Intel Core 3 100HL vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the Intel Core 3 100HL and the Intel Core 5 221E is fully one-sided. Across all 17 recorded benchmarks, the Intel Core 5 221E posts the higher score, giving it a 17 to 0 win record. The margin varies sharply by workload, from a modest single-thread edge to a dominant lead in multi-threaded and math-heavy tests.

In Cinebench tests, the Core 5 221E leads by a consistent 42.4% in every single test. The R15 multicore result shows 2613 versus 1506, while the R15 single-core test shows 368 versus 212. The same 42.4% gap appears in R20 multicore (10891 versus 6278), R20 single-core (1537 versus 886), R23 multicore (25933 versus 14948), and R23 single-core (3661 versus 2110). This uniformity suggests the advantage is structural rather than workload-dependent, likely tied to the higher core count and clock speeds.

The PassMark suite reveals larger disparities in specific tasks. The biggest single gap is in prime number finding, where the Core 5 221E scores 173 versus just 48 for the Core 3 100HL, a 72.3% lead. Integer math shows a 52.2% gap (117813 versus 56308), and floating point math shows a 46.7% gap (79028 versus 42108). Physics simulation results are also far apart, 2230 versus 928, a 58.4% difference.

The smallest margin appears in single-threaded PassMark tests. The Core 5 221E scores 4147 versus 3735, a 9.9% lead. That is the only benchmark where the two processors are close. Data compression shows a 37.6% gap (324285 versus 202225), data encryption shows a 37.7% gap (19205 versus 11964), and random string sorting shows a 38.4% gap (37686 versus 23223). Extended instructions show a 31.6% gap (18216 versus 12463). The Core 5 221E also leads in the PassMark multithread score, 30510 versus 17586, a 42.4% margin.

Overall average benchmark scores reinforce the hierarchy. The Core 5 221E averages 40144, while the Core 3 100HL averages 23545. That places the Core 5 221E in the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 100HL sits in the 76th percentile. The nearest rivals for the Core 5 221E include the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 with an average score of 40081 (0.2% difference), the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 at 40048 (0.2% difference), and the Intel Core i9-13905H at 40313 (0.4% difference). The Core 3 100HL, by contrast, competes with the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U at 23709 (0.7% difference) and the Intel Core i5-11500 at 23718 (0.7% difference).

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and the same 10 nm process node, but their internal designs diverge on several key points. The Core 3 100HL uses Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, while the Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake codename. Both are produced by Intel, but the die size differs: the Core 5 221E measures 257 mm², while the Core 3 100HL does not have a recorded die size.

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The Core 3 100HL provides 8 cores and 12 threads, while the Core 5 221E provides 14 cores and 20 threads. That is a 6-core and 8-thread advantage for the Core 5 221E. Base clocks also differ, with the Core 3 100HL running at 2.10 GHz and the Core 5 221E at 2.70 GHz. Boost clocks show an even larger gap: 4.60 GHz for the Core 3 100HL versus 5.20 GHz for the Core 5 221E. The thermal design power reflects this difference, with the Core 3 100HL rated at 45 watts and the Core 5 221E at 65 watts.

Cache configurations follow the same pattern. Both use 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache, however, doubles from 12 MB in the Core 3 100HL to 24 MB in the Core 5 221E. Memory support is similar, as both accept DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 5 221E records a memory bandwidth figure of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 3 100HL has no recorded bandwidth value. ECC memory support also differs: the Core 3 100HL does not support ECC, while the Core 5 221E does.

PCIe capabilities are notably different. The Core 3 100HL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Core 5 221E offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 3 100HL using Iris Xe Graphics with 48 execution units and the Core 5 221E using UHD Graphics 730.

Release timing separates the two as well. The Core 3 100HL launched on April 7, 2024, while the Core 5 221E launched on January 12, 2025. Both are currently marked as Active production. The Core 5 221E has a recorded part number (SRQDVQ659), while the Core 3 100HL does not. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221E wins in every recorded benchmark, but the size of the win varies enough to define distinct usage patterns. For single-threaded responsiveness, the Core 5 221E holds a 9.9% edge in PassMark single-thread testing. That advantage comes from its higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz versus 4.60 GHz. Tasks that rely on one core, such as lightweight productivity or older software, will favor the Core 5 221E but not by a dramatic margin.

For heavy multi-threaded workloads, the Core 5 221E's advantage becomes decisive. Cinebench R23 multicore shows a 42.4% lead, and the PassMark multithread test shows the same margin. The extra 6 cores and 8 threads drive this outcome. Rendering, video encoding, and compilation workloads will see the largest benefit from the Core 5 221E.

