Intel Atom P5342 vs Intel Core i5-11500T Comparison

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Atom P5342 across every Cinebench iteration in the head-to-head comparison, though the margins are consistently narrow. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Atom P5342 scores 1121 against the Core i5-11500T's 1093, a 2.5% advantage. The single-core result in the same test follows the same pattern: 158 versus 154, again a 2.5% gap. These are small but consistent deltas, and they repeat across every workload.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the Atom P5342 posts 4671 in multi-core versus 4558 for the Core i5-11500T, a 2.4% difference. Single-core R20 shows 659 against 643, also a 2.4% gap. The trend continues in Cinebench R23, where the Atom P5342 reaches 11122 multi-core and 1570 single-core, while the Core i5-11500T manages 10854 and 1532 respectively, both with the same 2.4% margin.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Across six benchmarks, the Atom P5342 wins every test, yet the largest advantage is only 2.5%. This indicates that the two processors are fundamentally very close in raw compute throughput, at least as measured by Cinebench. The Atom P5342's edge is real but modest, which suggests that architectural differences, rather than core counts or clock speeds alone, are driving the outcome.

For context, the average benchmark score for the Core i5-11500T is 3288, placing it in the 53rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Atom P5342 has an average score of 3217, also at the 53rd percentile. The nearest rivals for the Core i5-11500T include the Intel Xeon E-2374G at 3278 (0.3% lower), the Intel Core i3-12100T at 3277 (0.3% lower), and the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2516 at 3277 (0.4% lower), while the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 sits slightly higher at 3303 (0.5% above). For the Atom P5342, the closest competitors are the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5350GE and the AMD Ryzen 7 4800U, both at 3218 (0% delta), followed by the Intel Core i5-1240P at 3202 (0.5% lower) and the Intel Core i3-13100T at 3198 (0.6% lower). These figures show that both chips occupy the same performance tier, and the head-to-head deltas reflect that closeness.

# FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Atom P5342 wins with a score of 11122, compared to the Intel Core i5-11500T's 10854, a 2.4% advantage.

Q: How much faster is the Atom P5342 in single-core performance?

A: Across all three Cinebench versions, the Atom P5342 leads by 2.4% to 2.5%. In R15, it scores 158 versus 154; in R20, 659 versus 643; and in R23, 1570 versus 1532.

Q: Do the two processors have the same percentile ranking?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-11500T and the Intel Atom P5342 sit at the 53rd percentile versus all CPUs in the database, with average benchmark scores of 3288 and 3217 respectively.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration for each chip?

A: The Intel Core i5-11500T has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Atom P5342 has 16 cores and 16 threads, meaning it does not support simultaneous multithreading.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock?

A: The Intel Atom P5342 has a base clock of 2.20 GHz, which is higher than the Core i5-11500T's 1.50 GHz base clock. However, the Core i5-11500T has a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the Atom P5342 has no listed boost clock.

Q: Are there any benchmark tests where the Core i5-11500T wins?

A: No. In the head-to-head data, the Atom P5342 wins all six benchmarks, and the Core i5-11500T records zero wins.

# Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies from Intel. The Core i5-11500T is built on Rocket Lake architecture, using a 14 nm process node, and is designed for the desktop market segment. Its codename is Rocket Lake, and it belongs to the Core i5 generation (Rocket Lake-S). In contrast, the Atom P5342 uses the Snow Ridge codename, built on a 10 nm process node, and targets the server/workstation segment. Its generation is listed as Atom (Tremont), reflecting its low-power, high-density design.

The core counts differ substantially. The Core i5-11500T has 6 cores and 12 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading to double the thread count. The Atom P5342 has 16 cores but only 16 threads, indicating a simpler, single-thread-per-core design without hyperthreading. This is a classic distinction between a high-performance desktop part and a many-core server-oriented processor.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The Core i5-11500T features 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 511 KB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Atom P5342 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 4.5 MB of L2 cache per module, with no L3 cache listed. The Atom's larger L2 per module suggests a design that relies on module-level caching rather than a shared L3 pool.

