Intel Core 3 201TE vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

The Verdict

The data shows a decisive performance separation between these two Bartlett Lake desktop processors. The Intel Core 5 221E delivers substantially higher multi-threaded throughput, single-core speed, and specialized workload results across every recorded benchmark. The Core 3 201TE offers a lower launch MSRP of $134 compared to the Core 5 221E's launch MSRP of $232, with a 45 W TDP versus 65 W, making it the appropriate choice for power-conscious builds that still require modern features. However, the Core 5 221E records an average benchmark score of 40144, placing it at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores and sits at the 50th percentile. For users prioritizing raw compute capability, the Core 5 221E is the clear selection; for those needing a lower-power desktop part with the same socket and integrated graphics, the Core 3 201TE is the sensible pick.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename, the 10 nm process node, Intel as the foundry, and the Intel Socket 1700 platform. They also use the same UHD Graphics 730 integrated GPU and support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel memory bus. The Core 5 221E expands the core configuration to 14 cores and 20 threads, while the Core 3 201TE is limited to 4 cores and 8 threads. Cache hierarchies diverge accordingly: the Core 3 201TE has 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3, whereas the Core 5 221E has 2 MB of L2 per core and 24 MB of shared L3. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 per core. Die size differs as well, with the Core 5 221E measuring 257 mm² compared to the Core 3 201TE's 163 mm². Memory bandwidth favors the Core 5 221E at 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s for the Core 3 201TE. Both support ECC memory, have Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes from the CPU, are unlocked (multiplier unlocked: false for both), and were released on the same date. The Core 3 201TE has a part number of SRPKDQ5CK, while the Core 5 221E is SRQDVQ659.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What are the base and boost clock differences?

A: The Core 3 201TE has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Core 5 221E has a lower base clock of 2.70 GHz but a higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: Both have 80 KB of L1 per core. The Core 3 201TE has 1.25 MB L2 per core and 12 MB shared L3. The Core 5 221E has 2 MB L2 per core and 24 MB shared L3.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus. The Core 5 221E has higher memory bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s for the Core 3 201TE.

Q: What is the TDP for each processor?

A: The Core 3 201TE has a TDP of 45 W, and the Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 W.

Q: Are both processors currently in production?

A: Yes, both are listed as Active in production status and were released on the same date.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 201TE | Intel Core 5 221E |

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

| Cores | 4 | 14 |

| Threads | 8 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 5.20 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Die Size | 163 mm² | 257 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| Launch MSRP | $134 | $232 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 50 | 87 |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 0 | 40144 |

| Part Number | SRPKDQ5CK | SRQDVQ659 |

All other listed specifications are identical: Intel Socket 1700, Bartlett Lake codename, 10 nm node, Intel foundry, 80 KB L1 per core, DDR4/DDR5 dual-channel memory, ECC support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 730, Desktop market segment, Active production status, and the same release date.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core 5 221E has recorded benchmark data across Cinebench and Passmark suites, while the Core 3 201TE has no recorded scores in the database. This absence itself is a notable data point. The Core 5 221E's average benchmark score of 40144 puts it within 0.2% of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (40081) and AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 (40048), and 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 9 270 (40246) and 0.4% ahead of the Intel Core i9-13905H (40313). These nearest rival deltas indicate the Core 5 221E sits in a tightly contested performance band.

Looking at the Core 5 221E's Cinebench results, the R15 multicore score is 2613 with a single-core score of 368. The R20 multicore result reaches 10891, more than seven times the single-core score of 1537. The R23 multicore score of 25933 compares to a single-core score of 3661. The multicore-to-single-core ratios across these tests show scaling of roughly 7.1x in R15, 7.1x in R20, and 7.1x in R23, which is consistent with a 14-core, 20-thread processor delivering substantial parallel throughput.

Passmark results for the Core 5 221E show specific strengths. The multithread score is 30510, while the single-thread score is 4147. Data compression scores 324285, which is the highest absolute number among the recorded tests. Integer math scores 117813, floating point math scores 79028, and extended instructions score 18216. Random string sorting records 37686, physics scores 2230, and find prime numbers scores 173. Data encryption scores 19205.

The Core 3 201TE's lack of benchmark data means no direct head-to-head comparison can be made from the database. The only measurable comparison available is the percentile placement: the Core 5 221E at the 87th percentile versus the Core 3 201TE at the 50th percentile. This 37-percentile gap aligns with the massive core and thread disparity.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221E wins in every benchmark category that has recorded data. Its 14-core, 20-thread configuration with 24 MB of shared L3 cache and 5.20 GHz boost clock drives the high Cinebench multicore scores. The R23 multicore result of 25933 indicates strong performance for rendering workloads, and the Passmark multithread score of 30510 confirms broad parallel compute capability. The single-thread score of 4147 in Passmark and 3661 in Cinebench R23 shows that the higher boost clock also benefits lightly threaded tasks. Data compression at 324285 and integer math at 117813 are particularly strong, suggesting the Core 5 221E handles file compression and calculation-heavy workloads with ease. The 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth and 2 MB per-core L2 cache support these results.

The Core 3 201TE wins in power efficiency and cost. Its 45 W TDP is 20 W lower than the Core 5 221E's 65 W, and its launch MSRP of $134 is $98 lower. For systems where thermal envelope or total system cost is the primary constraint, the Core 3 201TE provides 4 cores and 8 threads, a 4.60 GHz boost clock, 12 MB of shared L3, and the same UHD Graphics 730 iGPU. It also shares the same socket, memory support, and PCIe configuration, so platform features remain equivalent. The Core 3 201TE's smaller die size of 163 mm² versus 257 mm² indicates a more physically compact chip.

The database shows no benchmark wins for the Core 3 201TE, but the specification differences reveal its intended role. The Core 5 221E is for compute-heavy desktop tasks where the higher core count, larger cache, and faster boost clock translate into measurable performance gains. The Core 3 201TE is for basic desktop operations where the lower power draw and lower launch price matter more than raw throughput. Both processors are active products on the same platform, so the choice reduces to workload requirements versus power and cost constraints.