Math-intensive workloads show the most extreme separation. Prime number finding delivers a 72.3% lead for the Core 5 221E, while integer math shows a 52.2% lead and floating point math shows a 46.7% lead. These results indicate that scientific computing, financial modeling, or any task with heavy arithmetic will strongly prefer the Core 5 221E. Physics simulation also leans heavily toward the Core 5 221E, with a 58.4% gap in PassMark physics testing.

The Core 3 100HL has no benchmark wins, but its lower 45-watt TDP and integrated Iris Xe Graphics with 48 execution units suggest a different positioning. The database does not record a single score where the Core 3 100HL outperforms the Core 5 221E. Its role is limited to lighter workloads where the power envelope matters more than raw throughput.

Data-oriented tasks follow the same pattern. Data compression shows a 37.6% lead for the Core 5 221E, data encryption shows a 37.7% lead, and random string sorting shows a 38.4% lead. Extended instruction workloads show a 31.6% lead. In every case, the Core 5 221E delivers substantially higher throughput.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E averages 40144, while the Intel Core 3 100HL averages 23545.

Q: How large is the single-thread performance gap?

A: In PassMark single-thread testing, the Core 5 221E scores 4147 versus 3735, a 9.9% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows a larger gap, 3661 versus 2110, a 42.4% difference.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 5 221E additionally supports ECC memory, while the Core 3 100HL does not.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The Core 3 100HL has 8 cores and 12 threads. The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Core 5 221E has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 12 MB found in the Core 3 100HL.

Q: How do the PCIe capabilities compare?

A: The Core 3 100HL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core 5 221E offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The Core 3 100HL boosts to 4.60 GHz, while the Core 5 221E boosts to 5.20 GHz.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on the following recorded specifications:

• Cores: 8 (Core 3 100HL) versus 14 (Core 5 221E)
• Threads: 12 versus 20
• Base clock: 2.10 GHz versus 2.70 GHz
• Boost clock: 4.60 GHz versus 5.20 GHz
• TDP: 45 watts versus 65 watts
• Codename: Raptor Lake-PS versus Bartlett Lake
• Die size: not recorded versus 257 mm²
• L3 cache: 12 MB shared versus 24 MB shared
• Memory bandwidth: not recorded versus 89.6 GB/s
• ECC memory: false versus true
• PCIe: Gen 4, 8 lanes versus Gen 5, 16 lanes
• Integrated graphics: Iris Xe Graphics 48EU versus UHD Graphics 730
• Release date: April 7, 2024 versus January 12, 2025
• Part number: unknown versus SRQDVQ659
• Launch MSRP: none recorded versus $232

Shared specifications include the Intel Socket 1700, 10 nm process node, Intel foundry, 80 KB L1 cache per core, 2 MB L2 cache per core, DDR4/DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, Desktop market segment, Active production status, and locked multiplier.

The Verdict

The benchmark data delivers a clear verdict: the Intel Core 5 221E outperforms the Intel Core 3 100HL in every recorded test. The 17 to 0 win record leaves no ambiguity. The Core 5 221E delivers a 42.4% advantage across all Cinebench tests, a 52.2% lead in integer math, and a 72.3% lead in prime number finding. Its average benchmark score of 40144 places it in the 87th percentile, while the Core 3 100HL sits at 23545 in the 76th percentile.

The Core 5 221E justifies its higher 65-watt TDP with proportionally higher throughput. The extra 6 cores, 8 threads, 12 MB of L3 cache, and 0.60 GHz higher boost clock translate directly into measured performance gains. It also brings newer PCIe Gen 5 support with 16 lanes, ECC memory support, and a larger die size of 257 mm². The launch MSRP of $232 applies to the Core 5 221E, while the Core 3 100HL has no recorded launch price.

The Core 3 100HL does have a lower 45-watt TDP and a more capable integrated GPU with 48 execution units versus the UHD Graphics 730. Those factors matter for systems where power draw and graphics output from the CPU itself are priorities. However, the recorded benchmarks show no workload where the Core 3 100HL wins. Any task measured in the database, from single-threaded PassMark to multi-threaded Cinebench, runs faster on the Core 5 221E.

For buyers choosing between these two Socket 1700 processors, the data supports the Core 5 221E for essentially all performance-oriented uses. The 9.9% single-thread gap is the smallest margin, but even that favors the Core 5 221E. The 42.4% multi-thread gap makes the choice straightforward for rendering, compilation, or any parallel workload. The 72.3% prime number gap and 52.2% integer math gap extend the recommendation to scientific and arithmetic-heavy applications.

The Core 3 100HL remains a functional processor with a 76th percentile standing, but the Core 5 221E sits 11 percentile points higher. Its nearest rivals, including the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 and Intel Core i9-13905H, show it competing at a higher performance tier entirely. The Core 3 100HL's nearest rivals, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U and Intel Core i5-11500, reflect a lower competitive bracket. The recorded data leaves no basis for selecting the Core 3 100HL on performance grounds; the Core 5 221E wins every measurable comparison.