Intel Core 3 201E vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL Comparison

The Verdict

The database shows two Intel desktop processors aimed at different performance strata. The Intel Core 3 201E, a Bartlett Lake part, holds a 73rd percentile ranking across all CPUs and delivers a substantial average benchmark score of 19056. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL, a Meteor Lake-PS part, sits at the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmark scores in the database, making direct performance comparison impossible from the available data.

Benchmark results indicate the Core 3 201E is a capable performer for its class. Its average score places it directly alongside the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (19047, 0% delta), the Intel Core i5-12400F (19039, 0.1% delta), and the Intel Core i5-1335U (18982, 0.4% delta). These figures suggest the Core 3 201E delivers performance nearly identical to those established rivals, with a margin of less than half a percent separating all four processors.

The Core Ultra 7 155HL presents a different case entirely. With zero recorded benchmarks and no rival comparisons, the database cannot verify its actual performance. The processor's specifications, however, indicate a design with significantly more cores, threads, and cache. The Core Ultra 7 155HL uses 16 cores with 22 threads, a 24 MB shared L3 cache, and a 7 nm process node. These structural advantages suggest higher multi-threaded potential, but without recorded measurements, that remains an inference rather than a confirmed result.

For buyers choosing between these two, the data supports a clear split. The Core 3 201E offers confirmed, measured performance that rivals several popular mid-range processors. The Core Ultra 7 155HL offers a newer architecture with more resources on paper, but the database currently provides no evidence of its real-world output. The choice depends on whether confirmed results or untested specifications carry more weight.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial. The Core 3 201E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, a 10 nm process node, and fits the Intel Socket 1700 platform. The Core Ultra 7 155HL uses the Meteor Lake-PS codename under the Meteor Lake architecture, built on a 7 nm process node, and requires Intel Socket 1851. The process node difference indicates the Core Ultra 7 155HL uses a denser manufacturing technology, which typically allows more transistors in the same die area.

Core and thread counts diverge sharply. The Core 3 201E provides 4 cores and 8 threads. The Core Ultra 7 155HL provides 16 cores and 22 threads. This 12-core, 14-thread difference suggests the Core Ultra 7 155HL targets workloads that scale with parallel execution, while the Core 3 201E aims at lighter tasks where single-thread speed matters more.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Core 3 201E allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 155HL allocates 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 155HL doubles the L3 capacity and increases per-core L1 and L2 allocations, which can reduce memory latency for frequently accessed data.

Memory support shows another divide. The Core 3 201E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL supports DDR5 only, with capacity depending on the motherboard. Memory bandwidth figures reflect this: the Core 3 201E reaches 76.8 GB/s, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL reaches 89.6 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the Core Ultra 7 155HL moves data faster.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The Core 3 201E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 7 155HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core 3 201E offers newer PCIe generation and more lanes, which matters for high-bandwidth expansion cards. The Core Ultra 7 155HL uses an older generation with fewer lanes.

Integrated graphics present a notable divergence. The Core 3 201E includes UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL includes Arc Xe-LPG 128EU. The Arc branding indicates a more advanced integrated GPU design, though the database records no specific graphics benchmarks for either part.

ECC memory support also separates the two. The Core 3 201E supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL does not. This makes the Core 3 201E relevant for reliability-focused builds where error correction matters. The Core Ultra 7 155HL lacks that capability.

Power specifications show the Core 3 201E rated at 60 W TDP and the Core Ultra 7 155HL at 45 W TDP. Despite having four times the cores, the Core Ultra 7 155HL draws a lower rated power, likely due to the more efficient 7 nm process. The Core 3 201E's higher TDP at 10 nm suggests a less efficient design per transistor.

The launch dates place the Core Ultra 7 155HL first, released on 2024-04-07, with the Core 3 201E following on 2025-01-12. The Core Ultra 7 155HL carries a $438 launch MSRP, while the Core 3 201E carries a $134 launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported on either part.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155HL has 16 cores and 22 threads, compared to the Intel Core 3 201E's 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 3 201E supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL supports DDR5 only, with capacity depending on the motherboard.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Core Ultra 7 155HL reaches 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 3 201E reaches 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Can either processor be overclocked?

A: Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not available on either part.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Core Ultra 7 155HL uses a 7 nm process node, while the Core 3 201E uses a 10 nm process node.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 3 201E supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155HL does not.

