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

FAQ

Q: How do the two processors compare in terms of core counts?

A: The Intel Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Ultra 5 delivers more than three times the physical core count, which directly impacts multi-threaded workloads.

Q: What are the clock speed differences between the two?

A: The Core 3 201TE runs at a base clock of 2.90 GHz and boosts to 4.60 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 245KF operates at a base clock of 4.20 GHz and boosts to 5.20 GHz. The Ultra 5 holds a 0.60 GHz advantage in both base and boost frequencies.

Q: Which processor supports overclocking?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245KF has an unlocked multiplier, meaning overclocking is supported. The Core 3 201TE has a locked multiplier, so it cannot be overclocked.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor include?

A: The Core 3 201TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has no integrated graphics, designated by the "F" suffix in its name.

Q: How do the cache hierarchies differ?

A: The Core 3 201TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 doubles the L3 capacity and provides larger per-core caches.

Q: What is the release date difference between the two?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245KF was released on 2024-10-23, while the Core 3 201TE was released on 2025-01-12. The Ultra 5 launched approximately two and a half months earlier.

The Verdict

The data records a clear performance hierarchy. The Core Ultra 5 245KF sits in the 91st percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Core 3 201TE sits at the 50th percentile. The Ultra 5's average benchmark score of 55093 versus the Core 3's absence of recorded benchmark scores further emphasizes the gap.

For multi-threaded productivity workloads, rendering, and heavy computation, the Core Ultra 5 245KF is the only sensible choice from the recorded data. Its 14 cores, higher clock speeds, larger caches, and significantly higher memory bandwidth (102.4 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s) position it as the stronger processor across every measured dimension.

The Core 3 201TE suits systems where power efficiency is prioritized. Its 45 W TDP is substantially lower than the 125 W TDP of the Ultra 5. It also supports ECC memory, which the Ultra 5 does not. For compact desktops or always-on systems where the integrated UHD Graphics 730 is sufficient and error-correcting memory is required, the Core 3 201TE has specific utility.

The unlocked multiplier on the Ultra 5 adds flexibility for users who intend to push clock speeds beyond stock. The Core 3's locked multiplier removes that option entirely.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data for the Core Ultra 5 245KF provides a comprehensive picture of its performance across multiple test suites. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, so direct numerical comparisons cannot be made. However, the Ultra 5's scores can be interpreted against its nearest rivals.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Ultra 5 scores 36647. This places it ahead of the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which has an average score of 54762, but the delta is only 0.6%. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Ultra 5 scores 5173, indicating strong per-thread performance that aligns with its 5.20 GHz boost clock.

The PassMark multi-thread score of 43110 and single-thread score of 4715 show balanced performance across both parallel and serial workloads. The data compression score of 460123 and data encryption score of 33381 indicate strong throughput in these specific tasks.

The Ultra 5's average benchmark score of 55093 sits close to its nearest rivals. It trails the Intel Core 7 253PQE by 1.5% and the Intel Core i9-14900HX by 1.6%. It leads the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D by 0.6% and the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K by 1.9%. These margins are narrow, suggesting the Ultra 5 performs competitively within its immediate peer group.

The floating-point math score of 131546 and integer math score of 98854 demonstrate strong arithmetic throughput. The extended instructions score of 37912 and find prime numbers score of 416 round out the computational profile. The physics score of 2998 and random string sorting score of 55206 complete the PassMark suite.

Since the Core 3 201TE lacks recorded benchmarks, its performance cannot be quantified against the Ultra 5 or any other processor in the database. The percentile ranking of 50 versus 91 for the Ultra 5 provides the only comparative signal: the Ultra 5 outperforms the vast majority of recorded CPUs, while the Core 3 sits at the median.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field in the database.

Core and thread counts: The Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Ultra 5 offers 10 additional physical cores but 6 fewer threads than its core count would suggest, indicating a design without hyper-threading.

Clock speeds: The Core 3 201TE has a 2.90 GHz base clock and 4.60 GHz boost clock. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has a 4.20 GHz base clock and 5.20 GHz boost clock. The Ultra 5 is faster by 1.30 GHz at base and 0.60 GHz at boost.

Power: The Core 3 201TE has a 45 W TDP. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has a 125 W TDP. The Ultra 5 consumes nearly three times the power budget.

Socket: The Core 3 201TE uses Intel Socket 1700. The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses Intel Socket 1851. These sockets are not interchangeable.

Memory support: The Core 3 201TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 245KF supports DDR5 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses. Memory bandwidth differs: 76.8 GB/s for the Core 3 versus 102.4 GB/s for the Ultra 5.

ECC memory: The Core 3 201TE supports ECC memory. The Core Ultra 5 245KF does not.

PCIe lanes: The Core 3 201TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Core Ultra 5 245KF provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics: The Core 3 201TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has no integrated graphics.

Unlocked multiplier: The Core 3 201TE is locked. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is unlocked.

Release date: The Core 3 201TE released on 2025-01-12. The Core Ultra 5 245KF released on 2024-10-23.

Launch MSRP: The Core 3 201TE launched at $134. The Core Ultra 5 245KF launched at $294.

Part numbers: The Core 3 201TE carries part number SRPKDQ5CK. The Core Ultra 5 245KF carries part number SRQCY.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different architectural generations and manufacturing approaches.

Process node: The Core 3 201TE is fabricated on a 10 nm process by Intel. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is fabricated on a 3 nm process by TSMC. The smaller node gives the Ultra 5 a significant transistor density advantage.

Foundry: The Core 3 201TE is built by Intel. The Core Ultra 5 245KF is built by TSMC. This marks a strategic shift in Intel's manufacturing approach for the Arrow Lake generation.

Codename: The Core 3 201TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename. The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Arrow Lake-S codename. These represent distinct architectural families within Intel's lineup.

Transistor count: The Core Ultra 5 245KF has 17,800 million transistors. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded transistor count in the database.

Die size: The Core 3 201TE has a die size of 163 mm². The Core Ultra 5 245KF has a die size of 243 mm². The Ultra 5's larger die accommodates its additional cores and cache.

Cache architecture: The Core 3 201TE uses 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 provides 2.4 times the L1 per core, 2.4 times the L2 per core, and double the shared L3.

Memory bandwidth: The Core 3 201TE achieves 76.8 GB/s. The Core Ultra 5 245KF achieves 102.4 GB/s. The Ultra 5 provides 33% more bandwidth, which benefits memory-intensive workloads.

Generation: The Core 3 201TE belongs to the Core 3 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Core Ultra 5 245KF belongs to the Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake) generation. The Ultra branding represents Intel's newer product tiering scheme.

Series: The Core Ultra 5 245KF is part of the Core Ultra Series 2. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded series designation.

The architectural gap between the two is substantial. The Ultra 5 benefits from a more advanced process node, a larger die, more transistors, larger caches, and higher memory bandwidth. The Core 3 relies on Intel's older 10 nm process and a smaller, simpler design. These differences explain the performance gap indicated by the percentile rankings.