Intel Core 5 120 vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E records an average benchmark score of 40144, compared to 25362 for the Intel Core 5 120. The 221E also sits in the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the 120 sits in the 77th percentile.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 221E uses 14 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120 uses 6 cores and 12 threads. The 221E offers more than double the core count.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The Intel Core 5 120 has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration. However, the Intel Core 5 221E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the 120 does not have a recorded bandwidth figure in the database.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120 does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 120 is built on Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and belongs to the Core 5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. The Intel Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. Both are manufactured on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry, but the die size differs substantially: the 120 has a die size of 163 mm², while the 221E has a die size of 257 mm².

The core configuration diverges sharply. The 120 provides 6 cores and 12 threads, a conventional layout for a desktop part. The 221E provides 14 cores and 20 threads, indicating a hybrid arrangement where some cores do not add extra threads. This difference in core count directly influences the performance gap observed across the benchmark suite.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache per core is 1.25 MB on the 120 versus 2 MB on the 221E. The shared L3 cache is 18 MB on the 120 and 24 MB on the 221E. The larger caches on the 221E contribute to its higher throughput in cache-sensitive workloads.

Both processors use Intel Socket 1700 and support PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics are identical: UHD Graphics 730 on both. Memory support matches as well, with DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode. The 221E adds ECC memory support and a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the 120 lacks ECC support and has no recorded bandwidth figure.

The production status for both is Active. The 120 was released on 2025-07-30, while the 221E was released on 2025-01-12, making the 221E the earlier launch. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The 120 has a part number of SA35V, and the 221E has a part number of SRQDVQ659.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a clean sweep: the Intel Core 5 221E wins all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The margin varies by workload, revealing where the architectural advantages matter most.

In Cinebench tests, the 221E leads by a consistent 29.6% across all six metrics. The R15 multicore score is 2613 versus 1840, the R15 singlecore score is 368 versus 259, the R20 multicore score is 10891 versus 7667, the R20 singlecore score is 1537 versus 1082, the R23 multicore score is 25933 versus 18255, and the R23 singlecore score is 3661 versus 2577. This uniform delta suggests a broad performance advantage that applies equally to single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering workloads.

The PassMark suite shows a wider spread of results. The smallest gap appears in single-threaded tests: the 221E scores 4147 versus 3595 on passmark_single_thread, a 13.3% lead. The same delta applies to passmark_singlethread. This indicates that the 221E's higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz provides a meaningful but modest single-core advantage over the 120's 4.50 GHz boost.

The largest gap appears in passmark_find_prime_numbers, where the 221E scores 173 versus 77, a 55.5% lead. This workload is highly sensitive to core count and integer throughput, areas where the 221E's 14 cores and 20 threads dominate the 120's 6 cores and 12 threads.

Integer math shows a 48.7% lead for the 221E, with scores of 117813 versus 60462. Floating point math follows with a 42.6% lead, scoring 79028 versus 45383. Data encryption shows a 42% lead, with 19205 versus 11131. Random string sorting shows a 43% lead, with 37686 versus 21499. Physics tests show a 40.2% lead, with 2230 versus 1333. Multithreaded performance shows a 39% lead, with 30510 versus 18597.

Data compression shows a 32.3% lead, with 324285 versus 219535. Extended instructions show the smallest multi-threaded gap at 21.7%, with 18216 versus 14264. Across all workloads, the 221E demonstrates a decisive performance advantage, with the single-threaded tests being the closest competition.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show several key differences between the two processors.

Cores: The Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores, while the Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores.

Threads: The 120 has 12 threads, while the 221E has 20 threads.

Base Clock: The 120 runs at 2.50 GHz, while the 221E runs at 2.70 GHz.

Boost Clock: The 120 reaches 4.50 GHz, while the 221E reaches 5.20 GHz.

Codename: The 120 uses Raptor Lake-R, while the 221E uses Bartlett Lake.

Architecture: The 120 is listed as Raptor Lake, while the 221E has no recorded architecture field.

Generation: The 120 belongs to Core 5 (Raptor Lake Refresh), while the 221E belongs to Core 5 (Bartlett Lake).

