Intel Core 3 100UL vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded database contains a full benchmark suite for the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, while the Intel Core 3 100UL has no benchmark scores listed. This makes a direct head-to-head comparison one-sided. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus delivers an average benchmark score of 66,159 across all tests. This places it at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, a strong position that indicates it outperforms the vast majority of recorded processors.

The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus shows particular strength in multi-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23, it scores 42,718 in the multi-core test and 6,030 in the single-core test. The single-core result is about 14% of the multi-core figure, which is typical for a processor with many cores. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score reaches 17,941, while the single-core score is 2,532. The Cinebench R15 results follow the same pattern: 4,305 multi-core and 607 single-core.

PassMark tests further detail the performance profile. The data compression test yields 553,155 points, and the data encryption test scores 41,292. Extended instructions produce 42,880 points, while floating point math reaches 159,824. Integer math scores 123,030, and the multi-thread test delivers 50,146. The single-thread PassMark score is 4,698, which appears twice in the database with identical values. Physics testing gives 3,183 points, random string sorting produces 67,209, and the prime number finding test scores 452.

The nearest rivals in the database provide context. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has an average score of 66,099, which is 0.1% below the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D averages 65,914, a 0.4% deficit. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scores 66,855, which is 1% higher than the 250KF Plus. The AMD EPYC 4465P averages 66,925, also 1.1% higher. These small deltas indicate the 250KF Plus sits in a tightly contested performance band.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and use different manufacturing processes. The Intel Core 3 100UL uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename. It is built on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses the Arrow Lake Refresh codename from the Core Ultra Series 2 generation. It is manufactured on a 3 nm process at TSMC. This process difference is substantial, as the smaller node allows for denser transistors and potentially better power efficiency per unit of work.

The transistor counts differ dramatically. The Core 3 100UL has no recorded transistor count in the database. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus contains 17,800 million transistors on a die size of 243 mm². This high transistor count supports the larger core configuration and the more advanced feature set.

Core counts separate the two clearly. The Core 3 100UL has 6 cores and 8 threads, indicating a hybrid layout with some cores lacking hyper-threading. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads, meaning no hyper-threading at all. This is a significant design choice. The 18-core count provides raw parallel throughput, while the 6-core part targets lower power operation.

Clock speeds also differ. The Core 3 100UL has a base clock of 1.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus runs at a base of 4.20 GHz and boosts to 5.30 GHz. The higher base clock on the 250KF Plus matters for sustained workloads, as it maintains higher frequency without relying on boost behavior.

Cache hierarchies are not comparable in size. The Core 3 100UL has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 10 MB of shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core caches on the 250KF Plus support its higher core count and heavier workloads.

Memory support differs as well. The Core 3 100UL supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports only DDR5, also dual-channel, with a measured memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. The 250KF Plus also supports ECC memory, while the Core 3 100UL does not.

PCIe connectivity shows a generational leap. The Core 3 100UL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). This quadruples the lane count and doubles the per-lane bandwidth, which matters for storage and GPU connectivity.

The Core 3 100UL includes integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics 64EU. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics, as indicated by "N/A" in the database. The 250KF Plus is an unlocked processor, meaning the multiplier can be adjusted. The Core 3 100UL is locked.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins in every measured benchmark category because the Core 3 100UL has no recorded scores. The data shows the 250KF Plus excels in multi-core throughput, as expected from its 18-core configuration. Cinebench R23 multi-core at 42,718 and PassMark multi-thread at 50,146 confirm this strength. The single-core results are also strong, with Cinebench R23 single-core at 6,030 and PassMark single-thread at 4,698.

The 250KF Plus also shows strong results in math and data workloads. Floating point math reaches 159,824, integer math hits 123,030, and data compression scores 553,155. These numbers indicate robust performance for scientific computing, financial modeling, and data processing tasks. The data encryption score of 41,292 and extended instructions score of 42,880 add further evidence of broad compute capability.

The Core 3 100UL has no benchmark data, so its winning scenarios cannot be quantified from the record. What the database does show is its configuration: 6 cores, 8 threads, a 1.20 GHz base clock, a 4.50 GHz boost clock, and a 15 W TDP. This low thermal design power suggests the processor is intended for power-constrained or compact systems. Its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory gives it flexibility across platforms. The integrated UHD Graphics 64EU means it can operate without a discrete GPU, which is not possible with the 250KF Plus.

The 250KF Plus has a 125 W TDP, which is over eight times the Core 3 100UL's 15 W TDP. This energy budget enables the higher core count and clock speeds. The trade-off is clear: the 250KF Plus requires robust cooling and power delivery, while the Core 3 100UL can run in much simpler environments.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to two different usage profiles. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the high-performance option. Its 93rd percentile ranking, 18 cores, 5.30 GHz boost clock, and 30 MB of L3 cache make it suitable for heavy multi-threaded workloads, content creation, and scientific computation. The recorded scores in Cinebench and PassMark confirm it delivers leading-edge performance in its class. The nearest rival deltas, ranging from -1.1% to +0.4%, show it is competitive with top-tier processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and the Intel Core 9 273PQE.

The Intel Core 3 100UL has no benchmark scores, so its performance cannot be compared directly. What the database shows is a low-power, 6-core processor with a 4.50 GHz boost clock, 10 MB of L3 cache, and integrated graphics. It uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform and supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This profile suggests a processor for basic computing, office tasks, or embedded-style systems where power efficiency and simplicity matter more than raw throughput.

The choice between the two depends on the workload and system constraints. For users who need maximum multi-core performance, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the clear pick based on the recorded data. For users who need a low-power processor with integrated graphics and memory flexibility, the Core 3 100UL is the only option with those features. The 250KF Plus cannot serve that role because it lacks integrated graphics and has a much higher TDP. The Core 3 100UL cannot serve the high-performance role because it has fewer cores and no recorded benchmark results.

The 250KF Plus launch MSRP is $184. This figure appears once in the database. No pricing data exists for the Core 3 100UL.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Intel Core 3 100UL has 6 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Does the Intel Core 3 100UL support DDR4 memory?

A: Yes, the database lists DDR4 and DDR5 as supported memory types for the Core 3 100UL. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports only DDR5.

Q: What is the benchmark percentile of the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus ranks at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 66,159.

Q: Does the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus have integrated graphics?

A: No, the database lists integrated graphics as "N/A" for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The Core 3 100UL includes UHD Graphics 64EU.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The Core 3 100UL has a TDP of 15 W, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a TDP of 125 W.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports ECC memory. The Core 3 100UL does not, as the database shows ECC memory as false for that processor.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 100UL | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus |

|---|---|---|

| Series | None listed | Core Ultra Series 2 |

| Cores | 6 | 18 |

| Threads | 8 | 18 |

| Base Clock | 1.20 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.50 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Arrow Lake Refresh |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not listed | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | Not listed | 243 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 10 MB (shared) | 30 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 115.2 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 64EU | N/A |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $184 |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07 | 2026-03-10 |

| Part Number | Unknown | SA4V3 |