Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data set contains no direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons between the Intel Core 5 120HL and the Intel Core 9 273PE. The head-to-head benchmark matrix is empty, and the win counters for both processors are zero. This means the database has not logged any side-by-side application tests for these two specific parts.

However, the Core 9 273PE has a full set of recorded benchmark scores, while the Core 5 120HL has no benchmark entries at all. The Core 5 120HL shows an average benchmark score of zero and a percentile ranking of 50 against all CPUs. The Core 9 273PE, in contrast, carries an average benchmark score of 49845 and sits in the 90th percentile of all CPUs. The absence of Core 5 120HL test data prevents any direct numerical comparison of application performance.

The Core 9 273PE's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its performance tier. It scores 0.1% above the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388, which averages 49796. The Intel Core i5-14600KF trails by 0.9% with an average score of 49394. The Core 9 273PE is 1.1% behind the Intel Core i9-13980HX, which scores 50398, and 1.2% behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 at 50448. These deltas place the Core 9 273PE in a tight competitive band around the 50000 average score mark.

Looking at the Core 9 273PE's individual recorded tests, the multi-core results show substantial throughput. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it records 31288 points, while the single-core test shows 4417 points. Cinebench R20 multi-core reaches 13140, and Cinebench R15 multi-core reaches 3153. The single-core scores in R20 and R15 are 1855 and 445 respectively.

The Passmark suite adds further detail for the Core 9 273PE. Data compression scores 405885, data encryption scores 22719, and extended instructions score 24630. Floating point math records 107884, integer math records 139410, and find prime numbers records 203. Random string sorting reaches 45098, multithread reaches 36810, and physics reaches 3120. Single-thread performance is logged at 3650 in the Passmark single thread test.

For the Core 5 120HL, the database lists no benchmark scores whatsoever. Its average benchmark score is recorded as zero, and there are no nearest rivals listed for it. The only comparative metric available is the percentile rank of 50, which places it at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database, versus the Core 9 273PE's 90th percentile.

FAQ

Q: How does the Core 9 273PE compare to its closest rivals in the database?

A: The Core 9 273PE averages 49845. It is 0.1% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388, 0.9% ahead of the Intel Core i5-14600KF, 1.1% behind the Intel Core i9-13980HX, and 1.2% behind the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370.

Q: What is the Core 9 273PE's strongest recorded Passmark result?

A: In the Passmark suite, data compression is the highest scoring test for the Core 9 273PE at 405885. Integer math follows at 139410, and floating point math at 107884.

Q: Does the Core 5 120HL have any recorded benchmark scores?

A: No. The Core 5 120HL has zero benchmark entries in the database, an average benchmark score of zero, and no nearest rivals listed.

Q: How do the core and thread counts differ between the two processors?

A: Both processors have 12 cores. The Core 5 120HL has 16 threads, while the Core 9 273PE has 24 threads, a difference of 8 threads.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: The Core 5 120HL has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 9 273PE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, which is double the capacity.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus. The Core 9 273PE additionally has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 5 120HL has no bandwidth figure listed.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and the same 10 nm process node, but the underlying designs diverge in several meaningful ways. The Core 5 120HL uses the Raptor Lake architecture and belongs to the Raptor Lake-PS generation, with a codename of Raptor Lake. The Core 9 273PE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture and generation, with a codename of Bartlett Lake. Intel manufactures both parts, but the architectural lineage is different.

The cache hierarchy differs in the shared L3 segment. The Core 5 120HL provides 18 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 9 273PE provides 36 MB. Both processors have identical L1 cache of 80 KB per core and L2 cache of 2 MB per core. The doubled L3 capacity on the Core 9 273PE suggests a larger shared pool for data across all 12 cores, which can reduce memory latency in workloads with significant shared data.

The integrated graphics units are different. The Core 5 120HL ships with Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The Core 9 273PE ships with UHD Graphics 730. The Iris Xe solution is positioned as a higher-end integrated GPU, while UHD Graphics 730 is a more basic display output solution.

PCIe connectivity differs substantially. The Core 5 120HL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Core 9 273PE supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Core 9 273PE therefore provides double the lane count and a newer generation, which matters for discrete GPUs and NVMe storage bandwidth.

ECC memory support is present on the Core 9 273PE, while the Core 5 120HL does not support ECC memory. This makes the Core 9 273PE more suited to error-sensitive workloads. The Core 9 273PE also lists a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, whereas the Core 5 120HL has no bandwidth figure in the database.

The production status for both is Active. The Core 5 120HL was released on April 7, 2024, and the Core 9 273PE was released on March 8, 2026. The Core 9 273PE is therefore a later product by roughly two years.

