Intel Core 5 120 vs Intel Core 5 213PE Comparison

Intel Core 5 120 and Intel Core 5 213PE are both desktop processors built for the Intel Socket 1700 platform. The data in the database shows a clear performance hierarchy between the two, with the 213PE consistently ahead across every recorded benchmark. This analysis walks through the specifications, architecture, and measured performance to explain where each processor stands.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The 213PE also has a higher base clock of 2.70 GHz and a higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz, compared to 2.50 GHz and 4.50 GHz for the 120.

Q: What are the cache differences between the two processors?

A: Both processors share the same L1 cache at 80 KB per core. The L2 cache differs: the Core 5 120 has 1.25 MB per core, while the Core 5 213PE has 2 MB per core. The L3 cache also differs, with 18 MB shared on the 120 and 24 MB shared on the 213PE.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory and PCIe standards?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, and both have PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The 213PE lists a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while the 120 does not have a recorded bandwidth figure. The 213PE also supports ECC memory, while the 120 does not.

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has an average benchmark score of 35428, compared to 25362 for the Intel Core 5 120. The 213PE sits at the 85th percentile among all CPUs, while the 120 sits at the 77th percentile.

Q: How does the 213PE compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The 213PE's average score of 35428 places it slightly ahead of the Intel Core i7-13700T (35403, 0.1% ahead), the Intel Core i7-12700KF (35365, 0.2% ahead), the Intel Core i5-13600T (35305, 0.3% ahead), and the Intel Core i7-12700K (35287, 0.4% ahead).

Q: How does the 120 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The 120's average score of 25362 is essentially level with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D (25365, 0% delta), just behind the Intel Core i5-13400F (25292, 0.3% behind the rival), and just ahead of the Intel Core i7-11700KF (25423, 0.2% ahead of the 120) and AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (25432, 0.3% ahead of the 120).

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows a one-sided outcome. The Intel Core 5 213PE wins all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. There are no recorded wins for the Intel Core 5 120 in any individual test. The 213PE dominates in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, as well as in every specialized PassMark workload.

For single-thread performance, the 213PE leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core tests, and in PassMark single-thread and single-thread (duplicate listing) tests. For multi-thread performance, the 213PE leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests, plus PassMark multithread. The 213PE also wins in data compression, data encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating point math, integer math, physics, and random string sorting.

The Intel Core 5 120 has no category where it takes the lead. In every measured workload, the 213PE delivers a higher score. The closest margin for the 120 is in PassMark single-thread, where the 213PE leads by 11.5%. The largest margin is in PassMark integer math, where the 213PE leads by 34.3%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lines. The Intel Core 5 120 uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the codename Raptor Lake-R, and is part of the Core 5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. The Intel Core 5 213PE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and is part of the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation; its architecture field is not specified in the database.

Both are built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry. The 120 has a recorded die size of 163 mm², while the 213PE has no recorded die size. Neither processor has a recorded transistor count.

The core configuration differs significantly. The 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The 213PE also carries more cache per core at the L2 level (2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core) and more shared L3 cache (24 MB versus 18 MB).

Both processors include the UHD Graphics 730 integrated GPU. Both are locked processors, meaning the multiplier is not unlocked. Both use the same Intel Socket 1700 and are marked as Active in production status.

The 213PE adds ECC memory support, which the 120 lacks. The 213PE also has a recorded memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, a figure not listed for the 120. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus.

Specification Differences

The specification table shows the following differences between the two processors:

• Cores: 6 (120) versus 8 (213PE)
• Threads: 12 (120) versus 16 (213PE)
• Base clock: 2.50 GHz (120) versus 2.70 GHz (213PE)
• Boost clock: 4.50 GHz (120) versus 5.20 GHz (213PE)
• L2 cache: 1.25 MB per core (120) versus 2 MB per core (213PE)
• L3 cache: 18 MB shared (120) versus 24 MB shared (213PE)
• Memory bandwidth: not recorded (120) versus 76.8 GB/s (213PE)
• ECC memory: false (120) versus true (213PE)
• Codename: Raptor Lake-R (120) versus Bartlett Lake (213PE)
• Generation: Core 5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) (120) versus Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) (213PE)
• Die size: 163 mm² (120) versus not recorded (213PE)
• Release date: 2025-07-30 (120) versus 2026-03-08 (213PE)
• Part number: SA35V (120) versus SA4QG (213PE)
• Launch MSRP: $211 (120) versus $221 (213PE)

Matching specifications include the 65 W TDP, the Intel Socket 1700, the 10 nm process node, Intel as the foundry, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics, Desktop market segment, Active production status, and a locked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows the Intel Core 5 213PE ahead in every recorded test. The margins vary by workload, from a modest 11.5% lead in single-thread tests to a substantial 34.3% lead in integer math.

