Intel Core 3 201TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245K Comparison

FAQ

Q: How do the core counts differ between the Intel Core 3 201TE and Intel Core Ultra 5 245K?

A: The Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245K has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Core Ultra 5 does not use hyper-threading, so its thread count equals its core count, whereas the Core 3 doubles its threads over cores.

Q: What process nodes do these processors use, and who manufactures them?

A: The Core 3 201TE uses Intel's 10 nm process and is built by Intel. The Core Ultra 5 245K uses a 3 nm process and is fabricated by TSMC.

Q: Which processor supports DDR4 memory?

A: Only the Core 3 201TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 245K supports DDR5 exclusively.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The Core Ultra 5 245K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 3 201TE does not.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The Core 3 201TE has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core Ultra 5 245K has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor include?

A: The Core 3 201TE includes UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 5 245K includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct design generations for Intel. The Core 3 201TE is based on Bartlett Lake, built on a 10 nm node at Intel, and uses a traditional P-core arrangement with 4 cores and 8 threads. Its L1 cache is 80 KB per core, L2 is 1.25 MB per core, and L3 is 12 MB shared. It ships on Intel Socket 1700 and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus.

The Core Ultra 5 245K belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2, based on Arrow Lake-S architecture. It uses a 3 nm process at TSMC, with 14 cores and 14 threads. The cache hierarchy is larger: 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3. It moves to Intel Socket 1851 and supports only DDR5 memory. The Core Ultra 5 also carries a much larger physical footprint, with a die size of 243 mm² versus 163 mm² for the Core 3, and a transistor count of 17,800 million, whereas the Core 3 does not list a transistor count.

The integrated graphics differ significantly in architecture generation. The Core 3 uses UHD Graphics 730, a conventional Intel graphics solution, while the Core Ultra 5 uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU, which is a newer Xe-based design. Both processors support ECC memory, which is notable for desktop parts. The Core Ultra 5 also has more PCIe lanes from the CPU: 20 Gen 5 lanes versus 16 Gen 5 lanes on the Core 3. The Core Ultra 5 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 3 is locked.

The Core 3 201TE launched in January 2025 with a launch MSRP of $134. The Core Ultra 5 245K launched in October 2024 with a launch MSRP of $319. Both are listed as active production parts for the desktop market.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Benchmark data in the database covers only the Core Ultra 5 245K. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores, no average benchmark score, and no nearest rivals. The Core Ultra 5, by contrast, has a full suite of Cinebench and PassMark results, so all performance comparisons rely on its recorded data.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core Ultra 5 245K scores 25,066. Its single-core score is 2,132. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 15,368 and single-core is 2,169. In Cinebench R15, multi-core is 3,850 and single-core is 322. These scores place it in the 91st percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 54,053.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 5 245K show strong throughput in several workloads. Floating point math scores 130,678, integer math scores 98,524, and extended instructions score 37,617. Data compression scores 458,817, while data encryption scores 33,286. Random string sorting scores 55,098. The multithread score is 43,047, the single-thread score is 4,714, physics scores 3,081, and find prime numbers scores 414.

The nearest rivals for the Core Ultra 5 245K show how it compares to other high-end desktop and workstation parts. The Intel Xeon 6505P has an average score of 53,701, which is 0.7% lower. The Intel Core i7-14700F scores 53,620, 0.8% lower. The Intel Xeon Phi 7290 scores 53,469, 1.1% lower. The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D scores 54,762, which is 1.3% higher, making it the only rival in the list that outperforms the Core Ultra 5. These deltas are all within a narrow band, indicating that the Core Ultra 5 245K sits in a tightly contested performance tier.

Since the Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores, there is no direct head-to-head data between the two processors. The database shows zero wins for both in the head-to-head comparison. The Core 3's percentile rank of 50 places it in the middle of all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 5 sits at the 91st percentile, a substantial gap in overall standing.