Die Size: The 120 measures 163 mm², while the 221E measures 257 mm².

L2 Cache: The 120 has 1.25 MB per core, while the 221E has 2 MB per core.

L3 Cache: The 120 has 18 MB shared, while the 221E has 24 MB shared.

Memory Bandwidth: The 221E records 89.6 GB/s, while the 120 has no recorded figure.

ECC Memory: The 120 does not support ECC, while the 221E supports ECC.

Release Date: The 120 launched on 2025-07-30, while the 221E launched on 2025-01-12.

Launch MSRP: The 120 has a launch MSRP of $211, while the 221E has a launch MSRP of $232.

Part Number: The 120 uses SA35V, while the 221E uses SRQDVQ659.

Identical specifications include: manufacturer (Intel), TDP (65 for both), socket (Intel Socket 1700), process node (10 nm), foundry (Intel), L1 cache (80 KB per core), memory support (DDR4, DDR5), memory bus (Dual-channel), PCIe (Gen 5, 16 Lanes CPU only), integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), market segment (Desktop), production status (Active), and multiplier unlocked (false for both).

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates a decisive performance hierarchy. The Intel Core 5 221E outperforms the Intel Core 5 120 in every single recorded test, with a 100% win rate across 17 benchmarks. The average benchmark score for the 221E is 40144, versus 25362 for the 120, a difference of roughly 58% based on the recorded averages.

The 221E also ranks higher in the overall CPU percentile, sitting at 87 versus 77 for the 120. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 with an average score of 40081 and a delta of 0.2%, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 with 40048 and a delta of 0.2%, the AMD Ryzen 9 270 with 40246 and a delta of -0.3%, and the Intel Core i9-13905H with 40313 and a delta of -0.4%. This places the 221E in a competitive tier where small percentage differences separate it from strong alternatives.

The 120's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D with an average score of 25365 and a delta of 0%, the Intel Core i7-11700KF with 25423 and a delta of -0.2%, the Intel Core i5-13400F with 25292 and a delta of 0.3%, and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U with 25432 and a delta of -0.3%. The 120 sits in a lower performance bracket, competing with mid-range parts from earlier generations.

The data supports a clear verdict: the Intel Core 5 221E is the substantially stronger processor in terms of raw performance across all measured workloads. Its 14 cores, 20 threads, higher clocks, and larger caches deliver consistent advantages that range from 13.3% in single-threaded tests to 55.5% in prime number calculations.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221E wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. The strongest relative advantages appear in integer-heavy and multi-threaded workloads:

• Prime number finding: 55.5% lead, indicating exceptional integer throughput per core as well as core-count scaling.
• Integer math: 48.7% lead, confirming strong ALU performance across many cores.
• Random string sorting: 43% lead, showing memory and cache efficiency under data manipulation tasks.
• Data encryption: 42% lead, indicating robust crypto workload performance.
• Floating point math: 42.6% lead, demonstrating strong FPU throughput.
• Physics calculations: 40.2% lead, pointing to simulation and physics engine performance.
• Multithreaded workloads: 39% lead, covering general parallel processing.
• Data compression: 32.3% lead, reflecting both core count and cache benefits.
• Cinebench R15, R20, R23: 29.6% lead across all single and multi-core render tests.
• Extended instructions: 21.7% lead, showing efficiency with specialized instruction sets.
• Single-threaded performance: 13.3% lead, the smallest gap, but still a clear win for the 221E.

The Intel Core 5 120 does not win any recorded benchmark. Its lower core count, smaller caches, and lower boost clock place it behind in every category. The closest margin is in single-threaded tests, where the 120 trails by 13.3%, but even there the 221E holds the advantage.

For workloads that depend heavily on single-core speed, the 120 comes closest to matching the 221E, but it still falls short. For any workload that scales with core count, cache size, or memory bandwidth, the 221E pulls far ahead. ECC memory support on the 221E adds another dimension for reliability-sensitive applications, while the 120 offers none.

The data provides no scenario where the 120 outperforms the 221E. The 221E is the superior processor across all measured dimensions.