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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data splits these two processors into distinct performance profiles. The Intel Core 5 211TE wins 8 of the 17 recorded tests, while the Intel Core 5 221TE takes 9, but the margins and the workloads involved tell a more nuanced story than the raw win count suggests.

In Cinebench rendering tests, the 211TE is consistently ahead. The multicore results show a 7.9% advantage across all three versions: Cinebench R15 scores 1229 versus 1139, Cinebench R20 scores 5124 versus 4748, and Cinebench R23 scores 12201 versus 11305. The single-core Cinebench results follow the same pattern, with the 211TE leading by 8.1% in R15 (173 versus 160) and by 7.9% in both R20 (723 versus 670) and R23 (1722 versus 1596). This consistent 7.9% to 8.1% delta in rendering workloads indicates a clear advantage for the 211TE in tasks that stress CPU compute throughput.

The 221TE fights back decisively in PassMark workloads. The most dramatic single result is PassMark physics, where the 211TE leads by 30.8% (1278 versus 977), the largest margin in either direction across the entire benchmark suite. However, that is one of only two PassMark wins for the 211TE, alongside find prime numbers, where it leads by 22% (72 versus 59). The 221TE dominates the remaining PassMark tests: integer math by 19.6% (42303 versus 33991), data encryption by 19.3% (8963 versus 7231), single-thread performance by 18.8% (1734 versus 1408), floating point math by 17.4% (31661 versus 26150), data compression by 14.8% (156682 versus 133434), random string sorting by 12.4% (16929 versus 14838), multithread by 12.1% (13301 versus 11685), and extended instructions by 10.8% (9655 versus 8615).

The average benchmark scores reflect this split, with the 221TE posting an average of 17860 compared to the 211TE's 15370. That puts the 221TE at the 71st percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the 211TE sits at the 69th percentile. The nearest rivals for the 211TE include the AMD EPYC 7543 (average score 15477, 0.7% higher), the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U (15682, 2% higher), the AMD EPYC 7702P (15130, 1.6% lower), and the Intel Core i3-1315U (15022, 2.3% lower). For the 221TE, the nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17891, 0.2% higher), the Intel Core 5 120U (17898, 0.2% higher), the Intel Core 7 350 (17779, 0.5% lower), and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (17994, 0.7% higher). The 221TE's average score sits within 0.7% of all four of its nearest rivals, making it a tightly contested midpoint in that performance cluster.

What stands out is the workload dependency. The 211TE excels in Cinebench's ray-tracing render workloads, which are heavily dependent on sustained multicore execution and memory bandwidth. The 221TE counters with superior PassMark results in math, encryption, compression, and sorting tasks. This is not a case of one chip being universally faster; it is a case of two chips with different strengths across different instruction mixes.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core 5 211TE is the stronger choice for rendering and compute-heavy workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 12201 versus 11305, a 7.9% margin, is a substantial lead for CPU-bound rendering tasks. The single-core Cinebench results also favor the 211TE, with R23 scores of 1722 versus 1596, again a 7.9% gap. For users running Cinebench-class workloads, the 211TE delivers measurably better performance.

The Intel Core 5 221TE is the better pick for general productivity and data processing. Its PassMark integer math score of 42303 is 19.6% higher than the 211TE's 33991, and its floating point math score of 31661 is 17.4% higher than 26150. Data encryption at 8963 versus 7231 (19.3% higher) and data compression at 156682 versus 133434 (14.8% higher) further reinforce the 221TE's advantage in data-centric tasks. Its single-thread PassMark score of 1734 versus 1408 (18.8% higher) also suggests snappier responsiveness in lightly threaded applications.

The physics test is a notable outlier. The 211TE leads by 30.8% (1278 versus 977), the largest delta recorded between these two chips. This result shows that the 211TE can win decisively in specific simulation workloads, even while losing the broader PassMark multithread test by 12.1% (13301 versus 11685).

The 211TE's nearest rival cluster is populated by server and mobile parts, while the 221TE sits alongside desktop mid-range chips like the Ryzen 5 3600XT and the Core 7 350. That positional difference in the database reflects the 221TE's higher overall average score. The 221TE is the higher-performing chip on average, but the 211TE is the better renderer. The verdict from the data is clear: choose the 211TE for Cinebench-style rendering and physics simulation, choose the 221TE for encryption, compression, math processing, and general multithreaded throughput.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860, compared to the Intel Core 5 211TE's 15370.

Q: How large is the Cinebench R23 multicore gap between the two?

A: The Intel Core 5 211TE scores 12201 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 7.9% higher than the 221TE's 11305.

Q: Which processor wins in PassMark integer math?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE scores 42303 in PassMark integer math, which is 19.6% higher than the 211TE's 33991.

Q: What is the largest performance margin between the two chips?

A: The largest margin is in PassMark physics, where the Intel Core 5 211TE leads by 30.8% with a score of 1278 versus the 221TE's 977.

Q: How do the two chips compare in single-threaded PassMark performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE scores 1734 in PassMark single-thread, which is 18.8% higher than the 211TE's 1408.

Q: What percentile ranking does each chip hold in the database?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE is at the 71st percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core 5 211TE is at the 69th percentile.

Specification Differences

The two processors share a substantial amount of specification data, but key differences exist in clock speeds and cache allocation. Both use the Intel Socket 1700, have 10 cores and 16 threads, and carry a 45 TDP. The base clock differs: the Intel Core 5 211TE runs at 1.70 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 221TE runs at 1.80 GHz. The boost clock also differs, with the 211TE reaching 4.80 GHz and the 221TE reaching 5.00 GHz.

The L3 cache is another differentiating factor. The 211TE has 20 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 221TE has 24 MB. Both chips feature 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. The integrated graphics are identical, with both using UHD Graphics 730.

Memory support is the same for both: DDR4 and DDR5, dual-channel memory bus, 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, and ECC memory support. PCIe connectivity is also identical, with Gen 5 and 16 lanes from the CPU. Both chips have a locked multiplier, the same 215 mm² die size, and the same production status of Active. The launch MSRP for the 211TE is $221, and the launch MSRP for the 221TE is $232. Both were released on the same date and carry the same Bartlett Lake codename.

Architecture Differences

The architectural comparison shows more commonality than divergence. Both processors are built on Intel's 10 nm process node and are fabricated by Intel. Both use the Bartlett Lake codename and belong to the Core 5 generation. The die size is identical at 215 mm² for both chips, and neither has listed transistor counts.

The core and thread configuration is the same: 10 cores and 16 threads on both processors. The cache hierarchy differs only at the L3 level, where the 221TE carries 24 MB shared cache versus the 211TE's 20 MB. The L1 and L2 caches are identical at 80 KB per core and 1.25 MB per core respectively.

The clock architecture is where the two diverge. The 221TE has both a higher base clock (1.80 GHz versus 1.70 GHz) and a higher boost clock (5.00 GHz versus 4.80 GHz). This 4.2% higher boost clock, combined with the 20% larger L3 cache, likely explains the 221TE's strong PassMark performance in math and encryption workloads. The 211TE's Cinebench advantage, despite lower clocks and smaller cache, points to different scheduling or power behavior in sustained render workloads.

Both chips support DDR4 and DDR5 memory, dual-channel operation, 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, and ECC memory. Both have Gen 5 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes. The integrated graphics are the same UHD Graphics 730 on both. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and both use the Intel Socket 1700. The part numbers differ, with the 211TE carrying SRQDL and the 221TE carrying SRVQS. The production status for both is Active, and both were released on the same date.