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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a dominant performance spread between these two processors. Across all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, the Intel Core 7 251TE posts a win in every single test. The Intel Core 5 120U does not record a single victory in any measured workload.

The largest gap appears in Cinebench R23 multicore. The Core 7 251TE scores 25518 points, while the Core 5 120U manages 6659 points. That represents a 73.9% deficit for the 120U, the widest margin recorded in the entire comparison set. This extreme multicore advantage stems from the Core 7's substantial core and thread count advantage, a gap that becomes more apparent as workload parallelism increases.

Cinebench R20 multicore shows a similar pattern, with the Core 7 251TE reaching 10717 points against 5349 points for the Core 5 120U, a 50.1% difference. The R15 multicore test mirrors this with scores of 2572 versus 1150.5, again a 55.3% gap. These results indicate that any heavily threaded rendering or compute task will heavily favor the Core 7 251TE.

Even in single-core performance, where the Core 5 120U might be expected to compete more closely given its 5.00 GHz boost clock, the Core 7 251TE maintains a clear edge. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 3602 points versus 1756.5 points, a 51.2% difference. The R20 single-core test records 1512 against 755, also a 50.1% gap. The R15 single-core test shows 362 versus 245, a 32.3% difference, the smallest single-core margin in the Cinebench suite but still a decisive win for the Core 7.

The PassMark suite reinforces this pattern. Integer math scores favor the Core 7 251TE at 125739 versus 52280, a 58.4% gap. Floating point math shows 85607 against 36026, a 57.9% difference. Prime number finding records 140 versus 53, a 62.1% gap. Extended instructions deliver 16974 against 9299, a 45.2% difference. Data encryption posts 22176 versus 10453, a 52.9% gap. Data compression shows 334399 versus 166432, a 50.2% difference. Random string sorting records 39643 versus 19060, a 51.9% gap. Physics simulation scores 1938 versus 937, a 51.7% difference.

The closest contest appears in PassMark single-thread performance. The Core 7 251TE scores 3568 against 3479 for the Core 5 120U, a margin of only 2.5%. This indicates that for lightly threaded tasks, the two processors operate at a similar per-core level, with the Core 7 holding only a modest advantage. Still, the Core 7 wins even here, meaning no benchmark category favors the 120U.

The average benchmark score for the Core 7 251TE is 41650, placing it in the 88th percentile among all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 120U averages 17898, sitting at the 72nd percentile. The Core 7's nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H (41621, 0.1% behind), the Intel Core i7-14650HX (41576, 0.2% behind), and the Intel Core i7-14700T (41914, 0.6% ahead). The Core 5 120U's closest comparisons include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17891, essentially tied at 0% delta), the Intel Core 5 221TE (17860, 0.2% behind), and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (17994, 0.5% ahead). These figures position the Core 7 251TE firmly in higher-performance territory, while the Core 5 120U sits in a more modest mid-range bracket.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins in every measured category according to the head-to-head data. Its most pronounced advantages appear in multicore workloads, particularly Cinebench R23 multicore where it leads by 73.9%. This makes it the clear choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, batch photo processing, code compilation, and any other workload that scales across many threads. The PassMark multithread score of 30022 versus 15042 further confirms this, a 49.9% advantage that translates directly to faster completion times for parallel tasks.

The Core 7 251TE also demonstrates strength in memory-intensive operations. Its data compression score of 334399 versus 166432 indicates substantially faster file archiving and decompression. The integer math advantage of 58.4% supports scientific computing, financial modeling, and data analysis tasks. The floating point lead of 57.9% benefits physics simulations and engineering software.

The Intel Core 5 120U, despite losing every head-to-head comparison, does show competitive single-thread performance in one specific area. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3479 sits only 2.5% behind the Core 7 251TE. For everyday desktop tasks that rely primarily on single-core speed, such as web browsing, document editing, and lightweight productivity applications, the practical difference between these two processors would be minimal. The 120U also carries a much lower 15W TDP, making it suitable for thin-and-light mobile systems where power consumption and heat output matter more than raw performance.

