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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core 5 120HL and the Intel Core 7 251TE. Consequently, the comparison must rely on the recorded performance metrics for the Core 7 251TE, which has a complete benchmark profile, and the architectural specifications of both processors. The Core 5 120HL has no average benchmark score or percentile ranking in the database, while the Core 7 251TE holds an average benchmark score of 41650 and an 88th percentile ranking across all CPUs.

The Core 7 251TE delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 25518 and a single-core score of 3602. In Cinebench R20, it scores 10717 multicore and 1512 single-core. The Cinebench R15 results show 2572 multicore and 362 single-core. PassMark results for the Core 7 251TE include a multithread score of 30022, a single-thread score of 3568, integer math at 125739, floating point math at 85607, data compression at 334399, and data encryption at 22176. The Core 5 120HL has no benchmark entries in the database, so every comparative statement about measured performance must derive from the Core 7 251TE's recorded data alone.

The nearest rivals for the Core 7 251TE provide context for its standing. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265H posts an average score of 41621, which is 0.1% behind the Core 7 251TE. The Intel Core i7-14650HX scores 41576, a 0.2% deficit. The Intel Core i7-12850HX scores 41779, putting it 0.3% ahead. The Intel Core i7-14700T scores 41914, which is 0.6% ahead. These deltas are all within one percentage point, indicating that the Core 7 251TE sits in a tightly contested performance band. The Core 5 120HL, lacking any recorded benchmark scores, cannot be positioned against these rivals numerically.

Architecture Differences

The two processors use different silicon designs. The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, while the Intel Core 7 251TE uses Bartlett Lake architecture. Both are manufactured on a 10 nm process at Intel and both use the Intel Socket 1700. The Core 7 251TE has a die size of 215 mm², while no die size is recorded for the Core 5 120HL.

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The Core 5 120HL provides 12 cores and 16 threads. The Core 7 251TE provides 24 cores and 32 threads, exactly doubling the core count and matching the thread count ratio. Clock speeds also diverge: the Core 5 120HL has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, whereas the Core 7 251TE has a lower base clock of 1.40 GHz but a higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz. Both parts carry a 45 W TDP.

Cache hierarchies are configured differently. Each processor has an L1 cache of 80 KB per core. The L2 cache differs: the Core 5 120HL has 2 MB per core, while the Core 7 251TE has 1.25 MB per core. The shared L3 cache is much larger on the Core 7 251TE at 36 MB, versus 18 MB on the Core 5 120HL. The smaller per-core L2 on the Core 7 251TE is offset by the larger shared L3 pool.

Memory support is similar in scope. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus. The Core 7 251TE records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is recorded for the Core 5 120HL. ECC memory support is a differentiator: the Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, while the Core 5 120HL does not.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The Core 5 120HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Core 7 251TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This is a significant interface advantage for the Core 7 251TE in both bandwidth per lane and total lane count.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The database records no benchmark results for either integrated GPU, so any comparison of graphics performance is limited to the architectural descriptions.

Release timing and market positioning differ. The Core 5 120HL was released in April 2024, while the Core 7 251TE was released in January 2025. Both are classified as desktop parts and both are currently listed as active in production. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 5 120HL has a launch MSRP of $279, and the Core 7 251TE has a launch MSRP of $384. The Core 7 251TE carries a part number of SRQAXQ5ZG, and the Core 5 120HL carries SRPFR.

The Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, which the Core 5 120HL does not. The Core 7 251TE also has a larger L3 cache, a higher boost clock, more cores, more threads, a wider and faster PCIe interface, and a recorded memory bandwidth figure. The Core 5 120HL counters with a higher base clock, a larger per-core L2 cache, and an earlier release date.

The Verdict

The recorded data places the Intel Core 7 251TE in the 88th percentile of all CPUs with an average benchmark score of 41650. The Intel Core 5 120HL has no recorded benchmark score and no percentile ranking, so the database cannot substantiate any performance claim for it. The Core 7 251TE delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 25518 and a PassMark multithread score of 30022, figures that establish a high level of parallel throughput. Its nearest rivals sit within 0.6% of its average score, confirming that the Core 7 251TE competes at the top of its immediate performance class.

