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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive sweep for the Intel Core 7 251TE across all 17 recorded tests. The Intel Core 5 120UL does not secure a single win, with the Core 7 251TE dominating every workload category. The most lopsided margins appear in compute-heavy workloads: PassMark integer math shows the Core 7 251TE scoring 125,739 versus 38,060 for the Core 5 120UL, a delta of -69.7%. Floating point math follows a similar pattern, with 85,607 versus 26,311, also a -69.3% gap. Extended instructions produce the same -69.3% delta, with scores of 16,974 and 5,203 respectively.

The Cinebench suite reinforces this pattern. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 7 251TE delivers 25,518 points against 8,974 for the Core 5 120UL, a -64.8% difference. The single-core R23 test shows 3,602 versus 1,266, a -64.9% gap. Cinebench R20 multi-core follows with 10,717 versus 3,769 (-64.8%), while the single-core R20 test records 1,512 versus 531 (-64.9%). The older Cinebench R15 tests show identical margins: 2,572 versus 904 in multi-core and 362 versus 127 in single-core, both at -64.9%.

PassMark multi-thread performance shows 30,022 for the Core 7 251TE versus 10,558 for the Core 5 120UL, a -64.8% delta. Data compression, a strong indicator of multi-threaded efficiency, records 334,399 versus 109,090, a -67.4% gap. Data encryption shows 22,176 versus 7,685, a -65.3% difference. Random string sorting delivers 39,643 versus 13,610, or -65.7%. Prime number finding shows 140 versus 47, a -66.4% delta. Physics simulation records 1,938 versus 807, the narrowest margin at -58.4%.

The smallest overall gap appears in single-threaded performance. PassMark single-thread scores 3,568 for the Core 7 251TE versus 2,080 for the Core 5 120UL, a -41.7% difference. Notably, this is the only test where the delta drops below 50%. Even there, the Core 7 251TE holds a substantial advantage.

The average benchmark score tells the same story: the Core 7 251TE averages 41,650 across all tests, while the Core 5 120UL averages 13,594. The Core 7 251TE sits at the 88th percentile among all CPUs in the database, versus the 68th percentile for the Core 5 120UL. The Core 7 251TE's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H (average score 41,621, delta 0.1%), the Intel Core i7-14650HX (41,576, delta 0.2%), and the Intel Core i7-14700T (41,914, delta -0.6%). The Core 5 120UL's closest competitors are the Intel Core i3-12100F (13,494, delta 0.7%), Intel Core 3 N355 (13,492, delta 0.8%), and Intel Core 3 304 (13,745, delta -1.1%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel design families. The Core 5 120UL uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS codename, while the Core 7 251TE is based on the Bartlett Lake codename. Both are fabricated on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry, but the silicon differs significantly in scale. The Core 7 251TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the Core 5 120UL has no recorded die size in the database.

Core and thread counts show the largest architectural split. The Core 5 120UL provides 10 cores and 12 threads, while the Core 7 251TE scales to 24 cores and 32 threads. That is more than double the core count and nearly triple the thread count. Cache hierarchy also diverges. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache, however, is 12 MB on the Core 5 120UL versus 36 MB on the Core 7 251TE, a threefold difference.

Clock speeds favor the Core 7 251TE on both ends. Its base clock is 1.40 GHz versus 1.30 GHz for the Core 5 120UL, and its boost clock reaches 5.40 GHz versus 4.60 GHz. Thermal design power differs substantially: the Core 5 120UL is rated at 15 watts, while the Core 7 251TE is rated at 45 watts. This reflects the Core 7 251TE's higher core count and clock ceiling.

Memory support is similar in breadth, with both processors supporting DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus. The Core 7 251TE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 5 120UL has no bandwidth figure in the database. ECC memory support is another differentiator: the Core 7 251TE supports ECC, while the Core 5 120UL does not.

PCIe connectivity diverges as well. The Core 5 120UL uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes, while the Core 7 251TE uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics differ: the Core 5 120UL includes Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, whereas the Core 7 251TE includes UHD Graphics 770. Both processors are unlocked against multiplier adjustments, meaning neither supports overclocking. Both use Intel Socket 1700.

