Intel Core 3 201TE vs Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Comparison

The Verdict

The data clearly separates these two processors by design intent. The Intel Core 3 201TE is a desktop part aimed at stable, low-cost mainstream systems, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V is a mobile processor built for high performance in a compact, power-efficient package. Based on the recorded benchmarks, the Core Ultra 9 288V is the significantly stronger performer; it holds a 76th percentile ranking among all CPUs, whereas the Core 3 201TE sits at the 50th percentile. The Core Ultra 9 288V also posts an average benchmark score of 23,219, while the Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database.

For users building a desktop with a focus on simple, reliable operation and the ability to use DDR4 memory or ECC memory, the Core 3 201TE is the appropriate choice. Its socket, Intel Socket 1700, and desktop segment support traditional builds. For anyone needing the highest available mobile performance, the Core Ultra 9 288V is the clear selection, delivering roughly 50% better single-core and far superior multi-core results where measured. The Core Ultra 9 288V belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses a 3 nm process, while the Core 3 201TE uses a 10 nm process. The performance gap is substantial, and no scenario in the data suggests the Core 3 201TE can match the Core Ultra 9 288V in raw compute.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different families and use different manufacturing approaches. The Core 3 201TE is part of the Bartlett Lake generation and uses Intel's 10 nm process node, with a die size of 163 mm². The Core Ultra 9 288V is part of the Core Ultra Series 2, uses the Lunar Lake architecture, and is built on TSMC's 3 nm process. These process differences affect power draw and performance characteristics; the Core 3 201TE has a TDP of 45 watts, while the Core Ultra 9 288V has a lower TDP of 30 watts despite delivering higher performance.

Core configurations differ substantially. The Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V has 8 cores and 8 threads. This means the Core 3 201TE relies on simultaneous multithreading to reach 8 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V achieves 8 threads from its physical cores alone. Cache hierarchies also differ. The Core 3 201TE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 9 288V provides 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core caches on the Core Ultra 9 288V contribute to its higher single-thread performance.

Memory support is another major divergence. The Core 3 201TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel access and a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. It also supports ECC memory. The Core Ultra 9 288V supports only LPDDR5X memory with dual-channel access, reaching 136.5 GB/s of memory bandwidth, and it does not support ECC memory. The Core Ultra 9 288V offers nearly 78% more memory bandwidth, which benefits memory-intensive workloads.

Connectivity and packaging also differ. The Core 3 201TE uses Intel Socket 1700 with 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses Intel BGA 2833 with only 4 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU. The Core 3 201TE is a socketed desktop processor, while the Core Ultra 9 288V is a mobile BGA part. Integrated graphics differ as well: the Core 3 201TE carries UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 9 288V carries Arc 140V. The Core Ultra 9 288V also has a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz, compared to 2.90 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost on the Core 3 201TE.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V has 8 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core 3 201TE supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 9 288V does not.

Q: Which processor offers higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Core Ultra 9 288V offers 136.5 GB/s of memory bandwidth using LPDDR5X memory. The Core 3 201TE offers 76.8 GB/s using DDR4 or DDR5 memory.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two?

A: The Core 3 201TE is built on Intel's 10 nm process. The Core Ultra 9 288V is built on TSMC's 3 nm process.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Core Ultra 9 288V has a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The Core 3 201TE has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

Q: How does the Core Ultra 9 288V compare to its nearest rivals in the database?

A: The Core Ultra 9 288V has an average benchmark score of 23,219. It is 0.2% ahead of the AMD EPYC 4124P, and 0.2% behind the Intel Core i9-11900F, 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, and 0.3% behind the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the two processors:

• Cores: Core 3 201TE has 4 cores; Core Ultra 9 288V has 8 cores.
• Threads: Core 3 201TE has 8 threads; Core Ultra 9 288V has 8 threads.
• Base clock: Core 3 201TE runs at 2.90 GHz; Core Ultra 9 288V runs at 3.30 GHz.
• Boost clock: Core 3 201TE boosts to 4.60 GHz; Core Ultra 9 288V boosts to 5.10 GHz.
• TDP: Core 3 201TE is rated at 45 watts; Core Ultra 9 288V is rated at 30 watts.
• Socket: Core 3 201TE uses Intel Socket 1700; Core Ultra 9 288V uses Intel BGA 2833.
• Codename/generation: Core 3 201TE is Bartlett Lake; Core Ultra 9 288V is Lunar Lake.
• Process node: Core 3 201TE uses 10 nm; Core Ultra 9 288V uses 3 nm.
• Foundry: Core 3 201TE is made by Intel; Core Ultra 9 288V is made by TSMC.
• Die size: Core 3 201TE measures 163 mm²; Core Ultra 9 288V has no recorded die size.
• L1 cache: Core 3 201TE has 80 KB per core; Core Ultra 9 288V has 192 KB per core.
• L2 cache: Core 3 201TE has 1.25 MB per core; Core Ultra 9 288V has 2.5 MB per core.
• Memory support: Core 3 201TE supports DDR4 and DDR5; Core Ultra 9 288V supports LPDDR5X.
• Memory bandwidth: Core 3 201TE delivers 76.8 GB/s; Core Ultra 9 288V delivers 136.5 GB/s.
• ECC memory: Core 3 201TE supports ECC; Core Ultra 9 288V does not.
• PCIe lanes: Core 3 201TE has 16 Gen 5 lanes; Core Ultra 9 288V has 4 Gen 5 lanes.
• Integrated graphics: Core 3 201TE uses UHD Graphics 730; Core Ultra 9 288V uses Arc 140V.
• Market segment: Core 3 201TE is desktop; Core Ultra 9 288V is mobile.
• Release date: Core 3 201TE released 2025-01-12; Core Ultra 9 288V released 2024-09-23.
• Launch MSRP: Core 3 201TE has a launch MSRP of $134; Core Ultra 9 288V has no recorded launch MSRP.
• Percentile vs all CPUs: Core 3 201TE is at the 50th percentile; Core Ultra 9 288V is at the 76th percentile.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Core 3 201TE and the Core Ultra 9 288V. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores at all, and the head-to-head array is empty. The Core Ultra 9 288V, however, has extensive benchmark data. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 10,178, and its single-core score is 1,950. In Cinebench R20, it scores 7,069 multi-core and 997 single-core. In Cinebench R15, it scores 1,583 multi-core and 301.5 single-core.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 9 288V show strong performance across a range of workloads. Its multithread score is 19,810, and its single-thread score is 4,274. It scores 44,019 in integer math, 59,536 in floating point math, 15,613 in extended instructions, 186,521 in data compression, 14,141 in data encryption, 195 in find prime numbers, 22,622 in random string sorting, and 1,637 in physics.

Since the Core 3 201TE lacks recorded benchmark scores, the comparison is one-sided. The Core Ultra 9 288V demonstrates high productivity in both threaded and single-threaded applications. Its average benchmark score of 23,219 places it within a narrow band of competitors: the Intel Core i9-11900F averages 23,254 (0.2% above), the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H averages 23,277 (0.2% above), the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V averages 23,297 (0.3% above), and the AMD EPYC 4124P averages 23,167 (0.2% below). This grouping indicates that the Core Ultra 9 288V performs at the level of previous-generation high-end desktop and mobile chips.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 201TE wins in areas tied to desktop integration and compatibility. It uses Intel Socket 1700, which supports traditional desktop motherboards. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving builders flexibility in memory selection. It also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Core Ultra 9 288V and one that matters for data integrity in specific workstation or server scenarios. The Core 3 201TE provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, four times the lane count of the Core Ultra 9 288V, which matters for multi-GPU or high-throughput add-in card configurations. Its launch MSRP of $134 provides a reference point for its positioning, though pricing analysis is outside the scope of this data. Its 45-watt TDP is higher than the Core Ultra 9 288V's 30-watt TDP, which reflects the desktop platform's less constrained thermal environment.

The Core Ultra 9 288V wins in every measured performance category where data exists. It has more cores, higher clocks, larger caches, and a more advanced 3 nm process. It delivers 136.5 GB/s of memory bandwidth versus 76.8 GB/s on the Core 3 201TE, a 78% advantage. Its Arc 140V integrated graphics is paired with the Lunar Lake architecture, while the Core 3 201TE relies on UHD Graphics 730. It also holds a much higher percentile ranking: 76th versus 50th. The Core Ultra 9 288V's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 10,178 and single-core score of 1,950 indicate a balanced processor capable of both threaded and latency-sensitive tasks. Its PassMark single-thread score of 4,274 confirms strong per-core performance, which directly benefits everyday responsiveness and lightly threaded applications.

For desktop users who need ECC support, DDR4 compatibility, or extensive PCIe lane availability, the Core 3 201TE is the only one of the two that fits. For mobile users and anyone prioritizing raw compute, memory bandwidth, and architectural efficiency, the Core Ultra 9 288V is the superior processor. The data contains no scenario where the Core 3 201TE outperforms the Core Ultra 9 288V in benchmark scores, because no benchmark scores for the Core 3 201TE are recorded. The Core Ultra 9 288V's nearest rivals, including the Intel Core i9-11900F and AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, all sit within 0.3% of its average score, placing it firmly in high-performance territory. The Core 3 201TE, with its 50th percentile ranking and no benchmark results, occupies a fundamentally different performance class.