Intel Core 5 120U vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The direct comparison between the Intel Core 5 120U and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 is limited by the available data. The database contains a full benchmark suite for the Intel processor, while the Qualcomm processor currently has no recorded benchmark scores. This means the head-to-head analysis is one-sided until the Snapdragon X2E-88-100 is populated with test results.

The Intel Core 5 120U delivers its strongest multi-core performance in Cinebench R23, recording a score of 6659 points. Its single-core result in the same test reaches 1756.5 points. In Geekbench, the Intel chip scores 5888 multi-core and 1727 single-core. The PassMark suite shows a multithread score of 15042, with single-thread performance at 3479 points.

Specific PassMark workloads for the Intel processor reveal its computational profile. Integer math scores 52280, floating point math reaches 36026, and extended instructions (SIMD) hits 9299. Data compression completes at 166432, while data encryption processes at 10453. Prime number finding is notably lower at 53, and random string sorting reaches 19060. Physics simulation scores 937.

With no recorded scores for the Snapdragon X2E-88-100, the database shows zero wins for either processor in this comparison. The Intel part holds an average benchmark score of 17898 and sits in the 72nd percentile among all CPUs. The Snapdragon part has an average benchmark score of 0 and a 50th percentile ranking, reflecting the absence of measured performance data.

The Intel Core 5 120U's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its scores. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT averages 17891, a delta of 0 percent. The Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17860, a delta of 0.2 percent. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 averages 17994, a delta of -0.5 percent. The Intel Core 7 350 averages 17779, a delta of 0.7 percent. These figures place the Core 5 120U in a tight cluster with these desktop and mobile parts.

Where Each One Wins

For the Intel Core 5 120U, the benchmark data shows clear strengths in multi-threaded workloads. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 5349 and R15 multi-core score of 1150.5 confirm that the 10-core, 12-thread configuration handles parallel tasks effectively. The Geekbench multi-core result of 5888 reinforces this pattern.

Single-core performance for the Intel chip is also solid. The Cinebench R15 single-core score of 245, R20 single-core of 755, and R23 single-core of 1756.5 indicate strong per-thread execution. PassMark single-thread at 3479 confirms this capability.

The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has no benchmark data in the database, so no wins can be assigned to it. Its 18 cores and 18 threads suggest potential in multi-threaded scenarios, but without recorded scores, the data cannot confirm any advantage. The processor's 4.00 GHz base clock and 4.70 GHz boost clock indicate high frequency operation, but clock speed alone does not determine benchmark outcomes.

The database records zero wins for each processor in the head-to-head field. The Intel part carries all measurable performance data, while the Qualcomm part remains an unquantified entry for now.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 5 120U uses Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-U codename. It is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node at Intel's own foundry. The processor has 10 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 1.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Its thermal design power is 15 watts.

The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 uses the Glymur codename from the Snapdragon X2 Elite generation. It is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC. The chip has 18 cores and 18 threads, with a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The die size measures 220 mm². Its thermal design power is not recorded in the database.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Intel processor features 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Snapdragon processor has 288 KB of L1 cache per core and 16 MB of L2 cache per module, with no L3 cache recorded.

Memory support also diverges. The Intel chip supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Snapdragon chip supports LPDDR5X memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 152.4 GB/s. The Intel part's memory bandwidth is not listed.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Intel processor uses Gen 4 with 8 CPU-only lanes. The Snapdragon processor uses Gen 5 with 12 CPU-only lanes. Neither part supports ECC memory.

Integrated graphics are distinct. The Intel Core 5 120U includes Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 includes Adreno X2-90. Both target the mobile market segment.

The Intel processor uses an Intel BGA 1744 socket, while the Snapdragon uses a Qualcomm BGA 2343 socket. The Intel part has part number SRM7P, and the Snapdragon part has part number X2E88100. Both processors are marked as active in production. The Intel release date is 2024-01-07, and the Snapdragon release date is 2026-04-05. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Intel Core 5 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the clock speed difference?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has a base clock of 1.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Q: How do their benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has full benchmark data, with an average benchmark score of 17898 and a 72nd percentile ranking. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has no benchmark scores recorded, giving it an average benchmark score of 0 and a 50th percentile ranking.

Q: What process nodes do they use?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U uses a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 uses a 3 nm process at TSMC.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 supports LPDDR5X memory with a bandwidth of 152.4 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance?

A: Based on recorded data, the Intel Core 5 120U scores 1756.5 in Cinebench R23 single-core and 3479 in PassMark single-thread. The Qualcomm processor has no recorded single-core scores.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Intel Core 5 120U in this comparison, but that conclusion comes entirely from the absence of measured performance for the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100. The Intel part's average benchmark score of 17898 places it in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs, with nearest rivals within a 0.7 percent delta. The Snapdragon part's 50th percentile ranking and zero average score reflect no recorded measurements.

For workloads requiring multi-threaded execution, the Intel Core 5 120U shows verified capability through Cinebench R23 multi-core at 6659 and Geekbench multi-core at 5888. For single-threaded tasks, its PassMark single-thread score of 3479 and Cinebench R23 single-core of 1756.5 provide measurable reference points.

The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 offers architectural advantages on paper: more cores (18 vs 10), a smaller process node (3 nm vs 10 nm), higher base clock (4.00 GHz vs 1.40 GHz), and higher memory bandwidth (152.4 GB/s). However, the database contains no benchmark results to verify how these specifications translate into performance.

Users requiring immediate, quantified performance data should select the Intel Core 5 120U. Users considering the Snapdragon X2E-88-100 must wait for benchmark results to populate the database before a data-driven choice can be made. The Intel part is the only processor in this comparison with verified scores.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120U | Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 |

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

| Cores | 10 | 18 |

| Threads | 12 | 18 |

| Base Clock | 1.40 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 288 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 16 MB (per module) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | Not recorded |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 152.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 12 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU | Adreno X2-90 |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Qualcomm BGA 2343 |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 220 mm² |

| Release Date | 2024-01-07 | 2026-04-05 |

| Part Number | SRM7P | X2E88100 |

| ECC Memory | No | No |

| Unlocked Multiplier | No | No |

| TDP | 15 W | Not recorded |

| Average Benchmark Score | 17898 | 0 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 72 | 50 |