Intel Core 5 130HL vs Intel Core 7 251E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database shows no recorded head-to-head benchmark scores for the Intel Core 5 130HL versus the Intel Core 7 251E. Both processors have an average benchmark score of 0 and a percentile ranking of 50 against all CPUs in the database. This means there is no direct performance comparison data available to quantify the performance gap between these two parts.

Without measured benchmark results, the only performance indicators come from their architectural specifications. The Core 7 251E doubles the core count of the Core 5 130HL, with 24 cores and 32 threads versus 12 cores and 16 threads. The boost clock also differs significantly, with the Core 7 251E reaching 5.60 GHz compared to 4.80 GHz on the Core 5 130HL. These two factors alone suggest that the Core 7 251E holds a clear advantage in multi-threaded workloads and likely in single-threaded performance as well, based on the higher maximum frequency.

The base clocks tell a different story. The Core 5 130HL runs at 2.60 GHz, while the Core 7 251E starts at 2.10 GHz. The higher base clock of the Core 5 130HL may give it an advantage in lightly threaded scenarios where the processor does not need to boost, though the higher boost ceiling of the Core 7 251E should dominate sustained single-thread performance.

The L3 cache also differentiates the two. The Core 7 251E offers 36 MB of shared L3 cache, exactly double the 18 MB found on the Core 5 130HL. This additional cache can improve performance in workloads with large working sets that fit within the cache hierarchy. The per-core L1 and L2 cache sizes are identical at 80 KB and 2 MB per core respectively, so the primary cache difference lies entirely in the L3 capacity.

Both processors share the same 10 nm process node and are manufactured by Intel. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking potential is limited on both parts. The production status for both is listed as Active, indicating both are currently in production.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 7 251E is the stronger choice for heavily parallel workloads. Its 24 cores and 32 threads double the thread count of the Core 5 130HL. Any workload that scales well with core count, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, scientific simulations, or compilation tasks, should show a substantial advantage for the Core 7 251E. The larger 36 MB L3 cache also benefits these workloads by reducing memory traffic and improving data locality across threads.

The Core 7 251E additionally supports ECC memory, which the Core 5 130HL does not. This makes the Core 7 251E suitable for error-sensitive environments such as NAS builds, small servers, or workstation tasks where data integrity is critical. Its memory bandwidth is rated at 89.6 GB/s, a figure not listed for the Core 5 130HL, and its PCIe interface is Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, compared to Gen 4 with 8 lanes on the Core 5 130HL. The newer PCIe generation and doubled lane count give the Core 7 251E more headroom for high-bandwidth add-in cards such as GPUs or NVMe storage.

The Core 5 130HL counters with a lower TDP of 45 watts versus 65 watts on the Core 7 251E. In power-constrained systems or compact desktop builds where thermal headroom is limited, the Core 5 130HL will generate less heat and may be easier to cool with a smaller cooler. Its higher base clock of 2.60 GHz could also translate to snappier response in lightly threaded applications that do not trigger boost states, such as certain office productivity tasks or simple scripting workloads.

For users who do not need ECC memory, do not require Gen 5 PCIe, and do not rely on extreme multi-core throughput, the Core 5 130HL offers a more modest power envelope with sufficient core count for mainstream multitasking. Its integrated Iris Xe Graphics 80EU is a more capable GPU than the UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251E, which could matter for systems without a discrete graphics card, particularly for basic media playback or light GPU-accelerated tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages despite sharing the same 10 nm Intel manufacturing process. The Core 5 130HL is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS variant, while the Core 7 251E uses Bartlett Lake. The release dates separate them by roughly nine months, with the Core 5 130HL launching in April 2024 and the Core 7 251E arriving in January 2025.

Both parts use the Intel Socket 1700 platform and support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 7 251E has a rated memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is recorded for the Core 5 130HL. The Core 7 251E also supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the Core 5 130HL.

The PCIe implementation differs substantially. The Core 5 130HL provides Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes, while the Core 7 251E delivers Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. This doubles the raw lane count and moves to a faster generation, giving the Core 7 251E significantly higher potential I/O bandwidth.

The die size for the Core 7 251E is listed at 257 mm², while no die size is recorded for the Core 5 130HL. The Core 7 251E has a part number of SRQDUQ657, while the Core 5 130HL has an unknown part number. The integrated graphics also differ: Iris Xe Graphics 80EU on the Core 5 130HL versus UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251E.

The TDP values reflect different design targets. The Core 5 130HL is rated at 45 watts, while the Core 7 251E is rated at 65 watts. This 20-watt difference suggests the Core 5 130HL is designed for more thermally conservative environments, whereas the Core 7 251E has more power budget to feed its additional cores and higher boost clock.

The Core 7 251E carries a launch MSRP of $384, while the Core 5 130HL has no recorded launch MSRP in the database. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so both are locked parts.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 5 130HL has 12 cores and 16 threads. The Core 7 251E offers double the core count and double the thread count.

Q: What are the clock speed differences between the two?

A: The Core 5 130HL has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The Core 7 251E has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Core 7 251E boosts 0.80 GHz higher but starts from a 0.50 GHz lower base.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core 7 251E supports ECC memory, while the Core 5 130HL does not. This makes the Core 7 251E more suitable for reliability-focused applications.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: Both processors have 80 KB L1 cache per core and 2 MB L2 cache per core. The L3 cache differs: the Core 5 130HL has 18 MB shared, and the Core 7 251E has 36 MB shared, exactly double.

Q: What PCIe versions and lane counts do they offer?

A: The Core 5 130HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. The Core 7 251E provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, offering a newer generation and twice the lane count.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Core 7 251E has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Core 5 130HL has a TDP of 45 watts. The Core 5 130HL is rated for lower power consumption.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 130HL | Intel Core 7 251E |

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

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Bartlett Lake |

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

| Die Size | Not recorded | 257 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 18 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 |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $384 |

| Part Number | Unknown | SRQDUQ657 |

The two processors share the same socket, process node, foundry, per-core L1 and L2 cache sizes, memory support (DDR4 and DDR5), dual-channel memory bus, and locked multiplier status. The Core 7 251E differs in every other major specification, offering more cores, higher boost, larger L3, more PCIe bandwidth, ECC support, and a higher TDP budget. The Core 5 130HL counters with a lower base clock advantage and a lower power envelope.