In Cinebench R23 multicore, the 213PE scores 22468 against 18255 for the 120, a difference of 18.8%. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the 213PE scores 3172 against 2577, also an 18.8% difference. The Cinebench R20 results follow the same pattern: 9436 versus 7667 in multicore (18.7% difference) and 1332 versus 1082 in single-core (18.8% difference). Cinebench R15 shows 2264 versus 1840 in multicore (18.7% difference) and 319 versus 259 in single-core (18.8% difference).

The PassMark suite reveals larger gaps. The 213PE leads by 26.5% in data compression (298804 versus 219535), by 30.1% in data encryption (15916 versus 11131), by 27.1% in extended instructions (19565 versus 14264), and by 32.5% in prime number finding (114 versus 77). Floating point math shows a 33.8% lead (68587 versus 45383), while integer math shows the largest gap at 34.3% (92089 versus 60462). The multithread score favors the 213PE by 29.6% (26434 versus 18597), and physics favors it by 17.9% (1624 versus 1333). Random string sorting shows a 32.9% lead (32027 versus 21499). The smallest margin is in single-thread performance, where the 213PE leads by 11.5% (4060 versus 3595).

The average benchmark scores place the 213PE at 35428, which is 39.7% higher than the 120's 25362. The percentile rankings reflect this gap: the 213PE sits at the 85th percentile among all CPUs, while the 120 sits at the 77th percentile.

The nearest rival data adds context. The 120's average score of 25362 puts it in a tight cluster with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D (25365), the Intel Core i7-11700KF (25423), the Intel Core i5-13400F (25292), and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (25432), all within 0.3% of each other. The 213PE's average score of 35428 sits in a similarly tight cluster with the Intel Core i7-13700T (35403), the Intel Core i7-12700KF (35365), the Intel Core i5-13600T (35305), and the Intel Core i7-12700K (35287), all within 0.4% of each other.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous. The Intel Core 5 213PE outperforms the Intel Core 5 120 in every recorded benchmark, with no exceptions. The 213PE's advantages in core count (8 versus 6), thread count (16 versus 12), clock speeds (2.70 GHz base and 5.20 GHz boost versus 2.50 GHz and 4.50 GHz), L2 cache (2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core), and L3 cache (24 MB versus 18 MB) all contribute to its consistent lead.

For workloads that depend on single-thread performance, such as lightly threaded applications, the 213PE holds an 11.5% lead in PassMark single-thread and an 18.8% lead across Cinebench single-core tests. For multi-threaded workloads, the 213PE's lead grows to 18.7% to 18.8% in Cinebench multicore tests and 29.6% in PassMark multithread. The specialized PassMark workloads show the widest gaps, ranging from 26.5% in data compression to 34.3% in integer math.

The Intel Core 5 120 does have its place. It sits at the 77th percentile among all CPUs and matches the performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D and Intel Core i5-13400F almost exactly. Its 163 mm² die size is recorded, while the 213PE's is not. It also has a lower launch MSRP of $211 compared to $221 for the 213PE.

The 213PE, however, delivers a higher percentile ranking (85th versus 77th), a higher average benchmark score (35428 versus 25362), and a higher memory bandwidth figure (76.8 GB/s). It also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the 120. The 213PE's nearest rivals are all Intel Core i7-class processors, while the 120's nearest rivals include a mix of mid-range desktop and mobile parts.

Users selecting between these two processors should base the decision on the benchmark data. The 213PE wins every single recorded comparison. The 120 offers no performance advantage in any measured category. The 213PE is the stronger processor in single-thread, multi-thread, and specialized workloads, and its ECC support adds a functional capability that the 120 does not provide. The only recorded area where the 120 has a listed advantage is the die size figure of 163 mm², which does not affect performance. Based on the database measurements, the Intel Core 5 213PE is the superior choice for every workload category represented in the data.