Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core 7 251E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for the Intel Core 5 120HL versus the Intel Core 7 251E. Neither processor has an average benchmark score, and the wins counters for both sides are zero. This absence of measured performance data means a direct numerical comparison cannot be constructed from the available facts.

What the database does show is the resource allocation each processor brings to a potential comparison. The Intel Core 7 251E doubles the core count of the Intel Core 5 120HL, with 24 cores versus 12, and its thread count of 32 doubles the 16 threads of the 120HL. The 251E also boosts to 5.60 GHz, which is 0.90 GHz higher than the 4.70 GHz boost of the 120HL. However, the 120HL starts from a higher base clock at 2.60 GHz compared to 2.10 GHz for the 251E.

The cache hierarchy shows a similar pattern of advantage for the 251E. Its shared L3 cache is 36 MB, exactly double the 18 MB found on the 120HL. Both processors use the same per-core L1 allocation of 80 KB and per-core L2 allocation of 2 MB, so the differences emerge at the shared level rather than the individual core level.

The absence of benchmark scores means the percentile ranking for both processors sits at 50, which is the median position in the database. This is a placeholder value rather than a measured result. Without recorded performance tests, any statement about relative speed or efficiency would exceed the available data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores while the Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores, a difference of 12 cores in favor of the 251E.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of each processor?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E boosts to 5.60 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120HL boosts to 4.70 GHz. The 251E holds a 0.90 GHz advantage at maximum boost.

Q: Do the two processors use the same socket?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 120HL and the Intel Core 7 251E use Intel Socket 1700.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel memory buses. The Intel Core 7 251E additionally supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 5 120HL does not.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, which is double the 18 MB shared L3 cache on the Intel Core 5 120HL.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor include?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Intel Core 7 251E uses UHD Graphics 770.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded specifications, the Intel Core 7 251E holds advantages in several areas that typically translate to heavier multi-threaded workloads. Its 24 cores and 32 threads provide double the parallel execution capacity of the 120HL. The larger 36 MB L3 cache gives the 251E more shared cache for data-intensive tasks that benefit from frequent reuse across cores. The boost clock of 5.60 GHz is substantially higher, which can improve single-thread responsiveness when the workload requests maximum frequency. The 251E also supports ECC memory, which suits environments where data integrity is prioritized. Its PCIe implementation is Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), offering more connectivity bandwidth than the Gen 4, 8 lanes (CPU only) configuration on the 120HL. The measured memory bandwidth figure of 89.6 GB/s for the 251E appears in the database, though no comparable figure exists for the 120HL.

The Intel Core 5 120HL wins in base clock frequency, starting at 2.60 GHz versus 2.10 GHz for the 251E. This can matter for workloads that spend significant time at idle or low utilization states where the processor stays near its base frequency rather than boosting. The 120HL also carries a lower TDP of 45 watts compared to 65 watts for the 251E, which suggests it may fit into systems with more modest cooling and power delivery constraints. The 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, which is a different integrated GPU solution than the UHD Graphics 770 on the 251E; the database does not include performance scores for either, so the practical difference remains unspecified.

For workloads that scale with core count, such as software compilation, video encoding, or server-style virtualization, the 251E has the structural advantage on paper. For lighter workloads or those sensitive to sustained low-power operation, the 120HL's lower TDP and higher base clock could be relevant. Neither processor has benchmark results to confirm these expectations.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across multiple specification fields in the database.

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120HL | Intel Core 7 251E |

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

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base clock | 2.60 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.70 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | (not listed) |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Bartlett Lake |

| Generation | Core 5 (Raptor Lake-PS) | Core 7 (Bartlett Lake) |

| Die size | (not listed) | 257 mm² |

| L3 cache | 18 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory bandwidth | (not listed) | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC memory | false | true |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Release date | 2024-04-07 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | $279 | $384 |

| Part number | SRPFR | SRQDUQ657 |

Both processors share the same process node of 10 nm, the same foundry at Intel, the same socket (Intel Socket 1700), the same per-core L1 cache of 80 KB, the same per-core L2 cache of 2 MB, dual-channel memory buses, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, desktop market segment, active production status, and a locked multiplier.

The 251E launches nearly nine months later than the 120HL, according to the recorded release dates. Its launch MSRP of $384 is $105 higher than the $279 launch MSRP of the 120HL. These price figures appear once each as recorded launch prices and should not be interpreted as current market values.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on the Raptor Lake architecture with the codename Raptor Lake-PS, while the Intel Core 7 251E uses the codename Bartlett Lake and does not have an architecture name listed in the database. Both processors are fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process node and produced by Intel as the foundry.

The core configuration differs substantially. The 120HL provides 12 cores and 16 threads, which indicates a hybrid arrangement with some cores not adding additional threads. The 251E provides 24 cores and 32 threads, which similarly implies a mix of core types. The database does not specify the performance-core versus efficiency-core split for either processor, so the exact topology remains unknown.

Cache architecture matches at the per-core level. Both processors allocate 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache differs, with 36 MB on the 251E versus 18 MB on the 120HL. This doubling of shared cache aligns with the doubling of core count, suggesting the 251E scales its cache hierarchy proportionally.

The die size for the 251E is recorded as 257 mm², while no die size is listed for the 120HL. The 251E also lists a memory bandwidth figure of 89.6 GB/s, which is absent for the 120HL. Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 through a dual-channel memory bus, but only the 251E supports ECC memory.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The 120HL uses Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the 251E uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This gives the 251E a newer PCIe generation and double the lane count, which can affect available bandwidth for GPUs, NVMe storage, and other expansion devices.

Integrated graphics differ between the two. The 120HL includes Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the 251E includes UHD Graphics 770. The database does not provide performance benchmarks for either GPU solution, so their relative capabilities are not quantified here.

The release timeline shows the 120HL entering the market on 2024-04-07 and the 251E on 2025-01-12. Both are listed as active in production status. The part numbers differ, with the 120HL using SRPFR and the 251E using SRQDUQ657. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking via the multiplier is not supported for either based on the recorded data.