Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core 5 211E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database contains a complete set of recorded measurements for the Intel Core 5 211E, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has no published benchmark scores. This asymmetry defines the comparison: every performance figure belongs to the 211E, and the 120HL can only be assessed through its architectural specifications and market positioning.

The Intel Core 5 211E delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 20,389 points and a single-core score of 2,878 points. In Cinebench R20, the same processor records 8,563 points multi-core and 1,208 points single-core. The older Cinebench R15 test shows 2,055 points multi-core and 289 points single-core. These results place the 211E at the 86th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 37,829.

The nearest rivals in the database provide context for the 211E's standing. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 posts an average score of 37,804, which is 0.1% behind the 211E. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 435 scores 37,762, trailing by 0.2%. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 produces 37,904, leading the 211E by 0.2%. The Intel Core i9-14901E scores 37,911, also 0.2% ahead. The 211E sits in a tightly packed cluster where the entire spread across these four rivals is less than 0.5%, indicating that the processor is effectively at parity with a broad range of competing designs in aggregate workload performance.

The Passmark suite offers a granular view of the 211E's strengths. The multi-thread score is 23,833, while the single-thread score is 4,006. Integer math completes at 88,117, floating point math at 66,402, and extended instructions at 21,592. Data compression scores 346,757, while data encryption achieves 17,938. Random string sorting records 34,308, and the find prime numbers test scores 43. Physics processing produces a score of 702.

Because the 120HL has no recorded benchmarks, the head-to-head comparison cannot rely on direct score deltas. The database records zero wins for the 120HL and zero wins for the 211E in head-to-head benchmark arrays. The practical consequence is that any comparison must derive from the architectural data sheet of the 120HL and the measured output of the 211E, without asserting specific performance deltas that the database does not support.

The 211E's boost clock reaches 4.90 GHz, which is 0.20 GHz higher than the 120HL's 4.70 GHz. Its base clock sits at 2.70 GHz versus 2.60 GHz. The 211E carries 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 120HL carries 12 cores and 16 threads. The 211E has 20 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 120HL has 18 MB. These specification differences suggest complementary trade-offs: the 211E favors higher clocks and larger cache, while the 120HL offers two additional physical cores.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to the Intel Core 5 211E as the only one of the two with verified benchmark results. Its 86th percentile ranking among all CPUs and its average benchmark score of 37,829 place it in the upper tier of the database. The 120HL holds a 50th percentile ranking with an average benchmark score of 0, reflecting the absence of recorded measurements rather than a performance assessment.

For workloads that depend on single-thread speed, the 211E's 4.90 GHz boost clock and its measured single-core scores of 2,878 in Cinebench R23 and 4,006 in Passmark single-thread indicate a processor built for responsive, clock-sensitive tasks. The 211E also supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, double the lane count and one generation newer than the 120HL's PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The 211E includes ECC memory support, a feature absent from the 120HL, and lists a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s.

The 120HL counters with 12 cores versus 10, which in multi-threaded scenarios could in principle favor the 120HL if its per-core performance scales comparably. However, no benchmark data exists to confirm that scaling. The 120HL also integrates Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, whereas the 211E uses UHD Graphics 730. The 120HL consumes 45 watts TDP versus 65 watts for the 211E, a difference that may matter in thermally constrained systems.

The database does not support a blanket recommendation for either processor across all use cases. It does support a clear statement: the 211E is a measured, verified performer with a strong percentile ranking and a tight competitive cluster around it, while the 120HL is an unmeasured part whose performance profile remains undefined in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 211E wins in every category where recorded data exists. Single-thread performance is its clear domain, with a Passmark single-thread score of 4,006 and a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,878. The 4.90 GHz boost clock gives it a clock advantage over the 120HL's 4.70 GHz. For memory bandwidth, the 211E lists 76.8 GB/s, a figure the 120HL does not provide. ECC memory support on the 211E makes it suitable for error-sensitive computing environments, while the 120HL lacks ECC entirely.

The 211E also wins on platform connectivity. Its PCIe Gen 5 interface with 16 CPU lanes represents a newer and wider interconnect than the 120HL's PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. This matters for systems that need high-throughput add-in cards or storage devices. The 211E's 20 MB of L3 cache exceeds the 120HL's 18 MB, and its die size of 257 mm² is recorded, while the 120HL has no die size listed.

The Intel Core 5 120HL wins on core count, with 12 cores versus 10. It also wins on power efficiency, with a 45 watt TDP compared to 65 watts. Its integrated Iris Xe Graphics 80EU is a more capable GPU solution than the UHD Graphics 730 in the 211E, though the database provides no graphics benchmarks to quantify the difference. The 120HL also launched earlier, with a release date of April 2024 versus January 2025 for the 211E. Its launch MSRP is $279.

The 120HL's 16 threads match the 211E's 16 threads, so the extra two cores do not translate into additional thread count. The 120HL's 12 cores with 16 threads implies a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores, while the 211E's 10 cores with 16 threads follows a similar pattern but with fewer total cores.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E boosts to 4.90 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120HL boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: How does the Intel Core 5 211E compare to its nearest rivals in the database?

A: Its average benchmark score of 37,829 places it 0.1% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132, 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 435, 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and 0.2% behind the Intel Core i9-14901E.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 120HL have any benchmark scores in the database?

A: No. The 120HL has no recorded benchmark results, an average benchmark score of 0, and a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120HL does not.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 211E has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E has a 65 watt TDP, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has a 45 watt TDP.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the Intel Socket 1700 platform, the 10 nm process node, and Intel as the foundry, but they diverge in architecture lineage. The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on Raptor Lake, with the codename Raptor Lake-PS and a generation label of Core 5 (Raptor Lake-PS). The Intel Core 5 211E uses the Bartlett Lake codename with a generation label of Core 5 (Bartlett Lake), and its architecture field is not specified in the database.

Core configuration differs meaningfully. The 120HL packs 12 cores and 16 threads, while the 211E uses 10 cores and 16 threads. Both processors share the same per-core L1 cache of 80 KB and the same per-core L2 cache of 2 MB. The shared L3 cache favors the 211E at 20 MB versus 18 MB for the 120HL.

Clock behavior favors the 211E on both ends. Its base clock is 2.70 GHz and its boost clock is 4.90 GHz. The 120HL runs at 2.60 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost. Thermal design power favors the 120HL, which consumes 45 watts versus 65 watts for the 211E.

Memory support is identical in type, with both processors accepting DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The 211E lists a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while the 120HL has no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory is supported only on the 211E.

PCIe connectivity shows a generational gap. The 211E provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the 120HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. This is a substantial difference in both bandwidth per lane and total lane count.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the 211E uses UHD Graphics 730. The 120HL's solution has a higher EU count, suggesting stronger graphics throughput, though no graphics benchmarks are available in the database.

The 211E records a die size of 257 mm², while the 120HL has no die size listed. Neither processor has transistor counts or v-cache data recorded. Both have locked multipliers, and both are active production parts. The 120HL uses the part number SRPFR and launched in April 2024 with a launch MSRP of $279. The 211E uses the part number SRQERQ65F and launched in January 2025 with a launch MSRP of $221. Both target the desktop market segment.

The 211E's 86th percentile ranking versus the 120HL's 50th percentile ranking reflects the data availability gap as much as raw capability. The 211E has been measured and scored; the 120HL has not. The architectural record shows two Intel processors on the same socket and process node, but with different core counts, clocks, cache sizes, PCIe generations, graphics units, and power envelopes. The 211E is the only one with verified benchmark results, and those results place it in a competitive cluster within 0.2% of several AMD and Intel rivals.