Specification Differences

The recorded data lists the following differences between the two processors:

• Cores: Core 3 201E has 4, Core Ultra 7 155HL has 16
• Threads: Core 3 201E has 8, Core Ultra 7 155HL has 22
• Base clock: Core 3 201E runs at 3.60 GHz, Core Ultra 7 155HL runs at 1.40 GHz
• Boost clock: Both reach 4.80 GHz
• TDP: Core 3 201E rated at 60 W, Core Ultra 7 155HL rated at 45 W
• Socket: Core 3 201E uses Intel Socket 1700, Core Ultra 7 155HL uses Intel Socket 1851
• Codename: Core 3 201E is Bartlett Lake, Core Ultra 7 155HL is Meteor Lake-PS
• Architecture: Core 3 201E has no listed architecture, Core Ultra 7 155HL is Meteor Lake
• Generation: Core 3 201E is Core 3 (Bartlett Lake), Core Ultra 7 155HL is Ultra 7 (Meteor Lake-PS)
• Process node: Core 3 201E uses 10 nm, Core Ultra 7 155HL uses 7 nm
• Die size: Core 3 201E measures 163 mm², Core Ultra 7 155HL has no recorded die size
• L1 cache: Core 3 201E has 80 KB per core, Core Ultra 7 155HL has 112 KB per core
• L2 cache: Core 3 201E has 1.25 MB per core, Core Ultra 7 155HL has 2 MB per core
• L3 cache: Core 3 201E has 12 MB shared, Core Ultra 7 155HL has 24 MB shared
• Memory support: Core 3 201E supports DDR4 and DDR5, Core Ultra 7 155HL supports DDR5 only (motherboard dependent)
• Memory bandwidth: Core 3 201E reaches 76.8 GB/s, Core Ultra 7 155HL reaches 89.6 GB/s
• ECC memory: Core 3 201E supports it, Core Ultra 7 155HL does not
• PCIe: Core 3 201E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes, Core Ultra 7 155HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes
• Integrated graphics: Core 3 201E uses UHD Graphics 730, Core Ultra 7 155HL uses Arc Xe-LPG 128EU
• Release date: Core 3 201E released 2025-01-12, Core Ultra 7 155HL released 2024-04-07
• Launch MSRP: Core 3 201E listed at $134, Core Ultra 7 155HL listed at $438
• Part number: Core 3 201E is SRVTR, Core Ultra 7 155HL is SRN2Z

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results for these two processors. The head-to-head test list is empty, and neither processor records a win count. This absence of data means no direct comparison can be drawn from measured performance.

The Core 3 201E, however, has a full set of benchmark scores recorded. Its Cinebench results show a multicore score of 1271 in R15, 5297 in R20, and 12613 in R23. Single-core scores reach 179 in R15, 747 in R20, and 1780 in R23. PassMark results include a multithread score of 14839, a single-thread score of 3482, and a physics score of 1141. Additional PassMark tests record data compression at 164160, data encryption at 8931, extended instructions at 11035, prime number finding at 57, floating point math at 33260, integer math at 43894, and random string sorting at 17783.

These numbers provide a baseline for what the Core 3 201E achieves, but they cannot be compared against the Core Ultra 7 155HL because that processor has no recorded benchmarks. The database lists the Core Ultra 7 155HL with an average benchmark score of 0 and an empty nearest rivals list. Any claim about its performance would require data that does not exist in the record.

The Core 3 201E's nearest rivals, by contrast, offer useful context. The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS scores 19047 on average, a 0% delta from the Core 3 201E's 19056. The Intel Core i5-12400F scores 19039, a 0.1% delta. The Intel Core i5-1335U scores 18982, a 0.4% delta. The AMD EPYC 7773X scores 18979, also a 0.4% delta. These deltas show the Core 3 201E sits within a tight performance cluster, never more than half a percent away from any of these four processors.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 201E wins where measured data exists. Its benchmark scores are recorded across multiple test suites, giving it a documented performance profile. Its 73rd percentile ranking places it above the median CPU in the database. Its nearest rivals, all within 0.4% of its average score, confirm it delivers competitive performance in its segment. The processor also supports ECC memory, which matters for systems requiring error checking. Its PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes provides a modern expansion interface. Its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 gives memory flexibility, and its higher base clock of 3.60 GHz suggests strong single-thread responsiveness.

The Core Ultra 7 155HL wins on paper where specifications favor parallel workloads. Its 16 cores and 22 threads dwarf the Core 3 201E's 4 cores and 8 threads. Its 24 MB L3 cache doubles the Core 3 201E's 12 MB. Its 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth exceeds the Core 3 201E's 76.8 GB/s. Its 7 nm process node indicates a more modern manufacturing approach. Its Arc Xe-LPG 128EU integrated graphics likely outperforms the UHD Graphics 730, though no graphics benchmarks confirm this. Its lower 45 W TDP suggests better power efficiency despite the larger core count. The Core Ultra 7 155HL also carries a higher launch MSRP of $438, reflecting its higher-end positioning.

The data implies a clear split. For workloads where confirmed benchmark results matter, the Core 3 201E is the only one of the two with evidence in the database. For workloads where core count, cache size, and memory bandwidth are the primary factors, the Core Ultra 7 155HL presents the stronger theoretical case. The absence of benchmarks for the Core Ultra 7 155HL leaves its actual performance unverified, so any advantage it holds remains speculative until measured.