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

The Verdict

The data positions the Intel Core 5 221TE as the significantly stronger processor of the two, with a decisive advantage in every recorded benchmark. The Core 3 201TE has no benchmark entries in the database, meaning all comparative analysis must rely on the architectural and specification differences between the two parts. The Core 5 221TE holds a 71st percentile ranking among all CPUs, while the Core 3 201TE sits at the 50th percentile. The Core 5 221TE's average benchmark score of 17860 places it within a tight cluster of competitors, sitting just 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17891), 0.2% behind the Intel Core 5 120U (17898), and 0.7% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (17994), while edging out the Intel Core 7 350 (17779) by 0.5%. For workloads that can utilize multiple cores, the Core 5 221TE is the clear choice based on its 10 cores versus 4, its 24 MB of shared L3 cache versus 12 MB, and its higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz versus 4.60 GHz. The Core 3 201TE only holds advantages in base clock (2.90 GHz versus 1.80 GHz) and launch MSRP ($134 versus $232), but with no recorded benchmark scores, any performance claim for it would lack database support.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221TE wins in all measurable categories. Its multi-threaded capabilities are substantially stronger, as shown by Cinebench R23 multi-core scoring 11305, Cinebench R20 multi-core scoring 4748, and Cinebench R15 multi-core scoring 1139. The PassMark multi-thread test records 13301, while integer math scores 42303 and floating point math scores 31661. Data compression scores 156682, random string sorting scores 16929, and extended instructions score 9655. Single-thread performance also favors the Core 5 221TE, with PassMark single-thread scoring 1734, Cinebench R23 single-core scoring 1596, Cinebench R20 single-core scoring 670, and Cinebench R15 single-core scoring 160. The Core 3 201TE, lacking benchmark data, cannot claim any measured win. The only areas where the Core 3 201TE appears preferable are its higher base clock, which may indicate different idle or low-load behavior, and its lower launch MSRP. The Core 5 221TE's 10 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads, combined with double the L3 cache, indicate it is designed for throughput-oriented tasks, while the Core 3 201TE's configuration suggests a more modest workload profile.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename, are built on Intel's 10 nm process node, use the Intel Socket 1700, and were released on 2025-01-12. The die sizes differ notably: the Core 5 221TE measures 215 mm², while the Core 3 201TE measures 163 mm². The core configurations diverge sharply, with the Core 5 221TE offering 10 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads on the Core 3 201TE. Cache hierarchies differ in the L3 portion: both allocate 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, but the Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, exactly double the Core 3 201TE's 12 MB. Clock behavior shows the Core 5 221TE trading a lower base clock (1.80 GHz) for a higher boost clock (5.00 GHz), while the Core 3 201TE runs a 2.90 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. Both parts support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, both support ECC memory, and both integrate UHD Graphics 730. PCIe connectivity is identical at Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both are listed as Active production parts. The part numbers differ (SRPKDQ5CK for the Core 3 201TE, SRVQS for the Core 5 221TE), and the launch MSRP difference is substantial at $134 versus $232.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: How do their cache sizes compare?

A: Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. The Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 12 MB shared L3 cache of the Core 3 201TE.

Q: Do they support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, and both support ECC memory.

Q: What are their clock speeds?

A: The Core 3 201TE has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Core 5 221TE has a base clock of 1.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: Are they on the same socket and process node?

A: Yes, both use Intel Socket 1700 and are built on Intel's 10 nm process node with the Bartlett Lake codename.

Q: What is the Core 5 221TE's benchmark standing relative to its nearest rivals?

A: Its average benchmark score of 17860 is 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17891), 0.2% behind the Intel Core 5 120U (17898), and 0.7% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (17994), while it is 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core 7 350 (17779).

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries between the two processors, and the Core 3 201TE has no individual benchmark scores recorded. The Core 5 221TE, however, has a full suite of results that demonstrate its performance profile. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 11305 contrasts with a single-core score of 1596, a ratio that reflects the benefit of its 10-core configuration. Cinebench R20 shows 4748 multi-core and 670 single-core, while Cinebench R15 records 1139 multi-core and 160 single-core. The PassMark suite adds further detail: multi-thread scores 13301, single-thread scores 1734, integer math scores 42303, floating point math scores 31661, extended instructions score 9655, data encryption scores 8963, data compression scores 156682, random string sorting scores 16929, find prime numbers scores 59, and physics scores 977. These results, when viewed against the Core 3 201TE's lack of recorded data, indicate that any comparison must rely on the architectural differences. The Core 5 221TE's 10 cores, 16 threads, and 24 MB of L3 cache provide the structural basis for its multi-threaded benchmark results, while its 5.00 GHz boost clock underpins the single-thread scores. The Core 3 201TE's 4 cores and 8 threads, with 12 MB of L3 cache and a 4.60 GHz boost clock, suggest a lower ceiling for both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads, though the absence of measurements prevents a quantified statement.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. Core count: the Core 5 221TE has 10 cores versus 4 on the Core 3 201TE. Thread count: 16 threads versus 8. Base clock: 1.80 GHz on the Core 5 221TE versus 2.90 GHz on the Core 3 201TE. Boost clock: 5.00 GHz on the Core 5 221TE versus 4.60 GHz on the Core 3 201TE. Die size: 215 mm² on the Core 5 221TE versus 163 mm² on the Core 3 201TE. L3 cache: 24 MB shared on the Core 5 221TE versus 12 MB shared on the Core 3 201TE. Launch MSRP: $232 for the Core 5 221TE versus $134 for the Core 3 201TE. Part number: SRVQS for the Core 5 221TE versus SRPKDQ5CK for the Core 3 201TE. Identical specifications include the 10 nm process node, Intel Socket 1700, Bartlett Lake codename, 45 TDP, 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics, Desktop market segment, Active production status, 2025-01-12 release date, and locked multiplier. The percentile ranking also differs, with the Core 5 221TE at 71 and the Core 3 201TE at 50, while the average benchmark score is 17860 for the Core 5 221TE and 0 for the Core 3 201TE. The Core 5 221TE has 17 recorded benchmark entries, while the Core 3 201TE has none.