The Core 5 120HL offers fewer cores, fewer threads, a lower boost clock, half the L3 cache, no ECC support, an older PCIe generation, and fewer PCIe lanes. The only architectural advantages recorded for the Core 5 120HL are a higher base clock and a larger L2 cache per core. Without benchmark data, the database cannot determine whether those advantages translate into any measured performance lead. The Core 7 251TE is the only one of the two with measurable results, and those results are strong.

For workloads that depend on multicore throughput, the Core 7 251TE has the recorded scores to support it. For workloads that depend on single-core speed, the Core 7 251TE records a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3602 and a PassMark single-thread score of 3568, both substantial. The Core 5 120HL has no comparable data. The verdict from the database is clear: the Core 7 251TE is the only processor in this pairing with verified performance, and its verified performance is competitive with a tight cluster of high-end rivals. The Core 5 120HL remains an unquantified entry.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speeds?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120HL boosts to 4.70 GHz. The Core 5 120HL has a higher base clock at 2.60 GHz versus 1.40 GHz for the Core 7 251TE.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus. The Core 7 251TE additionally supports ECC memory and records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 5 120HL does not support ECC and has no recorded memory bandwidth figure.

Q: How does the Core 7 251TE compare to its nearest rivals?

A: Its average benchmark score of 41650 is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H, 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i7-14650HX, 0.3% behind the Intel Core i7-12850HX, and 0.6% behind the Intel Core i7-14700T.

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

A: The Core 5 120HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Core 7 251TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Q: Which processor has the larger L3 cache?

A: The Core 7 251TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 18 MB on the Core 5 120HL. The Core 5 120HL has a larger L2 cache per core at 2 MB versus 1.25 MB for the Core 7 251TE.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins on every dimension that has recorded data. Its 24 cores and 32 threads provide double the parallel resources of the Core 5 120HL. Its 5.40 GHz boost clock is 0.70 GHz higher than the Core 5 120HL's 4.70 GHz. Its 36 MB L3 cache is twice the 18 MB on the Core 5 120HL. Its PCIe Gen 5 interface with 16 lanes supersedes the Core 5 120HL's PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. It supports ECC memory, which the Core 5 120HL does not. It records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Its benchmark scores place it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, with an average score of 41650 that sits within 0.6% of four closely matched rivals.

The Intel Core 5 120HL has no recorded benchmark scores, so the database cannot assign it any measured wins. Architecturally, it holds three advantages: a base clock of 2.60 GHz versus 1.40 GHz, an L2 cache of 2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core, and an earlier release date of April 2024 versus January 2025. It also uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, while the Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770, though neither GPU has recorded benchmark results. The Core 5 120HL carries a launch MSRP of $279, which is stated once here for reference.

For workloads that stress multicore performance, the Core 7 251TE has the data: Cinebench R23 multicore at 25518, PassMark multithread at 30022, integer math at 125739, floating point math at 85607, and data compression at 334399. For workloads that stress single-core performance, the Core 7 251TE also has the data: Cinebench R23 single-core at 3602 and PassMark single-thread at 3568. For memory bandwidth, the Core 7 251TE records 89.6 GB/s. For platform connectivity, its PCIe Gen 5, 16-lane interface provides double the lane count and a newer generation than the Core 5 120HL. The Core 5 120HL cannot claim any benchmark-based win because no benchmark data exists for it in the database.

The use-case split is therefore asymmetric. The Core 7 251TE is the supported choice for every quantified workload category in the database, from rendering and math throughput to compression and encryption. The Core 5 120HL remains a documented product with a defined architecture, but its performance profile is unmeasured. Any selection between the two must rely on the Core 7 251TE's verified scores and the architectural specifications of both parts.