Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains recorded benchmark scores for the Intel Core 5 221E, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has no benchmark entries in our measurements. This means the comparison is one-sided in terms of raw data, but the available scores for the 221E still allow a detailed profile of its performance positioning.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 5 221E records a score of 25933. That is a strong result for a desktop processor in this class. Its single-core score in the same test is 3661. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 10891 and the single-core score is 1537. In the older Cinebench R15 test, the multi-core score is 2613 and the single-core score is 368. These results show a consistent scaling pattern: the multi-core advantage grows as the workload becomes more parallel, which is expected given the core count.

PassMark results for the 221E reinforce this picture. The multi-thread score is 30510, while the single-thread score is 4147. The integer math test returns 117813, and floating point math returns 79028. Data compression scores 324285, data encryption scores 19205, and extended instructions score 18216. Random string sorting produces 37686. Physics scores 2230, and find prime numbers scores 173.

The 221E holds an 87th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 40144. Its nearest rivals in the database are all AMD and Intel parts with very close average scores. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 averages 40081, which is a 0.2% delta. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 also averages 40048, again a 0.2% delta. The AMD Ryzen 9 270 averages 40246, a -0.3% delta, meaning the 221E trails it by a small margin. The Intel Core i9-13905H averages 40313, a -0.4% delta. In short, the 221E sits inside a tight cluster of competitive processors, all within less than one percent of each other.

The Core 5 120HL has no recorded benchmark scores, so no direct head-to-head wins can be listed from measured data. The 221E, by contrast, has a full suite of results across Cinebench and PassMark. This absence of data for the 120HL is itself a notable fact: the database does not currently reflect any measured performance for that part.

The Verdict

From the recorded data, the Intel Core 5 221E is the only one of the two with measurable performance. It posts a multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 25933 and a multi-thread PassMark score of 30510. Its average benchmark score of 40144 places it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs, and it trades blows within 0.4% of four closely matched rivals.

The Intel Core 5 120HL cannot be assessed on measured performance because no benchmarks exist for it in the database. Therefore, any selection between these two must rely on the 221E's documented results versus the 120HL's lack of them. The 221E also offers more cores and threads: 14 cores and 20 threads versus 12 cores and 16 threads. Its boost clock is 5.20 GHz compared to 4.70 GHz. The 221E includes ECC memory support, while the 120HL does not. The 221E carries a launch MSRP of $232.

For users who need a processor with verified performance data, the Core 5 221E is the clear choice based on database records. The 120HL may have its place, but no measured evidence supports a performance claim.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 120HL is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS codename. The Intel Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake codename. Both are built on a 10 nm process node at Intel, but the die size differs: the 221E has a die size of 257 mm², while the 120HL has no recorded die size.

Core and thread counts differ. The 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads. The 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. Base clocks are close: 2.60 GHz for the 120HL and 2.70 GHz for the 221E. Boost clocks are more distinct, with the 221E reaching 5.20 GHz versus 4.70 GHz for the 120HL. Thermal design power also differs: the 120HL is rated at 45 W, while the 221E is rated at 65 W.

Cache hierarchies share the same per-core L1 and L2 sizes: 80 KB per core for L1 and 2 MB per core for L2. The shared L3 cache differs, with the 221E offering 24 MB versus 18 MB for the 120HL.

Memory support is similar in that both accept DDR4 and DDR5, and both use a dual-channel memory bus. However, the 221E records a memory bandwidth figure of 89.6 GB/s, while the 120HL has no bandwidth entry. ECC memory is supported only on the 221E. PCIe capabilities differ substantially: the 120HL offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the 221E offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics also differ. The 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the 221E uses UHD Graphics 730. Both processors are desktop parts, both are active in production, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The 120HL was released in April 2024, while the 221E followed in January 2025.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 221E support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The Core 5 120HL does not.

Q: What is the highest boost clock between the two?

A: The Core 5 221E boosts to 5.20 GHz, while the Core 5 120HL boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: How does the Core 5 221E compare to its nearest rivals in average benchmark score?

A: The 221E averages 40144. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 averages 40081 (0.2% higher for the 221E), the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 averages 40048 (0.2% higher), the AMD Ryzen 9 270 averages 40246 (-0.3%), and the Intel Core i9-13905H averages 40313 (-0.4%).

Q: What is the L3 cache size on each processor?

A: The Core 5 221E has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 120HL has 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher PCIe generation?

A: The Core 5 221E supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Core 5 120HL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221E wins on every measurable dimension in the database. It has a higher core count (14 versus 12), more threads (20 versus 16), a higher boost clock (5.20 GHz versus 4.70 GHz), more L3 cache (24 MB versus 18 MB), ECC memory support, higher memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s), and faster PCIe connectivity (Gen 5, 16 lanes versus Gen 4, 8 lanes). Its integrated graphics are less capable on paper (UHD Graphics 730 versus Iris Xe Graphics 80EU), but it compensates with a full set of recorded benchmark results.

In multi-core workloads, the 221E's Cinebench R23 score of 25933 and PassMark multi-thread score of 30510 indicate strong parallel throughput. In single-thread workloads, its Cinebench R23 score of 3661 and PassMark single-thread score of 4147 show solid per-core performance. The 221E also sits at the 87th percentile among all CPUs, with an average score nearly identical to several high-end rivals.

The Intel Core 5 120HL has no recorded wins because no benchmark data exists for it. Its advantages are limited to a lower TDP (45 W versus 65 W) and a more capable integrated GPU (Iris Xe Graphics 80EU versus UHD Graphics 730). For workloads that rely on the iGPU rather than a discrete graphics card, the 120HL may hold an edge, but that cannot be confirmed from measured performance. For every workload where the database has numbers, the Core 5 221E is the part with verified results.