Intel Core 5 210H vs Intel Core i7-13620H Comparison

The Intel Core i7-13620H and Intel Core 5 210H are both Raptor Lake-H mobile processors, but they occupy different tiers within Intel's lineup. The benchmark data shows a clear and consistent performance hierarchy between the two, with the i7-13620H winning all 17 head-to-head comparisons. However, the margin of victory varies significantly depending on the workload, ranging from a narrow single-thread edge to a dominant lead in multi-threaded and specialized tasks. This analysis breaks down the exact performance deltas, architectural reasons for the differences, and which processor is the appropriate choice based strictly on the available data.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking outcome is the sweep: the i7-13620H wins every single benchmark in the comparison, with zero wins for the Core 5 210H. The average benchmark score for the i7-13620H is 24,911, while the Core 5 210H sits at 24,872, a difference of only 0.2%. This near-identical average score, however, masks the substantial variation in individual workloads.

The largest single-core victory for the i7-13620H comes in Cinebench R20 single-core, where it scores 1,172 versus 918 for the Core 5 210H, a 27.7% advantage. In contrast, the Cinebench R23 single-core test shows a much tighter race, with the i7-13620H scoring 1,833 against 1,771, a lead of only 3.5%. PassMark single-thread results follow a similar pattern, with the i7-13620H at 3,589 and the Core 5 210H at 3,539, a modest 1.4% edge. These results indicate that while the i7-13620H generally has a single-thread advantage, it is not uniform across all tests.

Multi-threaded performance is where the i7-13620H truly separates itself. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i7-13620H scores 15,176, which is 28.3% higher than the Core 5 210H's 11,830. The Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core tests show similar deltas of 29.8% and 27.7%, respectively. PassMark multi-thread results echo this, with the i7-13620H scoring 24,192 versus 18,252, a 32.5% lead. This consistent 28-32% advantage in multi-threaded workloads strongly suggests a difference in core and thread resources.

Specialized workloads reveal the widest gaps. The PassMark find prime numbers test shows the i7-13620H scoring 99 versus 53 for the Core 5 210H, a massive 86.8% delta. PassMark physics also shows a large gap, with the i7-13620H at 1,671 and the Core 5 210H at 1,040, a 60.7% difference. Floating-point math shows a 32.6% lead for the i7-13620H (59,762 vs 45,057), and integer math a 31.6% lead (80,948 vs 61,503). Data encryption and compression follow the trend, with the i7-13620H leading by 27.7% and 29.2%, respectively. Extended instructions show a 31% delta, and random string sorting a 25.3% delta. The i7-13620H also leads in Cinebench R15 single-core by 6.5% (263 vs 247).

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i7-13620H is the superior processor in every measured category. It does not just win; it wins by substantial margins in multi-threaded and specialized tasks, often exceeding 30%. The Core 5 210H's only close calls are in single-threaded tests, where the i7-13620H still holds a lead, albeit a smaller one. The 0.2% difference in average benchmark score is misleading, as it is pulled up by the Core 5 210H's relative competitiveness in these single-thread tests.

For any user prioritizing raw multi-core performance, the i7-13620H is the clear choice. The 28-32% advantage in Cinebench multi-core tests and PassMark multi-thread scores translates directly to faster rendering, compilation, and video encoding. The i7-13620H also has a decisive edge in physics simulations and prime number calculations, making it better suited for scientific or engineering workloads. Even in single-threaded applications, the i7-13620H maintains a lead, though users focused solely on lightly-threaded tasks may not notice a significant difference. The Core 5 210H is a competent mobile processor, but the data shows it is clearly a step below the i7-13620H in overall capability.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-13620H wins in every benchmark category. There are no use cases where the Core 5 210H outperforms it. However, the degree of the i7-13620H's advantage defines the best use cases for each chip.

The i7-13620H is the pick for multi-threaded productivity. Its 28-32% lead in Cinebench multi-core and PassMark multi-thread tests makes it ideal for video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation. The 60.7% lead in PassMark physics and 86.8% lead in prime numbers also make it the stronger choice for simulation and computational workloads. Its 31% lead in extended instructions suggests better performance in workloads that leverage AVX-512 or similar instruction sets.

The Core 5 210H, despite losing all benchmarks, is still a viable option for single-threaded or lightly-threaded tasks where the i7-13620H's lead is minimal. In PassMark single-thread, the delta is only 1.4%, and in Cinebench R23 single-core it is 3.5%. For everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and light coding, the difference would be imperceptible. The Core 5 210H is also a more recent release, with a launch date of 2024-12-17, compared to the i7-13620H's 2023-01-03, which may be relevant for platform longevity considerations, though the data does not quantify this.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-13620H has an average benchmark score of 24,911, while the Intel Core 5 210H scores 24,872. This is a 0.2% difference in favor of the i7-13620H.

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

A: The i7-13620H leads by 28.3% in Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,176 vs 11,830) and by 32.5% in PassMark multi-thread (24,192 vs 18,252). A similar gap appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, with a 27.7% delta.

Q: Is the Core 5 210H competitive in single-threaded tests?

A: It is closer, but still loses. The i7-13620H leads by 1.4% in PassMark single-thread (3,589 vs 3,539) and by 3.5% in Cinebench R23 single-core (1,833 vs 1,771). The largest single-thread gap is in Cinebench R20, where the i7-13620H leads by 27.7%.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest delta is in the PassMark find prime numbers test, where the i7-13620H scores 99 versus 53 for the Core 5 210H, an 86.8% advantage. The second largest is PassMark physics, with a 60.7% delta (1,671 vs 1,040).

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: No. The i7-13620H has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Core 5 210H has 8 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which processor was released more recently?

A: The Intel Core 5 210H was released on 2024-12-17, while the Intel Core i7-13620H was released on 2023-01-03.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's Raptor Lake architecture and share the same Raptor Lake-H codename. They are both manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node and use the Intel BGA 1744 socket. The i7-13620H is part of the Core 13th Gen series, while the Core 5 210H is a Raptor Lake Refresh part, as indicated by its generation string.

The most significant architectural difference is in core configuration. The i7-13620H has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 5 210H has 8 cores and 12 threads. This two-core, four-thread advantage is the primary driver of the i7-13620H's large multi-threaded performance lead. The cache hierarchy also differs substantially. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. However, the i7-13620H has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 5 210H has only 12 MB. This doubled L3 cache likely contributes to the i7-13620H's superior performance in data-heavy workloads like compression and encryption.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-13620H features UHD Graphics 770, while the Core 5 210H has Iris Xe Graphics 48EU. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both have PCIe Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Neither supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Specification Differences

The table below highlights the key specification differences between the two processors.

| Specification | Intel Core i7-13620H | Intel Core 5 210H |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Series | Core 13th Gen | Not specified |

| Cores | 10 | 8 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.40 GHz | 2.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.90 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Iris Xe Graphics 48EU |

| Launch Date | 2023-01-03 | 2024-12-17 |

| Launch MSRP | $502 | $342 |

| Part Number | SRMJ0 | SRQ6RQ5MN |

The i7-13620H has a higher base clock (2.40 GHz vs 2.20 GHz) and a higher boost clock (4.90 GHz vs 4.80 GHz). Both processors have a TDP of 45 W, belong to the Mobile market segment, and are currently marked as Active in production. The i7-13620H has a higher launch MSRP of $502 compared to $342 for the Core 5 210H, reflecting its higher core count and cache allocation.