Intel Core 3 201E vs Intel Core 7 251TE Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE dominates in multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 7 251TE scores 25518 while the Core 3 201E scores 12613, a 50.6% difference in favor of the Core 7.

Q: How do the single-thread scores compare?

A: The Core 7 251TE leads in every single-thread test, but the margin is much smaller than in multi-core. In PassMark single-thread, the Core 7 251TE scores 3568 versus 3482 for the Core 3 201E, a 2.4% gap. The Cinebench R23 single-core scores show a larger difference: 3602 for the Core 7 versus 1780 for the Core 3, a 50.6% gap.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Core 7 251TE also has a larger shared L3 cache: 36 MB compared to 12 MB on the Core 3 201E.

Q: How do the two processors compare in integrated graphics?

A: The Core 3 201E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, while the Core 3 201E boosts to 4.80 GHz. However, the Core 3 201E has a much higher base clock at 3.60 GHz compared to 1.40 GHz on the Core 7 251TE.

Q: What are the launch MSRPs for these two processors?

A: The Core 3 201E has a launch MSRP of $134, and the Core 7 251TE has a launch MSRP of $384.

The Verdict

The recorded data shows a decisive overall win for the Intel Core 7 251TE. It wins all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with the largest margins in integer math (65.1% ahead), floating-point math (61.1% ahead), and data encryption (59.7% ahead). Its average benchmark score of 41650 places it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 201E sits at the 73rd percentile with an average score of 19056.

For workloads that rely on heavy multi-threading, the Core 7 251TE is the clear choice. The 24-core, 32-thread configuration delivers roughly double the multi-core performance in every Cinebench test. The Core 3 201E, with 4 cores and 8 threads, is suited for single-threaded or lightly threaded desktop tasks where its high base clock of 3.60 GHz provides responsive performance without the multi-core muscle.

The Core 3 201E is not competitive in raw throughput. Its best result relative to the Core 7 251TE is in PassMark single-thread, where it trails by only 2.4%. In every other benchmark, the Core 7 251TE leads by at least 35%. Users who need sustained parallel processing, compilation, rendering, or data-heavy workloads should select the Core 7 251TE. Users with basic desktop needs can consider the Core 3 201E, but the data shows no scenario where it outperforms the Core 7 251TE.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results show a consistent pattern: the Core 7 251TE doubles or nearly doubles the Core 3 201E in most tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core 7 251TE scores 2572 against 1271 for the Core 3 201E, a 50.6% deficit for the smaller chip. The same 50.6% gap appears across Cinebench R20 multi-core (10717 versus 5297), Cinebench R23 multi-core (25518 versus 12613), and PassMark multithread (30022 versus 14839).

The single-core Cinebench results also favor the Core 7 251TE by 50.6% in R15 (362 versus 179), R20 (1512 versus 747), and R23 (3602 versus 1780). This is notable because the Core 3 201E has a higher base clock (3.60 GHz versus 1.40 GHz) but a lower boost clock (4.80 GHz versus 5.40 GHz). The Core 7 251TE's higher boost clock appears to determine single-thread performance in these tests.

PassMark tests reveal the largest disparities. Integer math shows 125739 for the Core 7 251TE versus 43894 for the Core 3 201E, a 65.1% gap. Floating-point math shows 85607 versus 33260, a 61.1% gap. Data encryption shows 22176 versus 8931, a 59.7% gap. Find prime numbers shows 140 versus 57, a 59.3% gap. Random string sorting shows 39643 versus 17783, a 55.1% gap.

The narrowest margin is PassMark single-thread: 3568 versus 3482, a 2.4% difference. This indicates that for basic single-threaded desktop responsiveness, the two processors are nearly equivalent. The Core 3 201E's higher base clock helps close the gap in this specific test, but it does not overcome the Core 7 251TE's advantages elsewhere.

Specification Differences

The two processors share the same socket (Intel Socket 1700), process node (10 nm), foundry (Intel), memory support (DDR4 and DDR5), memory bus (dual-channel), PCIe configuration (Gen 5, 16 Lanes CPU only), and ECC memory support. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and both are unlocked multipliers set to false.

The core counts differ substantially: the Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The L3 cache scales accordingly: 12 MB shared on the Core 3 201E versus 36 MB shared on the Core 7 251TE. The die size also differs: 163 mm² for the Core 3 201E and 215 mm² for the Core 7 251TE.

Clock speeds show an interesting inversion. The Core 3 201E runs a base clock of 3.60 GHz and boosts to 4.80 GHz. The Core 7 251TE runs a base clock of 1.40 GHz and boosts to 5.40 GHz. The TDP differs as well: 60 watts for the Core 3 201E versus 45 watts for the Core 7 251TE.

Memory bandwidth is higher on the Core 7 251TE at 89.6 GB/s, compared to 76.8 GB/s on the Core 3 201E. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 3 201E, UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251TE. The part numbers are SRVTR for the Core 3 201E and SRQAXQ5ZG for the Core 7 251TE.

Architecture Differences

Both processors come from the Bartlett Lake codename and belong to the Core 3 and Core 7 generations respectively. Both use Intel's 10 nm process node and are fabricated by Intel. The architecture differences are primarily quantitative: core count, cache size, and die size.

The Core 7 251TE packs 24 cores into a 215 mm² die, while the Core 3 201E fits 4 cores into a 163 mm² die. The L3 cache scales from 12 MB to 36 MB, reflecting the larger core count. The per-core L1 and L2 caches are identical at 80 KB and 1.25 MB respectively, indicating the same core design is used across both chips.

The integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251TE versus UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 3 201E. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel access, and both support ECC memory. The memory bandwidth advantage of the Core 7 251TE (89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s) aligns with its larger cache and core configuration.

Both processors are listed as Active in production status with a release date of 2025-01-12. Both use Intel Socket 1700 and support PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 7 251TE wins every recorded benchmark, so the use-case split is defined by the margin of victory rather than by alternative winners. In heavily parallel workloads, the Core 7 251TE is overwhelmingly superior. Integer math, floating-point math, encryption, and compression tasks all show the Core 7 251TE leading by 55% to 65%. These workloads include data processing, scientific computation, and file compression.

For multi-threaded rendering and content creation, the Cinebench results show the Core 7 251TE delivering roughly double the performance of the Core 3 201E across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. The Core 7 251TE also leads in PassMark physics (1938 versus 1141, a 41.1% gap) and extended instructions (16974 versus 11035, a 35% gap), which covers SIMD and vectorized workloads.

The Core 3 201E's closest performance is in PassMark single-thread, where it trails by only 2.4%. For basic desktop responsiveness, web browsing, and light office tasks that rely on single-threaded execution, the Core 3 201E is nearly on par with the Core 7 251TE. Its higher base clock of 3.60 GHz likely contributes to this near-parity.

The Core 3 201E also has a lower TDP of 60 watts, though this is higher than the Core 7 251TE's 45 watts. The data does not show any benchmark where the Core 3 201E wins, so users seeking maximum throughput in any measured workload should choose the Core 7 251TE. Users with minimal computing needs can rely on the Core 3 201E's single-thread competence, but the benchmark evidence offers no case where it beats the larger processor.