Intel Core 5 210H vs Intel Core Ultra 7 356H Comparison

The Intel Core 5 210H and Intel Core Ultra 7 356H represent two distinct approaches to mobile computing. The Core 5 210H is a Raptor Lake Refresh part built on a 10 nm node, while the Core Ultra 7 356H is a Panther Lake processor on a 3 nm node. Benchmark results from the database show a clear and consistent performance gap, with the Core Ultra 7 356H winning all 17 recorded head-to-head tests. The data indicates a substantial generational leap, but the specific strengths of each chip merit closer examination.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H wins every single head-to-head comparison. Across Cinebench and Passmark tests, the Core Ultra 7 356H delivers higher scores in all categories. The Intel Core 5 210H does not have a single victory in the dataset, meaning there is no workload category where it comes out ahead.

The largest advantages for the Core Ultra 7 356H appear in specialized compute tasks. The Passmark find prime numbers test shows the Core Ultra 7 356H scoring 327 versus 53 for the Core 5 210H, a delta of -83.8% (meaning the Core 5 210H trails by that margin). Similarly, the physics test shows 2895 versus 1040, a -64.1% delta. These are workloads that benefit from the Core Ultra 7 356H's architecture and core configuration.

For single-threaded performance, the Core Ultra 7 356H also takes the lead, though by a smaller margin. The Cinebench R23 single-core test shows 2040 versus 1771, a -13.2% delta. The Passmark single-thread test shows 4072 versus 3539, a -13.1% delta. This suggests that while the Core Ultra 7 356H is faster per core, the gap is not as dramatic as in multi-threaded scenarios. The Core 5 210H's higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz does not translate into a win, but it narrows the single-thread gap.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has 16 cores, while the Intel Core 5 210H has 8 cores. The Core Ultra 7 356H also has 16 threads, whereas the Core 5 210H has 12 threads.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has an average benchmark score of 41215, while the Intel Core 5 210H has an average score of 24872. The Core Ultra 7 356H sits at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 77th percentile for the Core 5 210H.

Q: How do the two processors compare in memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 210H does not have a memory bandwidth figure in the database.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has 18 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core 5 210H has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 356H also has larger per-core L1 and L2 caches.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for these processors?

A: The Intel Core 5 210H has a TDP of 45, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has a TDP of 25. This indicates the Core Ultra 7 356H is designed for lower power consumption.

Q: Which processor has a newer release date?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has a release date of 2026-01-04, while the Intel Core 5 210H was released on 2024-12-17. The Core Ultra 7 356H is the more recent part.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, and the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H wins all of them. The Cinebench R20 multi-core test illustrates the scale of the difference: the Core Ultra 7 356H scores 12153, while the Core 5 210H scores 6504, a -46.5% delta. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the scores are 3055 versus 1757, a -42.5% delta. The Cinebench R23 multi-core test shows 18395 versus 11830, a -35.7% delta.

The Passmark suite reveals even larger gaps in specific workloads. The data encryption test shows the Core Ultra 7 356H scoring 26345 versus 12187, a -53.7% delta. Extended instructions show 27898 versus 13370, a -52.1% delta. Floating point math shows 103128 versus 45057, a -56.3% delta. The most extreme difference is in find prime numbers, where the Core Ultra 7 356H scores 327 versus 53, a -83.8% delta.

Even in the tests where the Core 5 210H comes closest, it still loses. Integer math shows 83111 versus 61503, a -26% delta. Random string sorting shows 40990 versus 23451, a -42.8% delta. Data compression shows 336177 versus 217805, a -35.2% delta. The single-thread tests show the smallest gaps, with Cinebench R23 single-core at -13.2% and Passmark single-thread at -13.1%, but the Core Ultra 7 356H still wins both.

The nearest rivals data puts these results in context. The Core 5 210H has an average score of 24872, which is nearly identical to the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX at 24822 (a 0.2% delta) and the Intel Core i7-13620H at 24911 (a -0.2% delta). The Core Ultra 7 356H, with an average of 41215, sits alongside the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 at 41208 (0% delta) and the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H at 41263 (a -0.1% delta).

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every core specification. The Intel Core 5 210H has 8 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The base clock of the Core 5 210H is 2.20 GHz, while the Core Ultra 7 356H has a lower base clock of 1.90 GHz. The boost clock also differs, with the Core 5 210H reaching 4.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz for the Core Ultra 7 356H.

The TDP ratings are notably different. The Core 5 210H has a TDP of 45, while the Core Ultra 7 356H has a TDP of 25. This suggests the Core Ultra 7 356H is engineered for efficiency, delivering higher performance while consuming less power. The socket types also differ: the Core 5 210H uses Intel BGA 1744, while the Core Ultra 7 356H uses Intel BGA 2540.

Memory support is another distinguishing factor. The Core 5 210H supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 7 356H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core Ultra 7 356H also has a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, a figure not available for the Core 5 210H. PCIe lane counts differ as well, with the Core 5 210H offering Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only) and the Core Ultra 7 356H offering Gen 5 with 12 lanes (CPU only).

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two chips is substantial. The Intel Core 5 210H is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-H codename, and belongs to the Core 5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. It is built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry. The Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, in contrast, is based on Panther Lake, with the Panther Lake-H codename, and belongs to the Ultra 7 (Panther Lake-H) generation. It is built on a 3 nm process node, also at Intel's foundry.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The Core 5 210H has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, with 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 7 356H has 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, with 18 MB of shared L3 cache. These larger caches likely contribute to the Core Ultra 7 356H's performance advantages.

The integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 210H features Iris Xe Graphics with 48 execution units, while the Core Ultra 7 356H features Intel Xe3 Graphics. The Core Ultra 7 356H is part of the Core Ultra Series 3, a designation not applied to the Core 5 210H. Both processors have locked multipliers and do not support ECC memory. The part numbers are SRQ6RQ5MN for the Core 5 210H and SA4RGQ9EU for the Core Ultra 7 356H.

The Verdict

The benchmark data shows that the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H is the superior processor in every measured category. It wins all 17 head-to-head tests, from single-thread Cinebench to multi-thread Passmark workloads. The average benchmark score of 41215 places it at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 5 210H's 24872 places it at the 77th percentile. The Core Ultra 7 356H also achieves this with a lower TDP of 25 versus 45, indicating better performance per watt.

The Intel Core 5 210H does have a higher boost clock at 4.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz, and it supports DDR4 memory, which could be relevant for certain system configurations. However, the recorded data shows no workload where this translates into a win. The Core 5 210H's nearest rivals, such as the Intel Core i7-13620H and AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, have nearly identical average scores, confirming it is a competent mid-range mobile chip. The Core Ultra 7 356H, meanwhile, competes with parts like the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H, placing it in a higher performance tier.

For users prioritizing multi-threaded performance, the Core Ultra 7 356H is the clear choice. Its 16 cores, larger caches, and 3 nm architecture deliver results that the Core 5 210H cannot match. The single-thread advantage is smaller but still consistent. The Core Ultra 7 356H's launch MSRP is not recorded, while the Core 5 210H has a launch MSRP of $342. The data supports the Core Ultra 7 356H as the stronger processor for demanding mobile workloads, while the Core 5 210H remains a viable option for systems where its older platform and DDR4 support are required.