The Core 7 251TE includes a recorded part number (SRQAXQ5ZG) and a launch MSRP of $384. The Core 5 120UL has no launch MSRP recorded. Release dates place the Core 5 120UL in April 2024 and the Core 7 251TE in January 2025. Both are marked as Active in production status and target the desktop market segment.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 7 251TE is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads. Its 24 cores and 32 threads produce margins of roughly 65% or more across Cinebench multi-core tests, PassMark integer math, floating point math, data compression, and encryption. The 36 MB shared L3 cache and 5.40 GHz boost clock give it a strong edge in both sustained throughput and burst performance. The 45 watt TDP rating indicates it can sustain higher performance under load, consistent with its desktop positioning.

The Core 5 120UL, with 10 cores and 12 threads, targets lower-power scenarios. Its 15 watt TDP is one-third of the Core 7 251TE's rating, suggesting suitability for thermally constrained systems. The 4.60 GHz boost clock still provides respectable single-thread capability, though the data shows it trails the Core 7 251TE by 41.7% in PassMark single-thread tests. Its Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units may offer stronger integrated graphics performance than the UHD Graphics 770, though no direct graphics benchmarks appear in the database.

For workloads that rely on single-thread responsiveness, the Core 7 251TE still wins, but the gap narrows. The -41.7% delta in PassMark single-thread and -64.9% in Cinebench R23 single-core indicate the Core 5 120UL's clock speed does not fully compensate for the architectural differences. The Core 7 251TE's 5.40 GHz boost clock is the highest recorded figure between the two.

ECC memory support on the Core 7 251TE gives it an advantage in reliability-sensitive applications such as entry-level servers or workstations. The Core 5 120UL lacks ECC support entirely. The Core 7 251TE's PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes also provides more bandwidth for expansion cards and NVMe storage, while the Core 5 120UL's PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes is a more limited configuration. The Core 5 120UL's advantage, if any, lies in lower power draw and potentially simpler cooling requirements, though the database does not record cooler specifications.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120UL has 10 cores and 12 threads.

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

A: The Core 7 251TE leads by roughly 64.8% to 69.7% across Cinebench multi-core and PassMark multi-thread tests, with the largest delta of -69.7% in PassMark integer math.

Q: Does the Core 5 120UL win any benchmark tests?

A: No. The recorded head-to-head data shows the Core 7 251TE winning all 17 tests, with the Core 5 120UL recording zero wins.

Q: What are the cache differences between the two?

A: Both use 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core, but the Core 7 251TE has 36 MB shared L3 cache versus 12 MB on the Core 5 120UL.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus. The Core 7 251TE additionally supports ECC memory and has a recorded bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 5 120UL does not support ECC.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: In PassMark single-thread, the Core 7 251TE scores 3,568 versus 2,080 for the Core 5 120UL, a -41.7% delta. The Cinebench R23 single-core test shows 3,602 versus 1,266, a -64.9% gap.

The Verdict

The benchmark data leaves no ambiguity: the Intel Core 7 251TE outperforms the Intel Core 5 120UL in every recorded test. The Core 7 251TE's 24 cores, 32 threads, 36 MB L3 cache, and 5.40 GHz boost clock combine to deliver average benchmark scores roughly three times higher than the Core 5 120UL's. Its 88th percentile ranking versus the 68th percentile for the Core 5 120UL confirms its position in the broader CPU landscape. The Core 7 251TE also offers ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and a higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s.

The Core 5 120UL's case rests on power efficiency. At 15 watts TDP versus 45 watts, it draws considerably less power and may fit in systems where thermal limits are strict. Its Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units could provide adequate integrated graphics for basic display output. But the performance data shows no scenario where the Core 5 120UL takes a lead. Even in single-threaded tests, the Core 7 251TE's higher boost clock wins decisively.

Users requiring maximum throughput in rendering, data compression, encryption, or scientific computing should select the Core 7 251TE based on the recorded margins. Users prioritizing low power draw and minimal cooling requirements might consider the Core 5 120UL, but they should accept a substantial performance penalty across all workloads. The Core 7 251TE is the superior processor by every metric in the database.