The Core 7 251TE's 45W TDP and desktop socket indicate it targets performance-oriented desktop builds. The Core 5 120U uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket, a mobile platform, and its 10-core, 12-thread configuration suits mainstream laptops and compact systems. Users who need maximum throughput in professional applications should favor the Core 7 251TE. Users who prioritize portability and energy efficiency, and whose workloads are mostly single-threaded, might find the Core 5 120U sufficient, though still slower in every recorded benchmark.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 120U uses Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-U variant, built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry. The Intel Core 7 251TE uses Bartlett Lake, also on a 10 nm process node. Both are manufactured by Intel, so the process technology is identical, but the core designs differ.

Core counts represent the most significant architectural split. The Core 5 120U offers 10 cores and 12 threads, while the Core 7 251TE provides 24 cores and 32 threads. That is 14 additional cores and 20 additional threads for the Core 7, a 140% increase in core count and a 166% increase in thread count. This explains the massive multicore performance gap seen across the Cinebench and PassMark suites.

Cache hierarchies also diverge substantially. Both processors share the same L1 cache structure at 80 KB per core and the same L2 cache at 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache, however, differs greatly. The Core 5 120U carries 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 7 251TE carries 36 MB of shared L3 cache, three times as much. Larger shared cache improves data reuse across cores and benefits workloads with significant shared working sets.

The Core 7 251TE reports a die size of 215 mm², while the Core 5 120U does not have a recorded die size in the database. The larger die accommodates the additional cores and cache.

Memory support is similar in type, with both processors supporting DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 7 251TE, however, records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 5 120U does not have a bandwidth figure in the database. The Core 7 251TE also supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the Core 5 120U. This makes the Core 7 251TE more suitable for workstation or server-adjacent environments where error-correcting memory is required.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Core 5 120U provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core 7 251TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe standard and doubled lane count give the Core 7 251TE more bandwidth for discrete GPUs, NVMe storage, and expansion cards.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 120U uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The database records no benchmark scores for these iGPU solutions, so direct graphics performance comparison is not available from the data.

The Core 5 120U launched on January 7, 2024, while the Core 7 251TE launched on January 12, 2025, just over a year later. Both parts remain in active production. The Core 5 120U carries the part number SRM7P, while the Core 7 251TE carries SRQAXQ5ZG. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 7 251TE has a launch MSRP of $384, stated once here per database convention.

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 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads. The Core 7 251TE provides 14 additional cores and 20 additional threads.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in Cinebench R23 multicore, where the Core 7 251TE outscores the Core 5 120U by 73.9%. The Core 7 scores 25518 against 6659 for the Core 5.

Q: Is the Core 5 120U competitive in any benchmark?

A: The Core 5 120U loses every head-to-head benchmark in the database. Its closest result is PassMark single-thread, where it scores 3479 versus 3568 for the Core 7 251TE, a 2.5% difference. No benchmark category favors the Core 5.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 7 251TE adds ECC memory support, which the Core 5 120U lacks. The Core 7 251TE also records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while no such figure is available for the Core 5 120U.

Q: What are the socket and platform differences?

A: The Core 5 120U uses Intel BGA 1744, a mobile socket, and is classified as a Mobile market segment part. The Core 7 251TE uses Intel Socket 1700 and is classified as a Desktop market segment part. The Core 7 251TE also offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the Core 5 120U offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41650, placing it at the 88th percentile among all CPUs. The Core 5 120U has an average benchmark score of 17898, placing it at the 72nd percentile. The Core 7 251TE's nearest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H at 41621 (0.1% behind), while the Core 5 120U's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 (essentially tied).

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120U | Intel Core 7 251TE |

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

| Cores | 10 | 24 |

| Threads | 12 | 32 |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-U | Bartlett Lake |

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

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 215 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

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

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

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2024-01-07 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $384 |

| Part Number | SRM7P | SRQAXQ5ZG |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

| Production Status | Active | Active |

The base clock is identical at 1.40 GHz for both processors. The boost clock differs, with the Core 7 251TE reaching 5.40 GHz against 5.00 GHz for the Core 5 120U. Both use a 10 nm process from Intel. The L1 and L2 cache configurations are identical per core, but the L3 cache differs by a factor of three. The Core 7 251TE supports ECC and PCIe Gen 5, while the Core 5 120U does not. The Core 5 120U is a mobile part with a 15W TDP, while the Core 7 251TE is a desktop part with a 45W TDP. These specification differences fully align with the benchmark results, which show the Core 7 251TE as the decisively faster processor across every recorded workload.