Specification Differences

The table below lists only the fields where the two processors differ.

| Specification | Intel Core 3 201TE | Intel Core Ultra 5 245K |

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

| Cores | 4 | 14 |

| Threads | 8 | 14 |

| Base clock | 2.90 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.60 GHz | 5.20 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Arrow Lake-S |

| Generation | Core 3 (Bartlett Lake) | Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake) |

| Process node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not listed | 17,800 million |

| Die size | 163 mm² | 243 mm² |

| L1 cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

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

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| PCIe lanes | Gen 5, 16 lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU |

| Release date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-10-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $134 | $319 |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part number | SRPKDQ5CK | SRQCT |

| Percentile vs all CPUs | 50 | 91 |

| Average benchmark score | 0 | 54,053 |

The two share several traits: both are Intel desktop parts, both support ECC memory, both use dual-channel memory buses, and both are listed as active in production. The Core Ultra 5 has a higher TDP, more cores, more cache at every level, faster clocks, higher memory bandwidth, and a newer process node. The Core 3 supports DDR4, uses a different socket, and has a much lower launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 245K wins on nearly every measurable performance dimension in the database. It has 10 additional cores, higher base and boost clocks, triple the L3 cache, and roughly 33% more memory bandwidth (102.4 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s). Its 91st percentile ranking versus 50th for the Core 3 indicates a processor designed for demanding multi-threaded workloads. The benchmark data confirms this: the Core Ultra 5's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25,066, its PassMark multithread score of 43,047, and its floating point result of 130,678 all point to a part that handles heavy compute tasks. The unlocked multiplier also gives it headroom for manual tuning, and its 20 Gen 5 PCIe lanes support more expansion devices.

The Core 3 201TE wins in areas that matter for specific system designs. It supports DDR4 memory, which allows builders to reuse existing memory kits rather than moving to DDR5. Its 45 W TDP is dramatically lower than the 125 W TDP of the Core Ultra 5, which makes it suitable for compact or thermally constrained builds. Its launch MSRP of $134 is less than half that of the Core Ultra 5's $319, though pricing is not a performance metric. It also uses the LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with a broader range of existing motherboards, and its smaller die size of 163 mm² suggests a simpler production footprint. The Core 3's 16 Gen 5 PCIe lanes are still sufficient for a standard GPU plus storage configuration.

There is no benchmark data for the Core 3 201TE in the database, so its wins are structural rather than performance-based. The specification differences define its role: lower power, memory flexibility, and platform compatibility.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split between the two processors. The Core Ultra 5 245K is the higher-performance part by every recorded metric. It delivers a 91st percentile standing, a 54,053 average benchmark score, and competitive positioning against the Intel Xeon 6505P, Core i7-14700F, Xeon Phi 7290, and AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D. Its 14 cores, 5.20 GHz boost clock, 24 MB L3 cache, and 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth make it the appropriate choice for multi-threaded productivity, content creation, and compute-heavy applications. The unlocked multiplier and 20 Gen 5 PCIe lanes add flexibility for enthusiasts and workstation builders.

The Core 3 201TE is the appropriate choice for a different set of constraints. Its 45 W TDP, DDR4 compatibility, and LGA 1700 socket make it a fit for low-power builds, office systems, or upgrades to existing platforms. Its 50th percentile ranking and absence of benchmark scores mean it is not positioned for heavy compute tasks, but its lower launch MSRP, ECC support, and integrated UHD Graphics 730 cover basic desktop requirements.

The database does not contain head-to-head benchmark results between these two parts, so any direct comparison of performance must rely on the Core Ultra 5's recorded scores and the Core 3's lack thereof. The specification gap is decisive in favor of the Core Ultra 5 for performance, while the Core 3's advantages are limited to power, memory compatibility, and platform cost. The choice comes down to whether the workload demands the Core Ultra 5's compute capacity or the Core 3's efficiency and platform flexibility.