Specification Differences

The core count is identical at 12 cores for both processors. Thread counts differ: the Core 5 120HL has 16 threads, and the Core 9 273PE has 24 threads. Base clock speeds differ, with the Core 5 120HL at 2.60 GHz and the Core 9 273PE at 2.30 GHz. Boost clocks differ more sharply: the Core 5 120HL reaches 4.70 GHz, while the Core 9 273PE reaches 5.70 GHz. The Core 9 273PE has a 1.00 GHz higher boost ceiling.

Thermal design power differs, with the Core 5 120HL rated at 45 W and the Core 9 273PE rated at 65 W. The Core 9 273PE uses 20 W more of thermal budget. Both use Intel Socket 1700 and are produced on a 10 nm process at Intel.

L3 cache differs as noted: 18 MB for the Core 5 120HL versus 36 MB for the Core 9 273PE. L1 and L2 cache are identical at 80 KB per core and 2 MB per core. Memory support is the same for DDR4 and DDR5, and both are dual-channel. The Core 9 273PE adds ECC memory support and a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, neither of which appear for the Core 5 120HL.

PCIe capabilities differ: Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Core 5 120HL, Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the Core 9 273PE. Integrated graphics differ: Iris Xe Graphics 80EU versus UHD Graphics 730. The launch MSRP is $279 for the Core 5 120HL and $549 for the Core 9 273PE. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are SRPFR for the Core 5 120HL and SA4QD for the Core 9 273PE.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 9 273PE wins in every category where recorded data exists. In multi-threaded throughput, its 24 threads versus 16 threads gives it a structural advantage. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 and the Passmark multithread score of 36810 reflect this. The single-core scores are also strong, with a Cinebench R23 single-core result of 4417 and a Passmark single-thread result of 3650. The 5.70 GHz boost clock supports these single-thread results.

The Core 9 273PE also wins on platform features. It offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, which supports faster GPUs and storage than the Core 5 120HL's Gen 4 with 8 lanes. It has double the L3 cache at 36 MB. It supports ECC memory. It has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Its 90th percentile rank against all CPUs places it well above the Core 5 120HL's 50th percentile.

The Core 5 120HL has no recorded benchmark wins because no benchmark data exists for it in the database. Its only advantages are structural: a lower 45 W TDP versus 65 W, a higher base clock of 2.60 GHz versus 2.30 GHz, and an earlier release date of April 2024 versus March 2026. It also has the Iris Xe Graphics 80EU integrated solution, which is a more capable graphics block than the UHD Graphics 730 in the Core 9 273PE.

For workloads that rely on the integrated GPU, the Core 5 120HL is the stronger option based on its Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. For workloads that rely on CPU compute, the Core 9 273PE is the stronger option based on its recorded scores. For workloads that need ECC memory, PCIe Gen 5, or high memory bandwidth, the Core 9 273PE has the specifications.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split. The Intel Core 9 273PE is the higher-performance processor in every measured category. It holds the 90th percentile rank among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 49845. Its nearest rivals all cluster within 1.2% of its score, confirming that it competes at the top tier of desktop processors. The 24 threads, 5.70 GHz boost clock, and 36 MB L3 cache give it a substantial throughput advantage over the Core 5 120HL on paper, and the recorded Cinebench and Passmark results confirm that advantage in practice.

The Intel Core 5 120HL cannot be evaluated on the same terms because no benchmark scores are recorded for it. Its 50th percentile rank and zero average score indicate a mid-pack position in the database, but without test data, any performance comparison is limited to specification differences. Its 12 cores and 16 threads, 4.70 GHz boost, and 18 MB L3 cache place it below the Core 9 273PE in raw compute capability.

The choice between the two comes down to needs. The Core 9 273PE is for users whose workloads demand the highest multi-core throughput, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, ECC memory support, and a 5.70 GHz boost clock. The Core 5 120HL is for users who prioritize lower power consumption at 45 W, a higher base clock, and the more capable Iris Xe integrated graphics. The Core 5 120HL also has a lower launch MSRP of $279 compared to $549 for the Core 9 273PE.

The recorded data shows no scenario where the Core 5 120HL outperforms the Core 9 273PE in CPU compute. The Core 9 273PE's benchmark scores are consistent across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and the Passmark suite. Its percentile ranking of 90 versus 50 confirms the performance gap. Users who need ECC, Gen 5 PCIe, or maximum thread count should select the Core 9 273PE. Users who need a lower-power part with better integrated graphics and a lower launch MSRP should select the Core 5 120HL.