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

Intel Core 5 130HL and Intel Core 7 251TE occupy distinctly different positions in the desktop processor landscape, despite sharing the same socket and TDP envelope. The benchmark data shows a clear separation: the Core 7 251TE dominates in multi-threaded workloads with its 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core 5 130HL, with 12 cores and 16 threads, relies on a higher base clock to stay competitive in lighter tasks. The Core 7 251TE sits at the 88th percentile among all CPUs, whereas the Core 5 130HL is at the 50th percentile, indicating a substantial performance gulf.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 7 251TE is the clear winner in heavily parallel workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25518 points demonstrates exceptional scaling across its 24 cores. This advantage extends to PassMark's multi-threaded test, where it scores 30022, and integer math, where it reaches 125739. Data compression tasks also favor the Core 7, with a PassMark score of 334399, making it the stronger choice for archive management, database operations, and content rendering that utilizes all available cores.

The Core 5 130HL, lacking recorded benchmark scores in the database, cannot be directly quantified against the Core 7. However, its architectural profile suggests where it would excel. With a base clock of 2.60 GHz compared to the Core 7's 1.40 GHz, the Core 5 maintains higher frequency at lower utilization levels. This makes it potentially more responsive in single-threaded or lightly threaded applications, though the Core 7's boost clock of 5.40 GHz exceeds the Core 5's 4.80 GHz maximum. The Core 5's smaller core count also means lower power draw per thread, which could translate to better efficiency in bursty workloads.

The Core 7 251TE wins decisively in memory bandwidth scenarios. Its dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth provides a substantial foundation for data-intensive tasks. The Core 5 130HL lists dual-channel memory support but lacks a recorded bandwidth figure, making direct comparison impossible from the available data. The Core 7's larger 36 MB shared L3 cache, versus the Core 5's 18 MB, further reinforces its advantage in workloads that benefit from large working sets.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel architecture families. The Core 5 130HL uses Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS codename, while the Core 7 251TE employs Bartlett Lake. Both are manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node, but the Core 7's die size is recorded as 215 mm², while the Core 5's die size is not listed in the database.

Core configuration differs dramatically. The Core 5 130HL provides 12 cores and 16 threads, indicating a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores. The Core 7 251TE doubles the core count to 24 cores and 32 threads, following a similar hybrid design philosophy but with significantly more resources. This core disparity directly explains the multi-threaded performance gap.

Cache hierarchy shows notable differences. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core. However, the Core 5 130HL allocates 2 MB of L2 cache per core, while the Core 7 251TE uses 1.25 MB per core. This means the Core 5 has more private cache per core, potentially reducing latency for individual cores, but the Core 7's 36 MB shared L3 cache dwarfs the Core 5's 18 MB, providing better data sharing across the many cores.

PCIe support differs significantly. The Core 5 130HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Core 7 251TE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This gives the Core 7 double the lane count and double the bandwidth per lane, making it the superior choice for high-throughput expansion cards, NVMe storage arrays, or workstation GPUs. Integrated graphics also differ: the Core 5 uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units, while the Core 7 uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core 7 adds ECC memory support, which the Core 5 lacks, an important distinction for professionals requiring error-corrected memory.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark scores only for the Core 7 251TE, with no recorded scores for the Core 5 130HL. This limits direct comparison, but the Core 7's results against its nearest rivals provide context for its performance tier.

The Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41650, placing it just 0.1% above the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H (41621) and 0.2% above the Intel Core i7-14650HX (41576). It trails the Intel Core i7-12850HX (41779) by 0.3% and the Intel Core i7-14700T (41914) by 0.6%. This cluster of scores within a 1% range indicates the Core 7 251TE performs essentially identically to these established desktop and mobile processors.

In Cinebench R23, the Core 7 251TE scores 25518 multi-core and 3602 single-core. The multi-core result represents a strong showing for a 45 W processor, while the single-core score of 3602 indicates excellent per-thread performance. The Cinebench R20 results show 10717 multi-core and 1512 single-core, while Cinebench R15 shows 2572 multi-core and 362 single-core. These progressive scores confirm consistent scaling across benchmark generations.

PassMark results for the Core 7 251TE demonstrate balanced performance. The single-thread score of 3568 and multithread score of 30022 show a roughly 8.4x scaling factor from single to multi-threaded performance, which is reasonable given the hybrid core design. Integer math (125739) outperforms floating-point math (85607), while extended instructions score 16974. Data encryption reaches 22176, and random string sorting hits 39643. Prime number finding scores just 140, reflecting the difficulty of parallelizing that workload. Physics simulation scores 1938, and the data compression score of 334399 is among the strongest recorded metrics.

The Verdict

The data clearly indicates the Core 7 251TE is the superior processor for multi-threaded and data-intensive workloads. Its 24 cores, 32 threads, and 36 MB L3 cache provide a substantial foundation for rendering, compilation, and scientific computing. The 88th percentile ranking among all CPUs confirms its high-end positioning. The ECC memory support and Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes make it suitable for professional workstations where data integrity and expansion capability matter.

The Core 5 130HL, with its 50th percentile ranking, targets a different use case. Its higher base clock of 2.60 GHz and larger per-core L2 cache of 2 MB could provide snappier response in single-threaded applications. The Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units may offer better integrated graphics performance for light gaming or media tasks, though the database does not include comparative graphics benchmarks. The 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes suffice for mainstream expansion but limit high-bandwidth configurations.

The Core 7 251TE's launch MSRP is $384. The Core 5 130HL has no recorded launch MSRP. The Core 7's production status is active, as is the Core 5's, but the Core 7's January 2025 release date makes it a newer design compared to the Core 5's April 2024 release. Both processors use the Intel Socket 1700 and are locked, with no unlocked multiplier.

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 130HL has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What is the maximum boost clock for each processor?

A: The Core 7 251TE boosts up to 5.40 GHz, while the Core 5 130HL boosts up to 4.80 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, but the Core 5 130HL does not.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The Core 7 251TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 5 130HL has 18 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the Core 7 251TE's average benchmark score compared to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 7 251TE scores 41650, which is 0.1% above the Core Ultra 7 265H, 0.2% above the Core i7-14650HX, 0.3% below the Core i7-12850HX, and 0.6% below the Core i7-14700T.

Q: Which processor offers more PCIe lanes and newer generation?

A: The Core 7 251TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core 5 130HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Specification Differences

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

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

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 1.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Die Size | Not listed | 215 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

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

| ECC Memory | False | True |

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

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

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Bartlett Lake |

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

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $384 |

| Part Number | unknown | SRQAXQ5ZG |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 50 | 88 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 0 | 41650 |