Intel Core 5 211E vs Intel Processor N250 Comparison

The Intel Core 5 211E and the Intel Processor N250 occupy opposite ends of Intel’s current desktop and mobile lineup. The database records show a clear performance hierarchy, but the N250’s role as a low-power mobile part means the comparison extends beyond raw scores. The following analysis relies exclusively on recorded benchmark data, architectural specifications, and measured deltas from the database.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core 5 211E delivers dominant multi-threaded results across every recorded Cinebench test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 5 211E scores 20389 points, while the N250 has no recorded score in the database, leaving the comparison one-sided. The Core 5 211E also posts 8563 points in Cinebench R20 multi-core and 2055 points in Cinebench R15 multi-core. Single-core results follow a similar pattern: the Core 5 211E reaches 2878 points in Cinebench R23 single-core, 1208 in R20 single-core, and 289 in R15 single-core.

The PassMark suite reinforces this gap. The Core 5 211E records 88117 in integer math, 66402 in floating point math, and 346757 in data compression. Its multithread score of 23833 and single-thread score of 4006 provide additional reference points. The N250 has no benchmark entries in the database, so its performance cannot be quantified from recorded measurements. This absence means the Core 5 211E holds every measurable advantage by default.

The database’s percentile rankings contextualize the Core 5 211E’s standing. It sits at the 86th percentile of all CPUs, while the N250 sits at the 50th percentile. The Core 5 211E’s average benchmark score of 37829 places it within a tight cluster of rivals: the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 scores 37804 (0.1% behind), the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 435 scores 37762 (0.2% behind), and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 scores 37904 (0.2% ahead). The Intel Core i9-14901E scores 37911, also 0.2% ahead. These deltas show the Core 5 211E performing essentially at parity with its nearest competitors, with differences well under one percent.

For the N250, no nearest rivals are recorded, and its average benchmark score is zero. This data gap prevents any direct head-to-head score comparison, but the architectural specifications below explain why such a gap exists.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge fundamentally in core configuration. The Core 5 211E uses 10 cores and 16 threads, while the N250 uses 4 cores and 4 threads. This 6-core and 12-thread difference directly explains the multi-threaded benchmark disparity. The Core 5 211E operates with a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz. The N250 has a base clock of 0.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Core 5 211E’s boost clock is 1.10 GHz higher, providing additional single-thread headroom.

The process node is identical at 10 nm, and both are fabricated by Intel. However, the codenames differ: the Core 5 211E uses Bartlett Lake, while the N250 uses Twin Lake. The generation field lists the Core 5 211E as “Core 5 (Bartlett Lake)” and the N250 as “Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N).” This indicates different design lineages despite the shared process node.

Cache hierarchies show substantial divergence. The Core 5 211E provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The N250 provides 96 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of shared L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 5 211E’s L3 cache is 14 MB larger, and its L2 is allocated per core rather than shared. The N250’s larger per-core L1 (96 KB versus 80 KB) is a minor counterpoint, but the total cache capacity heavily favors the Core 5 211E.

Memory support also differs. The Core 5 211E supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel memory bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. The N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 but uses a single-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 5 211E’s memory bandwidth is exactly double the N250’s. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 211E but not on the N250.

PCIe capabilities separate the two further. The Core 5 211E uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the N250 uses Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only). This represents a two-generation PCIe gap and a 7-lane difference. The integrated graphics are identical: both use UHD Graphics 730.

The market segments confirm their intended roles: the Core 5 211E is a desktop part, while the N250 is mobile. The Core 5 211E uses Intel Socket 1700, whereas the N250 uses Intel BGA 1264, meaning the latter is soldered rather than socketed. The Core 5 211E’s die size is 257 mm², while the N250’s die size is not recorded. The Core 5 211E’s TDP is 65 W, compared to the N250’s 6 W, a 59 W difference that reflects the N250’s low-power design.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the Core 5 211E in multi-core workloads?

A: The Core 5 211E scores 20389 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 8563 in Cinebench R20 multi-core. The N250 has no recorded benchmarks in the database, so no exact delta can be calculated, but the Core 5 211E’s 10 cores and 16 threads versus the N250’s 4 cores and 4 threads indicate a substantial advantage.

Q: Does the N250 offer any advantage over the Core 5 211E?

A: The N250 has a lower TDP of 6 W versus 65 W, making it suited for power-constrained mobile designs. It also supports LPDDR5 memory in addition to DDR4 and DDR5, and its per-core L1 cache is larger at 96 KB versus 80 KB. No performance advantage is recorded.

Q: Which processor has better memory bandwidth?

A: The Core 5 211E has a dual-channel memory bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. The N250 has a single-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s. The Core 5 211E’s bandwidth is exactly double.

Q: Are these processors on the same manufacturing process?

A: Yes, both use Intel’s 10 nm process node and are fabricated by Intel. Their codenames differ (Bartlett Lake versus Twin Lake), and their generations are listed separately.

Q: What is the PCIe capability of each processor?

A: The Core 5 211E provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The N250 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only). The Core 5 211E has both a newer PCIe generation and more lanes.

Q: Can the N250 be used in a desktop motherboard?

A: The N250 uses Intel BGA 1264, a soldered mobile socket, and is classified as a mobile processor. The Core 5 211E uses Intel Socket 1700 and is classified as desktop. The data does not indicate any desktop compatibility for the N250.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a clear split: the Core 5 211E is the performance choice, and the N250 is the low-power mobile option. The Core 5 211E delivers a 20389 Cinebench R23 multi-core score, an 86th percentile ranking, and an average benchmark score of 37829, placing it within 0.2% of several AMD and Intel rivals. Its 10 cores, 16 threads, 4.90 GHz boost clock, 20 MB L3 cache, dual-channel memory, and PCIe Gen 5 support make it suitable for desktop workloads that demand multi-threaded throughput.

The N250, with 4 cores, 4 threads, a 3.80 GHz boost clock, 6 MB L3 cache, single-channel memory, and PCIe Gen 3, has no recorded benchmarks and sits at the 50th percentile. Its 6 W TDP and support for LPDDR5 indicate a design focused on low power consumption rather than performance. The database shows no scenario where the N250 outperforms the Core 5 211E in any measured metric.

Users seeking desktop compute capacity should select the Core 5 211E. Users requiring a low-power mobile processor with minimal cooling requirements should consider the N250, but they must accept the absence of recorded performance data and the significant architectural gaps in cores, cache, memory bandwidth, and PCIe capability.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 211E | Intel Processor N250 |

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

| Cores | 10 | 4 |

| Threads | 16 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 0.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.90 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 6 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 1264 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Twin Lake |

| Generation | Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) | Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N) |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

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

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 9 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2025-01-06 |

| Launch MSRP | $221 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRQERQ65F | SRPNS |