Intel Core 5 120U vs Intel Core 5 213PTE Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more benchmark tests in the database?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PTE wins all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core 5 120U. The database records zero wins for the Core 5 120U in this matchup.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap in Cinebench R23?

A: The Core 5 213PTE scores 21751 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 69.4% ahead of the Core 5 120U's 6659. This is the largest single-benchmark margin recorded between the two processors.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking among all CPUs?

A: The Core 5 213PTE ranks in the 83rd percentile, while the Core 5 120U ranks in the 72nd percentile. The 213PTE also achieves a higher average benchmark score of 32924 compared to 17898 for the 120U.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. However, the Core 5 213PTE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while the database does not list a memory bandwidth figure for the Core 5 120U.

Q: Are there differences in PCIe capabilities?

A: Yes. The Core 5 213PTE supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, while the Core 5 120U supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. The 213PTE also supports ECC memory, which the 120U does not.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Core 5 213PTE has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, which is higher than the Core 5 120U's 5.00 GHz. The 213PTE also has a higher base clock at 2.10 GHz versus 1.40 GHz.

Architecture Differences

The Core 5 120U and Core 5 213PTE come from different Intel architectures. The 120U is built on Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-U codename, while the 213PTE uses the Bartlett Lake codename. Both are manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node.

The core configurations differ substantially. The 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads, while the 213PTE has 8 cores and 16 threads. This means the 213PTE uses hyper-threading across all its cores, whereas the 120U has a hybrid configuration with fewer threads than the core count might suggest.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache differs: the 120U has 1.25 MB per core, while the 213PTE has 2 MB per core. The shared L3 cache is notably larger on the 213PTE at 24 MB versus 12 MB on the 120U.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The 120U uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, while the 213PTE uses UHD Graphics 730. The 213PTE supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the 120U.

Market positioning separates them further. The 120U is a mobile processor with a 15 W TDP, while the 213PTE is a desktop processor with a 45 W TDP. The 120U uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, and the 213PTE uses Intel Socket 1700. The 213PTE also has a launch MSRP of $221.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a decisive sweep for the Core 5 213PTE across all 17 recorded benchmark tests. The closest margin appears in PassMark single-thread and singlethread tests, where the 213PTE scores 3718 versus 3479 for the 120U, a 6.4% advantage. This narrow gap indicates that the 213PTE's architectural advantages are less pronounced in lightly threaded workloads.

The largest margins appear in heavily threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the 213PTE leads by 69.4% with 21751 against 6659. PassMark find prime numbers shows a 66.2% advantage for the 213PTE (157 versus 53), and PassMark physics shows a 57.4% lead (2199 versus 937).

Cinebench R15 multi-core shows the 213PTE at 2192 versus 1150.5 for the 120U, a 47.5% advantage. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 9135 versus 5349, a 41.4% gap, and Cinebench R20 single-core shows the same 41.4% delta with 1289 versus 755.

Cinebench R23 single-core shows the 213PTE at 3070 versus 1756.5, a 42.8% advantage. PassMark floating point math shows 71722 versus 36026, a 49.8% lead. PassMark integer math shows 93109 versus 52280, a 43.9% advantage. PassMark extended instructions shows 16146 versus 9299, a 42.4% lead.

Data compression results show the 213PTE at 261083 versus 166432, a 36.3% advantage. Data encryption shows 14413 versus 10453, a 27.5% lead. Random string sorting shows 30106 versus 19060, a 36.7% advantage. PassMark multithread shows 25590 versus 15042, a 41.2% lead.

Cinebench R15 single-core shows 309 versus 245, a 20.7% advantage for the 213PTE. Even in the most favorable test for the 120U, the single-thread PassMark tests, the 213PTE still maintains a lead, though a modest one.

Specification Differences

The database records several specification differences between the two processors.

Core and thread counts differ: the 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads, while the 213PTE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Clock speeds differ: the 120U has a base clock of 1.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the 213PTE has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

TDP differs: the 120U is rated at 15 W, and the 213PTE is rated at 45 W.

Sockets differ: the 120U uses Intel BGA 1744, and the 213PTE uses Intel Socket 1700.

Codename differs: the 120U is Raptor Lake-U, and the 213PTE is Bartlett Lake.

L2 and L3 cache differ: the 120U has 1.25 MB per core L2 and 12 MB shared L3, while the 213PTE has 2 MB per core L2 and 24 MB shared L3.

Memory bandwidth differs: the database records 76.8 GB/s for the 213PTE, with no figure listed for the 120U.

ECC memory support differs: the 120U does not support ECC, and the 213PTE does.

PCIe configuration differs: the 120U has Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes, and the 213PTE has Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ: the 120U uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, and the 213PTE uses UHD Graphics 730.

Market segment differs: the 120U is mobile, and the 213PTE is desktop.

Release dates differ: the 120U was released on 2024-01-07, and the 213PTE on 2026-03-08.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 213PTE wins in every recorded benchmark category. The database shows no benchmark where the Core 5 120U takes a lead. However, the margin of victory varies significantly by workload type.

The 213PTE dominates in multi-core and heavily threaded workloads. Cinebench R23 multi-core, PassMark physics, and PassMark find prime numbers show the largest percentage advantages, all exceeding 57%. These results indicate strong parallel processing capabilities for the 213PTE, likely driven by its 16 threads and larger 24 MB L3 cache.

In single-threaded workloads, the 213PTE still wins but by a narrower margin. PassMark single-thread shows only a 6.4% advantage, and Cinebench R15 single-core shows a 20.7% advantage. This suggests that the 120U's single-core performance is comparatively competitive, though still trailing.

The 120U does have advantages in other areas. It is a mobile processor with a 15 W TDP, making it suitable for low-power environments. Its Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units provides more graphics execution units than the UHD Graphics 730. The 120U also uses the BGA 1744 socket, which is designed for mobile integration.

The 213PTE brings desktop-oriented features. Its 45 W TDP allows for sustained high performance. The PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes doubles the lane count and doubles the generation compared to the 120U. ECC memory support adds reliability for certain workloads. The larger L2 and L3 caches provide more on-die storage.

The Verdict

The benchmark data clearly favors the Intel Core 5 213PTE. It wins all 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons, holds an 83rd percentile ranking versus 72nd for the 120U, and achieves an average benchmark score of 32924 compared to 17898.

The 213PTE is the choice for applications requiring maximum multi-core throughput. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 21751 versus 6659 represents a 69.4% advantage, and its PassMark multithread score of 25590 versus 15042 confirms this pattern. The 213PTE also offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, ECC memory support, and a larger cache hierarchy.

The Core 5 120U remains relevant for mobile use cases. Its 15 W TDP and BGA 1744 socket target low-power laptops and compact systems. The Iris Xe Graphics 80EU provides integrated graphics with more execution units than the 213PTE's UHD Graphics 730. For users prioritizing power efficiency over peak performance, the 120U's profile fits that niche.

The single-thread results indicate the 120U is not severely handicapped in lightly threaded tasks. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3479 trails the 213PTE's 3718 by only 6.4%. This suggests the 120U can handle everyday applications without a dramatic penalty, despite the substantial multi-core deficit.

The 213PTE's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i7-12700 with an average score of 32942, a 0.1% difference, and the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D at 33079, a 0.5% difference. The 120U's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 and the Intel Core 5 221TE at 17860.

Users needing a desktop processor for demanding workloads should select the Core 5 213PTE. Users requiring a low-power mobile processor should select the Core 5 120U. The performance gap between them is substantial, but the intended usage environments differ completely.