Intel Core 5 211E vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the Intel Core 5 211E and the Intel Core 5 221TE shows a dominant performance profile for the 211E. Across the 17 recorded tests, the 211E secures 15 wins while the 221TE takes only 2. The margin of victory for the 211E is substantial in nearly every category, often exceeding 80% and sometimes surpassing 120%.

Starting with the Cinebench suite, the 211E delivers 2055 points in R15 multi-core versus 1139 for the 221TE, an 80.4% advantage. Single-core R15 results show 289 versus 160, an 80.6% lead. In R20, the 211E scores 8563 multi-core against 4748, and 1208 single-core against 670, both with an 80.3% delta. The R23 results follow the same pattern: 20389 versus 11305 multi-core and 2878 versus 1596 single-core, representing 80.4% and 80.3% leads respectively. These consistent margins indicate the 211E maintains its advantage across both lightly threaded and fully loaded workloads.

The Passmark suite reveals even larger gaps in several specialized tests. Data compression shows the 211E at 346757 versus 156682, a 121.3% difference. Extended instructions score 21592 against 9655, a 123.6% lead, the largest single delta in the entire comparison. Floating point math reaches 66402 versus 31661, a 109.7% margin, while integer math posts 88117 versus 42303 for a 108.3% lead. Random string sorting delivers 34308 versus 16929, a 102.7% advantage. The 211E also leads in data encryption with 17938 versus 8963 (100.1%), multithread performance at 23833 versus 13301 (79.2%), and single-thread tests where it scores 4006 against 1734, a 131% delta, the largest lead recorded.

The 221TE claims two victories. In the find prime numbers test, it scores 59 versus 43, a 27.1% advantage. In physics simulation, it posts 977 versus 702, a 28.1% lead. These wins are notable but isolated, representing specific algorithmic patterns rather than general throughput. The 211E's average benchmark score of 37829 places it at the 86th percentile among all CPUs, while the 221TE's average of 17860 sits at the 71st percentile. The 211E's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 at 37804 (0.1% behind), the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 435 at 37762 (0.2% behind), and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at 37904 (0.2% ahead). The 221TE sits near the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 (0.2% ahead) and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17898 (0.2% ahead).

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same Bartlett Lake codename, the same 10 nm process node, and the same Intel Socket 1700. They each feature 10 cores and 16 threads, support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, and provide 76.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Both include ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes, and integrated UHD Graphics 730. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The critical architectural differences lie in clock speeds, cache layout, and die size. The 211E has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz, while the 221TE runs a lower base of 1.80 GHz but a slightly higher boost of 5.00 GHz. The thermal design power differs significantly: the 211E is rated at 65W, while the 221TE consumes only 45W. This power envelope explains the 221TE's lower base clock, as it targets efficiency.

Cache configurations diverge in important ways. Both use an 80 KB L1 cache per core. The L2 cache is 2 MB per core on the 211E versus 1.25 MB per core on the 221TE, giving the 211E a larger per-core cache footprint. However, the L3 cache favors the 221TE: 24 MB shared versus 20 MB shared. This means the 221TE has 20% more shared L3, which can help in workloads that benefit from a larger unified cache pool.

Die size also differs: the 211E measures 257 mm², while the 221TE is smaller at 215 mm². The smaller die on the 221TE, combined with its lower TDP, suggests a more power-optimized design. Both chips were released on the same date, 2025-01-12, and both remain in active production. The part numbers are SRQERQ65F for the 211E and SRVQS for the 221TE.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 211E is the clear choice for compute-heavy workloads that stress sustained multi-core performance. Its 80.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core, 80.3% in R20, and 80.4% in R15 demonstrate consistent superiority in rendering and CPU-bound tasks. The Passmark results reinforce this: data compression, encryption, extended instructions, floating point math, integer math, and random string sorting all show triple-digit or near-triple-digit percentage leads. Single-thread performance is also decisively in the 211E's favor, with a 131% advantage in Passmark single-thread and 80.3% to 80.6% leads across all three Cinebench single-core tests. For users running video encoding, 3D rendering, scientific calculations, or database workloads, the 211E delivers roughly double the throughput in many scenarios.

The Intel Core 5 221TE wins in two specific tests: find prime numbers (59 versus 43) and physics simulation (977 versus 702). These results indicate an advantage in certain mathematical algorithms, possibly due to its higher 5.00 GHz boost clock and larger 24 MB shared L3 cache. The physics test, which often involves discrete object interactions and collision detection, may benefit from the extra L3 capacity. The prime number test, which is heavily dependent on integer division and modulo operations, could leverage the higher peak clock. However, these wins are narrow in the context of the overall benchmark set. The 221TE's 45W TDP makes it suitable for power-constrained environments, while its 71st percentile ranking still places it above the majority of CPUs. For general productivity tasks, the 221TE remains capable, but the data shows it trails the 211E by roughly 80% in most multi-core metrics.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 211E. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 20389 versus 11305 for the 221TE, an 80.4% advantage. Similar margins appear across R15 and R20 multi-core tests.

Q: Does the 221TE have any advantages in clock speed?

A: Yes, the 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz compared to 4.90 GHz on the 211E. However, its base clock is much lower at 1.80 GHz versus 2.70 GHz, and the 211E still wins all single-thread benchmarks by significant margins.

Q: How do their cache configurations compare?

A: The 211E has 2 MB L2 per core versus 1.25 MB on the 221TE, but the 221TE has a larger shared L3 at 24 MB versus 20 MB on the 211E. Both use 80 KB L1 per core.

Q: What is the power difference between the two?

A: The 211E is rated at 65W TDP, while the 221TE is rated at 45W. This makes the 221TE more power-efficient, though it comes at a significant performance cost.

Q: Which processor has the better single-thread score?

A: The 211E. In Passmark single-thread, it scores 4006 versus 1734, a 131% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 2878 versus 1596, an 80.3% advantage.

Q: Are there any workloads where the 221TE outperforms the 211E?

A: Yes, the 221TE wins in find prime numbers (59 versus 43) and physics simulation (977 versus 702). These are the only two tests among 17 where it takes the lead.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear hierarchy. The Intel Core 5 211E outperforms the 221TE in 15 out of 17 tests, with margins ranging from 79.2% to 131%. Its average benchmark score of 37829 versus 17860 places it at a higher percentile (86th versus 71st) and aligns it with competitors like the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which scores 37904. The 211E's higher TDP of 65W and larger die size of 257 mm² enable sustained performance that the 45W, 215 mm² 221TE cannot match. For anyone prioritizing raw compute across rendering, compression, encryption, or math workloads, the 211E is the data-backed choice.

The 221TE is not without merit. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock and 24 MB L3 cache contribute to wins in prime number finding and physics simulation. Its lower power draw makes it suitable for thermally or electrically constrained systems. It also sits near the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17891) and Intel Core 5 120U (17898) in average score, placing it in a competitive mid-range tier. However, the 211E's launch MSRP of $221 versus $232 for the 221TE means the higher performer also carries the lower price. For users who need maximum throughput, the 211E is the clear selection. For those who require the efficiency of a 45W part and can tolerate roughly half the multi-core performance, the 221TE remains a valid option. The data does not support choosing the 221TE on performance grounds alone.