Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 155H processor, marketed as a powerhouse for thin-and-light laptops, is reportedly struggling with significant thermal throttling in smaller devices, according to recent testing. Users and reviewers have observed performance dips of up to 25% during sustained workloads, raising questions about the chip’s viability in ultraportable designs.
The issue came to light through rigorous benchmarking by NotebookCheck, which tested the processor across multiple laptop models. In compact systems with limited cooling solutions, the Core Ultra 7 155H consistently reduced its clock speeds under prolonged stress, such as gaming or video rendering. According to their findings, smaller chassis designs—particularly those under 14 inches—were most affected, with performance dropping by roughly 20-25% compared to initial burst speeds.
“The processor starts strong but hits a thermal wall quickly in tighter builds,” noted one tester. “After 10 minutes of Cinebench R23, scores plummeted by nearly a quarter in some cases.” This throttling behavior highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing performance and portability. While the Core Ultra 7 155H boasts 16 cores and a 28W TDP, its efficiency gains from Intel’s Meteor Lake architecture appear insufficient to overcome the thermal constraints of slimmer devices.
Industry experts suggest the problem stems from manufacturers prioritizing sleek designs over robust cooling. “Smaller laptops often rely on single fans or minimal heat pipes, which can’t dissipate 28W of sustained heat,” explained tech analyst Laura Chen. “Even the most advanced nodes can’t bypass physics.”
For consumers, this means potential trade-offs. While the chip excels in short tasks like web browsing or light productivity, creatives and gamers may face frustration during extended use. Some brands, like Asus and Lenovo, have mitigated the issue in slightly larger 14-inch models with enhanced vapor chambers, but 13-inch variants continue to struggle.
Intel has yet to comment on the throttling reports, but the findings underscore a recurring dilemma in mobile computing: raw power versus thermal headroom. As ultraportables dominate market trends, the pressure to innovate cooling solutions grows. For now, buyers eyeing compact laptops with this CPU should temper expectations—or opt for thicker, better-ventilated systems.
Read the full analysis and benchmark details in NotebookCheck’s report.
