Intel Core 3 201TE vs Intel Core 5 211TE Comparison

Intel Core 3 201TE and Intel Core 5 211TE are both 45 W desktop processors built on the Intel 10 nm process for Socket 1700, but they target different performance tiers within the Bartlett Lake family. The Core 5 211TE is the more capable processor, delivering substantially higher multi-threaded performance thanks to its 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 3 201TE offers a higher base clock and a lower launch MSRP. The data shows a clear split: the Core 5 dominates in workloads that scale with core count, while the Core 3 holds an advantage in single-threaded responsiveness due to its higher base frequency.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 211TE wins decisively in multi-threaded workloads. Its benchmark results show a large margin over the Core 3 201TE in every test that uses multiple cores. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 5 scores 12201, while the Core 3 has no recorded score in the database. The same pattern appears across PassMark tests: the Core 5 records 33991 in integer math, 26150 in floating point math, and 11685 in multithreaded performance. These results confirm that the Core 5 is built for parallel processing, with 10 cores and 16 threads providing the resources needed for rendering, encoding, and scientific computation.

The Intel Core 3 201TE wins in situations where raw clock speed matters more than core count. Its base clock of 2.90 GHz is significantly higher than the Core 5's 1.70 GHz, which gives it an edge in lightly threaded tasks that cannot use extra cores. While the Core 5 has a higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz compared to 4.60 GHz on the Core 3, the Core 3's higher base frequency means it reaches peak performance faster in single-threaded workloads. The Core 3 also has a lower launch MSRP of $134 compared to $221 for the Core 5, making it the more accessible option for basic desktop use. However, neither processor has recorded single-thread benchmark scores in the database for the Core 3, so the comparison relies on clock specifications and the Core 5's measured single-thread results.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same Bartlett Lake codename and are manufactured by Intel on a 10 nm process. They use the same Intel Socket 1700, support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and provide the same 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth. Both include ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes, and integrated UHD Graphics 730. The die size differs considerably: the Core 3 measures 163 mm² while the Core 5 measures 215 mm², reflecting the additional cores in the larger chip.

The core and thread counts create the primary architectural divide. The Core 3 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core 5 has 10 cores and 16 threads. Cache allocation scales with the core count. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, but the shared L3 cache differs: the Core 3 has 12 MB shared, while the Core 5 has 20 MB shared. This larger L3 cache on the Core 5 helps feed its additional cores and improves performance in cache-sensitive workloads. Both processors use locked multipliers, so neither supports overclocking. Both were released on the same date and remain in active production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons between the Core 3 201TE and the Core 5 211TE. However, the Core 5 has a comprehensive set of recorded benchmark scores, and these can be used to establish its performance profile. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core 5 scores 1229, and in Cinebench R20 multi-core it scores 5124. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12201 places the processor in a strong position for multi-threaded work. Single-core scores are also recorded: 173 in Cinebench R15, 723 in Cinebench R20, and 1722 in Cinebench R23.

PassMark results for the Core 5 show consistent strength across varied workloads. Data compression scores 133434, data encryption scores 7231, and extended instructions score 8615. Prime number finding scores 72, which is a low absolute number but reflects the nature of the test. Random string sorting scores 14838, physics scores 1278, and single-thread performance scores 1408 in both PassMark single-thread tests. The average benchmark score for the Core 5 is 15370, and its percentile ranking among all CPUs is 69, meaning it outperforms 69% of processors in the database.

The Core 5's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its performance. AMD EPYC 7543 scores 15477, which is 0.7% higher than the Core 5's average, placing the Core 5 slightly behind that server processor. AMD EPYC 7702P scores 15130, putting the Core 5 1.6% ahead. AMD Ryzen 3 7440U scores 15682, which is 2% higher than the Core 5, and Intel Core i3-1315U scores 15022, which is 2.3% lower. These deltas show the Core 5 sits in a competitive mid-range position, close to both server-class EPYC parts and mobile Ryzen processors. The Core 3 has no recorded benchmarks, no average score, and no nearest rivals in the database, so its performance can only be assessed through its specifications.

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 211TE is the clear choice for workloads that benefit from parallel processing. Its 10 cores and 16 threads deliver multi-threaded scores that place it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 15370. The recorded data shows strong performance in Cinebench R23 multi-core at 12201 and PassMark integer math at 33991, confirming its suitability for rendering, video editing, and other heavily threaded applications. For users who need a 45 W desktop processor with substantial multi-core capability, the Core 5 is the data-supported option.

The Intel Core 3 201TE serves a different purpose. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it cannot match the Core 5 in parallel workloads, but its 2.90 GHz base clock provides faster baseline responsiveness in single-threaded tasks. Its launch MSRP of $134 is lower than the Core 5's $221, and its smaller 163 mm² die reflects a simpler design. The Core 3 is appropriate for basic desktop use where multi-core performance is not a priority. Neither processor supports overclocking, so clock speeds are fixed at specifications. The Verdict from the data is straightforward: choose the Core 5 for multi-threaded performance, choose the Core 3 for lower cost and higher base clock in light workloads.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core 5 211TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speed?

A: The Core 3 201TE boosts to 4.60 GHz, while the Core 5 211TE boosts to 4.80 GHz. The Core 3 has a higher base clock at 2.90 GHz compared to 1.70 GHz on the Core 5.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Core 5 211TE has 20 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 3 201TE has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 3 201TE and Core 5 211TE support ECC memory. Both also support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Core 5 211TE?

A: The Core 5 211TE has an average benchmark score of 15370 and ranks in the 69th percentile of all CPUs. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database.

Q: What integrated graphics do both processors use?

A: Both the Core 3 201TE and Core 5 211TE use UHD Graphics 730. Both also provide Gen 5 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes.

Specification Differences

The following table summarizes only the fields where the two processors differ. Identical specifications include the 10 nm process, Socket 1700, DDR4/DDR5 support, dual-channel memory bus, 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, ECC support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 730, locked multiplier, and the 2025-01-12 release date.

| Specification | Intel Core 3 201TE | Intel Core 5 211TE |

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

| Cores | 4 | 10 |

| Threads | 8 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 1.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| Die Size | 163 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 20 MB (shared) |

| Launch MSRP | $134 | $221 |

| Part Number | SRPKDQ5CK | SRQDL |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 50 | 69 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 0 | 15370 |