graphics card and an 800 series DDR5 motherboard.
- 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 250KF 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 | None (the F suffix means no graphics) |
| NPU | Intel AI Boost, 13 TOPS |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1851 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
| Launch price | $174 to $184 (Intel RCP at launch) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF 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 250KF Plus is
The Core Ultra 5 250KF 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.
The F in the name means the integrated graphics are absent, so the system shows nothing without a discrete card, and the chip launched at a lower recommended price than the graphics equipped 250K Plus for it. Intel rates the base power at 125 W with maximum turbo power at 159 W. The compute tile uses TSMC N3B, and an Intel AI Boost NPU with 13 TOPS covers local AI features.
Against the Core Ultra 5 245K it effectively replaces, the KF Plus adds four Efficient-cores, 6 MB of L3 cache and 100 MHz of P-core boost, plus a faster die to die interconnect at 3.0 GHz instead of 2.1 GHz and official DDR5 support at 7200 MT/s instead of 6400 MT/s. Review coverage at launch found clearly stronger multithreaded results than the 245K with modest gaming movement, which matches a refresh that adds throughput rather than redrawing the architecture. The K suffix marks the unlocked multiplier, and Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 250KF Plus goes into an LGA 1851 socket. Only motherboards with 800 series chipsets (Z890, B860, H810, Q870, W880) carry it, and Intel's own compatibility pages list the Plus chips across that series. It is not compatible with the 600 and 700 series boards of LGA 1700, since the contact layout, keying and chipsets all differ.
Z890 boards unlock the multiplier for K-series overclocking, while B860 boards run rated clocks with memory tuning. Because the chip has no graphics, board display outputs stay dark regardless of chipset, so the monitor must connect to the discrete card. Budget builders should note that H810 trims features to save cost while still seating the chip.
All Plus processors launched into the existing LGA 1851 board stock, so many 800 series boards accept the chip with the shipping firmware. Updating to the newest BIOS before fitting the processor remains the safe move, since early firmware revisions predate the refresh.
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 graphics card is mandatory on this SKU, so the x16 slot wiring deserves more attention than on graphics equipped models. The chipset adds further lanes for additional 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 support is officially DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s across two channels to 256 GB, a step up from the 6400 MT/s rating of the original Arrow Lake parts. Boards often run faster CUDIMM kits with overclocking profiles, so the board memory support list matters more than the processor rating. ECC memory is supported where the board enables it.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 1851 the 250KF Plus sits in the upper mid-range, trading with the graphics equipped 250K Plus and stepping below the 24-core Core Ultra 7 270K Plus. Coming from an older platform the move needs a new board and DDR5 memory, since neither the socket nor the memory type carries over from LGA 1700 or earlier.
The natural uses are gaming rigs and creation PCs where a discrete card is bought anyway. Eighteen threads across the hybrid layout keep background tasks off the Performance-cores while games and latency sensitive work take priority. The 13 TOPS NPU handles local AI features with enough system memory, though heavy model work still belongs on the discrete GPU.
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. Buyers who prize long upgrade paths should weigh that against the chip's aggressive launch pricing before committing to the platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus use?
It uses LGA 1851, written FCLGA1851 in Intel's documents.
Does the 250KF Plus have integrated graphics?
No. The F suffix means the chip has no working graphics, so a discrete graphics card is required. The 250K Plus without the F includes integrated graphics.
Does the 250KF 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.
Does the 250KF Plus come with a cooler?
No. Intel does not bundle a cooler with K-series processors, and the 159 W turbo peak wants a capable tower cooler.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 250KF Plus specifications (Intel ARK)
- Get Ahead Of Intel's Core Ultra 7 270K Plus And Ultra 5 250K Plus Price Hikes (HotHardware)
- Arrow Lake, Second Take: Intel's Core Ultra 200S Plus Desktop CPUs (PCMag)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .