Intel Core 3 201E vs Intel Core 7 240H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data shows a clear overall winner in this comparison: the Intel Core 7 240H takes 16 of the 17 head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core 3 201E takes a single win. The scale of the Core 7 240H's advantage varies considerably by workload, from a narrow single-core edge to a dominant multi-threaded performance gap.

Starting with the Cinebench suite, the Core 7 240H leads in both R15 and R20 tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core 7 240H scores 2360 against 1271 for the Core 3 201E, a difference of 46.1%. The single-core R15 test shows a smaller gap: 249 versus 179, a 28.1% advantage for the Core 7 240H. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the pattern, with the Core 7 240H scoring 8562 against 5297, a 38.1% lead. The R20 single-core result is nearly identical in percentage terms, with 1208 versus 747, a 38.2% margin.

The Cinebench R23 results offer a different picture. In the multi-core test, the Core 7 240H scores 15764 against 12613, a 20% advantage. This is the smallest multi-core margin in the entire Cinebench series, indicating that the gap narrows as the workload scales. More notably, the single-core R23 test is the only benchmark in the entire comparison where the Core 3 201E wins. The Core 3 201E scores 1780, while the Core 7 240H scores 1719, giving the Core 3 201E a 3.5% lead. This single result suggests that the Core 3 201E has a slight per-core clock advantage in this specific rendering workload, despite the Core 7 240H's higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz compared to 4.80 GHz.

Moving to the PassMark suite, the Core 7 240H dominates across all categories. The largest margin appears in data compression, where the Core 7 240H scores 271774 against 164160, a 39.6% advantage. Data encryption shows a similar gap of 41.1%, with scores of 15155 and 8931 respectively. Extended instructions testing gives the Core 7 240H a 34.7% lead, with 16897 versus 11035.

The arithmetic-heavy PassMark tests show some of the biggest proportional gaps. Floating point math scores 58905 for the Core 7 240H versus 33260 for the Core 3 201E, a 43.5% difference. Integer math shows a 45.4% gap, with 80396 against 43894. The prime number search test, which is highly sensitive to single-threaded performance and cache behavior, gives the Core 7 240H a 44.1% advantage with 102 versus 57.

The PassMark multi-threaded test confirms the overall pattern, with the Core 7 240H scoring 23975 against 14839, a 38.1% difference. Physics simulation shows a 33.8% gap, with 1723 versus 1141. Random string sorting gives the Core 7 240H a 38.4% edge, with 28866 against 17783.

The single-threaded PassMark results show the smallest overall margin in the comparison after the R23 single-core test. The Core 7 240H scores 3782 against 3482, a 7.9% advantage. This is consistent with the R15 single-core result, which showed a 28.1% gap, but it is notably smaller than the R20 single-core margin of 38.2%. The variation across single-threaded tests suggests that the Core 7 240H's advantage is workload-dependent rather than uniform.

Looking at the aggregate data, the Core 3 201E has an average benchmark score of 19056, while the Core 7 240H averages 31483. This places the Core 3 201E at the 73rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, while the Core 7 240H sits at the 82nd percentile. The Core 3 201E's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS with an average score of 19047, the Intel Core i5-12400F at 19039, the Intel Core i5-1335U at 18982, and the AMD EPYC 7773X at 18979. The Core 7 240H's nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 3 205 at 31473, the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX at 31495, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H at 31508, and the Intel Core i5-13500 at 31510.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates that the Intel Core 7 240H is the stronger processor in nearly every measured workload. The 16-to-1 win count is decisive, and the margins are substantial in most categories. The Core 7 240H leads by roughly one-third to nearly one-half in multi-threaded workloads, which aligns with its larger core and thread count. It also leads in most single-threaded tests, though the margins there are more varied.

The Core 3 201E does hold one meaningful advantage: the Cinebench R23 single-core result. A 3.5% lead in that specific test, combined with the smaller 7.9% gap in PassMark single-threaded testing, suggests that the Core 3 201E is not uncompetitive in lightly threaded scenarios. However, the Core 7 240H still wins the majority of single-threaded tests, including R15 and R20, so this advantage does not translate into an overall single-threaded win.

For workloads that rely heavily on multi-threaded performance, such as video rendering, data compression, or scientific computation, the Core 7 240H is the clear choice based on the recorded data. Its 46.1% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 45.4% lead in PassMark integer math are representative of its advantage in parallel tasks.

For workloads that are predominantly single-threaded, the choice is less obvious. The Core 3 201E wins one single-threaded test outright, and the Core 7 240H's margins in the others range from 7.9% to 38.2%. The Core 3 201E's lower power envelope of 60 TDP versus 45 TDP for the Core 7 240H may also be a consideration for system builders, though the Core 3 201E is a desktop part while the Core 7 240H is a mobile part.

The data does not support a scenario where the Core 3 201E is preferable for multi-threaded work. The gaps are too large and consistent across different benchmark suites. The Core 7 240H also has a higher average benchmark score, a higher percentile ranking, and a larger L3 cache. Users who prioritize multi-threaded performance should select the Core 7 240H based on the recorded measurements.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core 7 240H wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head tests. The Intel Core 3 201E wins only one test, which is Cinebench R23 single-core.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest margin is in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the Intel Core 7 240H leads by 46.1%. The smallest margin in favor of the Core 7 240H is 7.9% in the PassMark single-threaded tests.

Q: In which benchmark does the Intel Core 3 201E outperform the Intel Core 7 240H?

A: The Core 3 201E wins Cinebench R23 single-core with a score of 1780 against 1719, a 3.5% advantage.

Q: How do the two processors compare in average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 7 240H has an average benchmark score of 31483, while the Intel Core 3 201E averages 19056. The Core 7 240H ranks at the 82nd percentile among all CPUs, while the Core 3 201E ranks at the 73rd percentile.

Q: What are the nearest rivals for each processor in the database?

A: For the Intel Core 3 201E, the nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS with an average score of 19047, the Intel Core i5-12400F at 19039, the Intel Core i5-1335U at 18982, and the AMD EPYC 7773X at 18979. For the Intel Core 7 240H, the nearest rivals are the Intel Core Ultra 3 205 at 31473, the AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX at 31495, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H at 31508, and the Intel Core i5-13500 at 31510.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 240H has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 201E has a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. Despite this, the Core 3 201E wins the Cinebench R23 single-core test.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several core specifications. The Intel Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core 7 240H has 10 cores and 16 threads. The base clocks differ significantly: the Core 3 201E runs at 3.60 GHz, while the Core 7 240H runs at 2.50 GHz. The boost clocks are 4.80 GHz for the Core 3 201E and 5.20 GHz for the Core 7 240H.

The thermal design power also differs. The Core 3 201E has a TDP of 60, while the Core 7 240H has a TDP of 45. The sockets are different as well: the Core 3 201E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core 7 240H uses Intel BGA 1744. The Core 3 201E is a desktop part, while the Core 7 240H is a mobile part.

Memory support is the same for both, with DDR4 and DDR5 supported on a dual-channel bus. The Core 3 201E has a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while the Core 7 240H does not have a recorded memory bandwidth figure. ECC memory support differs: the Core 3 201E supports ECC, while the Core 7 240H does not. The PCIe configuration also differs, with the Core 3 201E offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and the Core 7 240H offering Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

The integrated graphics differ. The Core 3 201E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 240H uses Iris Xe Graphics 64EU. The launch MSRP for the Core 3 201E is $134, while the launch MSRP for the Core 7 240H is $502. The release dates differ as well: the Core 3 201E was released on 2025-01-12, while the Core 7 240H was released on 2024-12-17. Both processors have locked multipliers.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural families. The Intel Core 3 201E is based on the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 3 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Intel Core 7 240H is based on the Raptor Lake-H codename, uses the Raptor Lake architecture, and belongs to the Core 7 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. Both are manufactured on a 10 nm process by Intel.

Cache configurations differ substantially. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The L2 cache differs: the Core 3 201E has 1.25 MB per core, while the Core 7 240H has 2 MB per core. The L3 cache also differs, with the Core 3 201E offering 12 MB shared and the Core 7 240H offering 24 MB shared. The Core 7 240H therefore has twice the L3 cache of the Core 3 201E.

The die size is recorded for the Core 3 201E at 163 mm², while no die size is recorded for the Core 7 240H. The part numbers also differ: the Core 3 201E uses SRVTR, while the Core 7 240H uses SRQ6TQ5ML.

The architectural differences align with the benchmark results. The Core 7 240H's larger core count, higher L2 cache per core, and double the L3 cache contribute to its substantial multi-threaded advantage. The Core 3 201E's higher base clock and its single-threaded win in Cinebench R23 suggest that its architectural implementation, despite fewer cores, remains competitive in certain lightly threaded workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 240H wins in the majority of measured categories. Its largest advantages appear in multi-threaded workloads: Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 46.1% lead, Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a 38.1% lead, and PassMark integer math shows a 45.4% lead. The data compression test gives a 39.6% advantage, and data encryption gives a 41.1% advantage. These results point to the Core 7 240H as the stronger option for parallel processing tasks such as rendering, compression, encryption, and mathematical computation.

The Core 7 240H also leads in most single-threaded tests, though with smaller margins. The PassMark single-threaded tests show a 7.9% advantage, while Cinebench R15 single-core shows a 28.1% advantage and Cinebench R20 single-core shows a 38.2% advantage. This indicates that the Core 7 240H generally holds an edge in lightly threaded workloads as well, despite its lower base clock.

The Intel Core 3 201E wins in exactly one measured benchmark: Cinebench R23 single-core, with a 3.5% advantage. This result, combined with the smaller single-threaded gap in PassMark testing, suggests that the Core 3 201E is competitive in certain single-threaded rendering scenarios. The Core 3 201E also has a higher base clock of 3.60 GHz compared to 2.50 GHz, which may contribute to its performance in workloads that do not scale with boost clocks.

The market segments differ, and this affects use cases. The Core 3 201E is a desktop processor, while the Core 7 240H is a mobile processor. The Core 3 201E's ECC memory support and 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes make it suitable for desktop systems that require error-correcting memory or more PCIe connectivity. The Core 7 240H's 8 PCIe Gen 5 lanes and lack of ECC support reflect its mobile design priorities.

The Core 7 240H's higher average benchmark score of 31483, compared to 19056 for the Core 3 201E, and its 82nd percentile ranking versus the 73rd percentile for the Core 3 201E, position it as the higher-performing processor overall in the database. Users seeking maximum multi-threaded throughput should choose the Core 7 240H. Users with workloads that closely match the Cinebench R23 single-core pattern and who require a desktop socket with ECC support and additional PCIe lanes may find the Core 3 201E suitable, though the recorded data shows that the Core 7 240H wins the majority of tests in every other category.