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

Intel Core 3 201E vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL

The Intel Core 3 201E is the clear performance leader based on the recorded database measurements. The Core 3 201E delivers a substantial multi-threaded advantage while the Core Ultra 7 155UL offers a significantly lower thermal envelope and a newer architecture. The data indicates that these processors serve entirely different segments, with the Core 3 201E prioritizing raw compute and the Core Ultra 7 155UL focusing on efficiency and integrated graphics capabilities.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 3 201E wins decisively in every recorded benchmark category. Its average benchmark score of 19056 places it in the 73rd percentile of all CPUs tracked in the database, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL sits in the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmark scores. The Core 3 201E shows particular strength in multi-threaded workloads, as evidenced by its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12613 and PassMark multi-thread score of 14839. These results indicate that the Core 3 201E is designed for sustained compute tasks such as rendering, compilation, and content creation.

The Core Ultra 7 155UL wins in the efficiency category without producing any benchmark scores. Its thermal design power (TDP) is 15 watts compared to the Core 3 201E's 60 watts, making it the appropriate choice for systems where heat dissipation and power consumption are primary constraints. The Core Ultra 7 155UL also carries a newer integrated graphics solution, the Arc Xe-LPG 64EU, which is absent from the benchmark data but indicates a focus on visual output capabilities rather than pure CPU throughput.

For single-threaded performance, the Core 3 201E records a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1780 and a PassMark single-thread score of 3482. These figures demonstrate that the Core 3 201E maintains strong per-core efficiency despite its older architecture, making it suitable for lightly threaded applications like legacy software and everyday desktop tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages within Intel's product stack. The Core 3 201E is based on Bartlett Lake, a 10 nm process node, and belongs to the Core 3 generation. The Core Ultra 7 155UL uses the Meteor Lake architecture, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS variant, built on a 7 nm process node. This process node difference is significant, as the 7 nm node allows for more transistors in a given area, although the Core Ultra 7 155UL does not list a transistor count or die size in the database.

The core configurations differ substantially. The Core 3 201E features 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL offers 12 cores and 14 threads. The Core Ultra 7 155UL's core count advantage is notable, but its base clock of 1.70 GHz is considerably lower than the Core 3 201E's 3.60 GHz. Both processors reach the same boost clock of 4.80 GHz, which suggests that the Core Ultra 7 155UL relies on its additional cores and boost behavior to compensate for the lower base frequency.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Core 3 201E provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 155UL offers 112 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and the same 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core caches on the Core Ultra 7 155UL indicate a design that aims to feed its higher core count more efficiently, though the benchmark data does not show this translating into performance wins.

The platform support diverges completely. The Core 3 201E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL uses Intel Socket 1851. The Core 3 201E supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, whereas the Core Ultra 7 155UL is limited to PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. The Core 3 201E also supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL's memory support is listed as DDR5 dependent on the motherboard.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table in the database is empty, meaning there are no direct comparison scores recorded. However, the Core 3 201E's standalone benchmarks provide the only measurable performance data. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 5297 and single-core score of 747 indicate a balanced performance profile. The PassMark data compression score of 164160 and integer math score of 43894 suggest strong arithmetic throughput, while the floating-point math score of 33260 and extended instructions score of 11035 show capable vector processing.

The Core Ultra 7 155UL has no recorded benchmarks, so its performance can only be inferred from its specifications. The database shows its average benchmark score as 0, and it has no nearest rivals listed. This absence of data means that any performance comparison relies entirely on the Core 3 201E's recorded results and the architectural differences between the two parts.

The Core 3 201E's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its performance level. It sits within 0.4% of the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, Intel Core i5-12400F, Intel Core i5-1335U, and AMD EPYC 7773X in average score. The Core 3 201E's average benchmark score of 19056 is effectively tied with these processors, indicating that it competes with mid-range offerings from both Intel and AMD despite its entry-level positioning.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification field. The Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks are 3.60 GHz versus 1.70 GHz, respectively, though both share a 4.80 GHz boost clock. The TDP ratings are 60 watts for the Core 3 201E and 15 watts for the Core Ultra 7 155UL, a fourfold difference in thermal envelope.

Memory bandwidth differs, with the Core 3 201E rated at 76.8 GB/s and the Core Ultra 7 155UL at 89.6 GB/s. The Core 3 201E supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL does not. The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 3 201E versus Arc Xe-LPG 64EU on the Core Ultra 7 155UL. The Core 3 201E launched on 2025-01-12, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL launched earlier on 2024-04-07. The launch MSRP for the Core 3 201E is $134, and the launch MSRP for the Core Ultra 7 155UL is $426.

The process nodes are 10 nm for the Core 3 201E and 7 nm for the Core Ultra 7 155UL. The die size for the Core 3 201E is 163 mm², while the Core Ultra 7 155UL does not list a die size. Both processors have locked multipliers, and both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core 3 201E supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 7 155UL is DDR5-only with motherboard dependency.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL has 12 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of both processors?

A: Both the Intel Core 3 201E and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL share the same boost clock speed of 4.80 GHz.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 3 201E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL does not list ECC support in the database.

Q: What is the thermal design power difference?

A: The Intel Core 3 201E has a TDP of 60 watts, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth rating?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL is rated at 89.6 GB/s, compared to the Intel Core 3 201E's 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: No, the Intel Core 3 201E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL uses Intel Socket 1851.

The Verdict

The data shows that the Intel Core 3 201E is the superior choice for anyone requiring measured compute performance. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12613 and PassMark multi-thread score of 14839 demonstrate a strong multi-threaded capability that the Core Ultra 7 155UL cannot match based on available records. The Core 3 201E also carries a much lower launch MSRP of $134 compared to the Core Ultra 7 155UL's $426, further reinforcing its position as the performance-oriented option.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL is the appropriate selection for systems where the 15 watt TDP is a hard constraint. Its 12 cores and 14 threads provide a high core count for parallel workloads, and its 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth is higher than the Core 3 201E's 76.8 GB/s. The newer 7 nm process node and Meteor Lake architecture indicate a more modern design, but the absence of any benchmark scores means its actual performance cannot be verified from the database.

For users prioritizing measured performance, the Core 3 201E is the only defensible choice. Its 73rd percentile ranking versus the Core Ultra 7 155UL's 50th percentile, combined with the complete benchmark data for the Core 3 201E and none for the Core Ultra 7 155UL, settles the comparison. The Core 3 201E also offers PCIe Gen 5 support with 16 lanes, ECC memory compatibility, and DDR4 flexibility, making it a more versatile platform for compute-focused builds. The Core Ultra 7 155UL's strengths remain theoretical until benchmark data is recorded.