Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a decisive overall advantage for the Intel Core 5 221TE, which wins 15 of the 17 recorded comparisons. The only two wins for the Intel Core 5 120UL come in the PassMark single-thread tests, where it scores 2080 against the 221TE's 1734, a 20% lead. This is a curious result given that the 221TE posts higher Cinebench single-core scores across the board, suggesting the PassMark single-thread workload favors the 120UL's particular frequency behavior or scheduler response.

In the Cinebench suite, the 221TE is consistently about 20.6% faster. The R15 multicore test shows 1139 versus 904, the R20 multicore test shows 4748 versus 3769, and the R23 multicore test shows 11305 versus 8974. Single-core Cinebench results follow the same pattern: R15 single-core at 160 versus 127, R20 single-core at 670 versus 531, and R23 single-core at 1596 versus 1266, all with delta percentages between -20.6% and -20.7%. The consistency of these margins across different Cinebench versions points to a fundamental throughput advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk.

The largest single gap appears in PassMark extended instructions, where the 221TE scores 9655 against the 120UL's 5203, a 46.1% difference. This suggests the 221TE has substantially better support for advanced instruction sets or wider execution resources. Data compression also shows a major gap: 156682 versus 109090, a 30.4% difference. Encryption trails at 8963 versus 7685, a 14.3% gap, which is comparatively modest, indicating that encryption workloads may be less sensitive to the architectural differences between these two parts.

Other PassMark tests show the 221TE ahead by margins between 10% and 20.6%. Integer math scores 42303 versus 38060, a 10% gap. Floating point math scores 31661 versus 26311, a 16.9% gap. Physics scores 977 versus 807, a 17.4% gap. Random string sorting scores 16929 versus 13610, a 19.6% gap. Find prime numbers scores 59 versus 47, a 20.3% gap. The multithread score is 13301 versus 10558, a 20.6% gap, matching the Cinebench multicore margins almost exactly.

The average benchmark score reinforces this picture. The 221TE averages 17860 across all recorded tests, placing it in the 71st percentile of all CPUs in the database. The 120UL averages 13594, placing it in the 68th percentile. The 221TE's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 (0.2% higher) and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17898 (0.2% higher), while the 120UL sits near the Intel Core i3-12100F at 13494 (0.7% higher) and the Intel Core i5-9500 at 13452 (1.1% higher). The 221TE is therefore competing in a higher performance tier altogether.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120UL boosts to 4.60 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses. However, the 221TE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is recorded for the 120UL.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 12 MB shared L3 cache found on the Intel Core 5 120UL.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120UL does not.

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 multicore scores compare?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE scores 11305, which is 20.6% higher than the Intel Core 5 120UL's 8974.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the Intel Core 5 120UL wins?

A: Yes, the 120UL wins the PassMark single-thread test with a score of 2080 versus 1734 for the 221TE, a 20% advantage.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages despite sharing the same socket. The Intel Core 5 120UL uses Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, while the Intel Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node and fabricated by Intel, but the 221TE has a recorded die size of 215 mm², whereas no die size is recorded for the 120UL.

Both processors have 10 cores and an L1 cache of 80 KB per core, plus an L2 cache of 1.25 MB per core. The thread counts differ: the 120UL supports 12 threads, while the 221TE supports 16 threads. This means the 221TE can process four additional concurrent threads, which helps explain its multicore performance advantage.

The L3 cache configuration differs substantially. The 120UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. This doubling of the last-level cache likely contributes to the 221TE's superior performance in data compression and extended instruction workloads, where larger working sets can remain cached.

Integrated graphics also differ. The 120UL carries Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, while the 221TE carries UHD Graphics 730. The 120UL's integrated GPU is the more capable of the two for graphics tasks, which may matter for systems without a discrete graphics card.

The PCIe configuration is another major difference. The 120UL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU, while the 221TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This gives the 221TE both a newer PCIe generation and double the lane count, which matters for bandwidth-hungry expansion cards and storage devices.

Specification Differences

The base clock differs: the 120UL runs at 1.30 GHz, the 221TE at 1.80 GHz. Boost clocks differ as well: 4.60 GHz versus 5.00 GHz respectively. Thermal design power is markedly different, with the 120UL rated at 15 watts and the 221TE at 45 watts. This threefold increase in power budget explains much of the performance gap.

Thread count differs as noted: 12 threads versus 16 threads. L3 cache differs: 12 MB versus 24 MB. ECC memory support is present only on the 221TE. Memory bandwidth is recorded as 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE, with no figure for the 120UL. PCIe generation and lane count differ: Gen 4 with 8 lanes versus Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics differ: Iris Xe Graphics 80EU versus UHD Graphics 730. The 221TE has a recorded part number of SRVQS, while the 120UL lists its part number as unknown. The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232, and the 120UL has no recorded launch MSRP.

Release dates differ as well. The 120UL was released on 2024-04-07, while the 221TE was released on 2025-01-12. Both are currently marked as Active production status, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. Both use Intel Socket 1700, both are Desktop market segment parts, and both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221TE wins across virtually every compute-intensive category. Cinebench multicore and single-core tests, PassMark multithread, integer math, floating point math, physics, data compression, data encryption, extended instructions, random string sorting, and prime number finding all favor the 221TE by margins ranging from 10% to 46.1%. This makes it the clear choice for workloads that stress sustained multi-threaded throughput, including rendering, encoding, scientific computing, and server-style applications. The presence of ECC memory support and Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes further positions it for professional and reliability-oriented builds.

The Intel Core 5 120UL wins only the PassMark single-thread test, where its 2080 score beats the 221TE's 1734 by 20%. This is an unusual result because the Cinebench single-core tests show the 221TE ahead by roughly 20.7%. The PassMark single-thread test may be more sensitive to the 120UL's lower power envelope and different frequency response under short bursts. The 120UL also has the more capable integrated GPU with Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, which gives it an advantage in systems relying purely on integrated graphics for display output or light GPU compute. Its 15 watt TDP makes it the more power-efficient part, which matters for compact or passively cooled systems.

The 120UL's lower TDP and smaller performance envelope suggest it fits better in low-power, always-on, or thermally constrained environments. The 221TE, with its 45 watt TDP, is the stronger performer but requires more substantial cooling and power delivery. The 221TE also benefits from 16 threads versus 12, 24 MB versus 12 MB of L3 cache, and the newer Bartlett Lake codename.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core 5 221TE as the stronger processor in nearly every measured category. Its 20.6% advantage across Cinebench tests, 30.4% lead in data compression, and 46.1% lead in extended instructions make it the default choice for users who need maximum throughput from an Intel Socket 1700 platform. The 71st percentile ranking among all CPUs, coupled with nearest rivals like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U, places it in a performance class well above the 120UL's 68th percentile standing.

The Intel Core 5 120UL retains a narrow niche. Its 20% win in PassMark single-thread performance, its superior integrated graphics, and its 15 watt TDP make it attractive for low-power builds where the integrated GPU matters and where sustained multi-threaded performance is not the primary requirement. The 120UL's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i3-12100F and Intel Core i5-9500, which are older or lower-tier parts, confirming that it sits in a more modest performance segment.

For users choosing between these two, the decision hinges on power budget and workload type. The 221TE demands 45 watts but delivers consistently higher scores across rendering, math, compression, and encryption. The 120UL sips 15 watts, offers better integrated graphics, and wins only the PassMark single-thread test. The 221TE also adds ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, and double the L3 cache. On the recorded data, the 221TE is the more capable processor for almost any compute-focused task, while the 120UL serves specific low-power and integrated-graphics scenarios.