Memory support is similar in type, both using DDR4 with dual-channel buses, but bandwidth differs. The Core i5-11500T claims 51.2 GB/s, while the Atom P5342 is rated at 42.7 GB/s. ECC memory support is another differentiator: the Atom P5342 supports ECC, while the Core i5-11500T does not. This aligns with the Atom's server orientation.

PCIe capabilities also separate the two. The Core i5-11500T provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the Atom P5342 offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe generation on the desktop part gives it higher per-lane bandwidth, while the Atom part has fewer lanes and an older standard.

Integrated graphics are present on the Core i5-11500T as UHD Graphics 750, whereas the Atom P5342 has no integrated graphics at all. This reflects the desktop usage model, where a display output is often required, versus the server market, where discrete or remote management graphics are typical.

The die size is listed for the Core i5-11500T at 276 mm², while no die size is recorded for the Atom P5342. The production status also differs: the Core i5-11500T is end-of-life, while the Atom P5342 is active. Release dates are 2021-03-15 for the Core i5 and 2022-06-05 for the Atom, showing a year apart in launch timing.

# The Verdict

Based strictly on the recorded data, the Intel Atom P5342 is the faster processor in every measured Cinebench test, but the margins are narrow, ranging from 2.4% to 2.5%. If a user prioritizes raw multi-threaded and single-threaded Cinebench scores, the Atom P5342 is the clear pick. Its 16 cores provide a higher core count than the 6-core Core i5-11500T, and despite lacking hyperthreading, it still edges ahead in all six benchmarks.

However, the Core i5-11500T offers features that the Atom P5342 does not. It has integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), which the Atom lacks entirely. It also supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, versus the Atom's Gen 3 with 16 lanes. For a desktop system that needs display output or faster I/O, the Core i5-11500T is the more suitable choice, even though it loses in compute benchmarks.

The Atom P5342 counters with ECC memory support, a feature absent on the Core i5-11500T, making it preferable for reliability-sensitive server or workstation workloads. Its lower memory bandwidth (42.7 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s) is a disadvantage, but its active production status and newer release date (2022-06-05 versus 2021-03-15) suggest ongoing availability.

The average benchmark scores place both at the same percentile (53rd), and their nearest rivals cluster around the same performance level. The data shows that neither chip is dramatically superior overall; the choice depends on workload requirements. For compute-bound tasks in Cinebench, the Atom P5342 wins. For desktop integration and modern PCIe, the Core i5-11500T is better equipped.

# Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification. The Core i5-11500T has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Atom P5342 has 16 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 1.50 GHz for the Core i5 and 2.20 GHz for the Atom, with only the Core i5 listing a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. Thermal design power (TDP) is 35 watts for the Core i5 versus 71 watts for the Atom, a significant power envelope difference.

Sockets are distinct: the Core i5-11500T uses Intel Socket 1200, while the Atom P5342 uses Intel BGA 2106. Process nodes are 14 nm for the Core i5 and 10 nm for the Atom. Cache configurations differ: the Core i5 has 80 KB L1 per core, 511 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3; the Atom has 64 KB L1 per core and 4.5 MB L2 per module, with no L3 listed. Memory bandwidth is 51.2 GB/s for the Core i5 and 42.7 GB/s for the Atom. ECC memory is supported only on the Atom. PCIe is Gen 4 with 20 lanes on the Core i5, versus Gen 3 with 16 lanes on the Atom. Integrated graphics are present only on the Core i5 (UHD Graphics 750). The Core i5 is in the desktop segment, while the Atom is in server/workstation. Production status is end-of-life for the Core i5 and active for the Atom. Release dates are 2021-03-15 and 2022-06-05 respectively. Part numbers are SRKNZ for the Core i5 and SRL3T for the Atom. The launch MSRP is $192 for the Core i5 and $708 for the Atom.