Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data separates these two processors into distinct performance profiles. The Intel Core 5 221TE wins 11 of the 17 recorded comparisons, while the Intel Core 3 304 takes 6. The largest margins belong to the Core 5 221TE in multi-core workloads. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Core 5 221TE scores 11305 against 5263 for the Core 3 304, a 53.4% advantage. Cinebench R15 multicore shows a 25.5% lead with 1139 versus 849. PassMark integer math delivers a 41.8% gap, 42303 versus 24640. Data compression also favors the Core 5 221TE by 26.7%, with scores of 156682 and 114775 respectively. Random string sorting shows a 19.3% edge for the Core 5 221TE, 16929 to 13659. PassMark multithread favors the Core 5 221TE by 12.6%, 13301 versus 11625. Smaller multicore wins include Cinebench R20 multicore at 12.4% (4748 versus 4160), physics at 11.2% (977 versus 868), and floating point math at 6.1% (31661 versus 29722).

The single-core picture reverses sharply. The Core 3 304 wins PassMark single thread by a massive 108.4%, scoring 3614 against 1734. Cinebench R15 single core also goes to the Core 3 304 by 65%, 264 versus 160. Cinebench R23 single core gives the Core 3 304 a 10.6% lead, 1765 versus 1596. PassMark find prime numbers favors the Core 3 304 by 15.3%, 68 versus 59. The extended instructions test is nearly tied, with the Core 3 304 ahead by just 0.3%, 9686 versus 9655. Data encryption is close as well, the Core 5 221TE ahead by 5.2%, 8963 versus 8501. Cinebench R20 single core is the one single-threaded test that goes to the Core 5 221TE, 670 versus 587, a 12.4% margin.

The average benchmark score tells the overall story: the Core 5 221TE sits at 17860, while the Core 3 304 records 13745. The percentile ranks reflect this, with the Core 5 221TE in the 71st percentile of all CPUs and the Core 3 304 in the 68th. The Core 5 221TE compares closely to the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, which averages 17891, a 0.2% difference. The Core 3 304 lands near the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, which averages 13786, a 0.3% gap. The Core 5 221TE also edges the Intel Core 7 350, which scores 17779, by 0.5%. The Core 3 304 sits 1.1% ahead of the Intel Core 5 120UL, which scores 13594.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different Intel process nodes. The Core 3 304 uses Intel's 3 nm process, while the Core 5 221TE uses 10 nm. The Core 3 304 is built on the Wildcat Lake codename, and the Core 5 221TE belongs to Bartlett Lake. The Core 3 304 contains 5 cores and 5 threads, with no hyperthreading apparent in the thread count. The Core 5 221TE doubles the core count to 10 and delivers 16 threads, indicating simultaneous multithreading support. Base and boost clocks differ as well: the Core 3 304 runs at 1.50 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost, while the Core 5 221TE runs at 1.80 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost. The Core 5 221TE has the higher rated TDP at 45, versus 15 for the Core 3 304.

Cache organization is fundamentally different. The Core 3 304 carries 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 5 221TE reports cache per core: 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The die size is recorded only for the Core 5 221TE at 215 mm². Memory support diverges: the Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 221TE but not on the Core 3 304. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Core 3 304 offers Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Core 5 221TE offers Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ by generation and configuration. The Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730. Sockets are incompatible: the Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, while the Core 5 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700. Market segments differ accordingly, with the Core 3 304 listed as Mobile and the Core 5 221TE as Desktop. Release dates are distinct: the Core 5 221TE launched on 2025-01-12, and the Core 3 304 on 2026-04-15. Both parts remain in active production, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The Verdict

The data indicates two different usage profiles. The Core 5 221TE is the multi-core performer. Its 10 cores and 16 threads drive substantial leads in Cinebench R23 multicore, PassMark integer math, and data compression. The 53.4% multicore advantage in Cinebench R23 is the largest gap recorded in the head-to-head results. The dual-channel memory bus, 24 MB of shared L3, and 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth support that throughput. The Core 5 221TE also offers ECC memory support and Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, which matters for workloads that need memory integrity and high-bandwidth expansion.

The Core 3 304 is the single-thread champion. The 108.4% lead in PassMark single thread is the largest single-core margin in the data set. The 3 nm process node and 4.30 GHz boost clock help explain that result. Cinebench R15 single core shows a 65% advantage, and Cinebench R23 single core adds a 10.6% win. For workloads that depend on single-threaded responsiveness, the Core 3 304 delivers higher per-core performance despite having only 5 cores and 5 threads.

The market segments reinforce the split. The Core 3 304 is a mobile part with a 15 TDP, suited to power-constrained designs. The Core 5 221TE is a desktop part with a 45 TDP, suited to sustained multi-core loads. The launch MSRP for the Core 3 304 is $309. The launch MSRP for the Core 5 221TE is $232. Anyone selecting between them should weigh the single-thread dominance of the Core 3 304 against the multicore and I/O breadth of the Core 5 221TE. The recorded benchmarks show no scenario where both chips lead the same category by a wide margin, so the choice depends entirely on workload emphasis.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core 5 221TE |

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

| Cores | 5 | 10 |

| Threads | 5 | 16 |

| Base clock | 1.50 GHz | 1.80 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 15 | 45 |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Process node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| Die size | Not recorded | 215 mm² |

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

| L2 cache | 2.5 MB | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 6 MB shared | 24 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| ECC memory | false | true |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release date | 2026-04-15 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | $309 | $232 |

| Part number | SAE3K | SRVQS |

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE. It leads in 11 of 17 head-to-head tests, with its largest win being Cinebench R23 multicore at 11305 versus 5263, a 53.4% advantage.

Q: Which processor wins in single-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Core 3 304. It leads PassMark single thread by 108.4%, scoring 3614 versus 1734, and Cinebench R15 single core by 65%, 264 versus 160.

Q: Do the two processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5. The Core 5 221TE uses a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core 3 304 uses a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 304 does not.

Q: What are the socket requirements for each chip?

A: The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, which is a mobile socket. The Core 5 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop socket. The two are not interchangeable.

Q: How do the two chips compare in overall average score?

A: The Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860, placing it in the 71st percentile. The Core 3 304 has an average score of 13745, placing it in the 68th percentile.