Intel Core 5 211TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 211TE reaches 4.80 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL tops out at 4.30 GHz.

Q: How do the core and thread counts differ between the two?

A: The Core 5 211TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores but only 14 threads.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) for each chip?

A: The Core 5 211TE has a TDP of 45 watts, and the Core Ultra 5 125UL has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core 5 211TE supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL does not.

Q: What are the integrated graphics options?

A: The Core 5 211TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Arc Xe-LPG 64EU.

Q: Which processor was released earlier?

A: The Core Ultra 5 125UL launched on 2024-04-07, and the Core 5 211TE launched on 2025-01-12.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural families. The Core 5 211TE is based on the Bartlett Lake codename, part of the Core 5 generation, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL belongs to the Meteor Lake-PS codename within the Core Ultra Series 1 generation. The former uses a 10 nm process node, and the latter uses a 7 nm process node, both fabricated by Intel.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL is built on the Meteor Lake architecture, which introduces a distinct layout compared to the Core 5 211TE. The Core 5 211TE uses a die size of 215 mm², whereas no die size is recorded for the Core Ultra 5 125UL.

Cache configurations differ notably. The Core 5 211TE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125UL offers larger per-core allocations, with 112 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, but a smaller 12 MB shared L3 cache.

Memory support also separates the two. The Core 5 211TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL supports DDR5 with the specific modules depending on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the Core Ultra 5 125UL has a higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s compared to the Core 5 211TE's 76.8 GB/s.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Core 5 211TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 5 125UL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). This gives the Core 5 211TE a wider and faster interface for expansion devices.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains extensive benchmark results for the Core 5 211TE, but no recorded scores for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. This means the comparison relies on the Core 5 211TE's measured performance across multiple suites.

In Cinebench tests, the Core 5 211TE produces a multicore score of 1229 in R15, a single-core score of 173 in R15, a multicore score of 5124 in R20, a single-core score of 723 in R20, a multicore score of 12201 in R23, and a single-core score of 1722 in R23. These results demonstrate a strong balance between single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

PassMark tests for the Core 5 211TE show data compression at 133434, data encryption at 7231, extended instructions at 8615, prime numbers at 72, floating point math at 26150, integer math at 33991, multithread at 11685, physics at 1278, random string sorting at 14838, and single-thread at 1408. The integer math and floating point math scores indicate solid arithmetic processing capability, while the prime numbers score is relatively low, suggesting a weaker performance in that specific workload.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL has no benchmark entries in the database, so its performance cannot be directly quantified. The percentile ranking places the Core 5 211TE at the 69th percentile among all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL sits at the 50th percentile. The average benchmark score for the Core 5 211TE is 15370, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL has an average score of 0 due to missing data.

The nearest rivals for the Core 5 211TE include the AMD EPYC 7543 with an average score of 15477 and a delta of -0.7%, the AMD EPYC 7702P with an average score of 15130 and a delta of 1.6%, the AMD Ryzen 3 7440U with an average score of 15682 and a delta of -2%, and the Intel Core i3-1315U with an average score of 15022 and a delta of 2.3%. These deltas show the Core 5 211TE is within roughly 2% of these processors, either slightly ahead or slightly behind.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several specification fields. The core count is 10 for the Core 5 211TE versus 12 for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. Thread counts are 16 and 14, respectively, meaning the Core 5 211TE has more threads despite fewer cores.

Base clocks are 1.70 GHz for the Core 5 211TE and 1.30 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. Boost clocks are 4.80 GHz and 4.30 GHz, respectively, with the Core 5 211TE holding the advantage in both metrics.

TDP values are 45 watts for the Core 5 211TE and 15 watts for the Core Ultra 5 125UL, a substantial difference favoring the Core Ultra 5 125UL in power efficiency.

Sockets are different: the Core 5 211TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Intel Socket 1851. Process nodes are 10 nm and 7 nm, respectively. Die size is 215 mm² for the Core 5 211TE and not recorded for the Core Ultra 5 125UL.

Cache specifications differ in all levels. L1 cache is 80 KB per core for the Core 5 211TE and 112 KB per core for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core versus 2 MB per core. L3 cache is 20 MB shared versus 12 MB shared.

Memory support shows the Core 5 211TE accepting DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL accepts DDR5 depending on the motherboard. Memory bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 211TE but not on the Core Ultra 5 125UL.

PCIe lanes and versions are Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the Core 5 211TE and Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 versus Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. Release dates are 2025-01-12 for the Core 5 211TE and 2024-04-07 for the Core Ultra 5 125UL. Launch MSRP is $221 for the Core 5 211TE and $309 for the Core Ultra 5 125UL.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 211TE wins on raw processing power based on the recorded benchmarks. Its boost clock of 4.80 GHz and base clock of 1.70 GHz provide higher frequency headroom for single-threaded workloads. The 16 threads, combined with 20 MB of shared L3 cache, support demanding multi-threaded applications. The Gen 5 PCIe interface with 16 lanes enables high-throughput expansion, useful for discrete GPUs or NVMe storage. The ECC memory support appeals to systems requiring data integrity, such as workstations or file servers.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL wins on power efficiency. Its 15 watt TDP is significantly lower than the Core 5 211TE's 45 watts, making it suitable for compact or thermally constrained desktop builds. The 12 cores provide a higher core count, though with fewer threads, which can benefit certain parallel workloads that scale with core count rather than thread count. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches may improve performance in latency-sensitive tasks. The 7 nm process node suggests a more modern manufacturing approach, and the higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s supports memory-intensive operations. The Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics likely offers better visual output than UHD Graphics 730, though no benchmark data confirms this.

The Core 5 211TE has a higher percentile ranking at 69 versus 50, indicating better overall standing among all CPUs in the database. Its average benchmark score of 15370 demonstrates measurable performance, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125UL lacks recorded scores.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Core 5 211TE in performance terms. It has a higher boost clock, more threads, larger shared L3 cache, and a full set of benchmark scores that place it at the 69th percentile. The Core Ultra 5 125UL, with no benchmark entries and a 50th percentile ranking, cannot match the recorded capabilities of the Core 5 211TE.

For workloads involving multi-threaded rendering, compilation, or data processing, the Core 5 211TE delivers proven results. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 12201 and PassMark multithread score of 11685 indicate strong parallel performance. The higher TDP of 45 watts enables sustained operation under load, which is appropriate for desktop systems with adequate cooling.

The Core Ultra 5 125UL serves a different purpose. Its 15 watt TDP makes it a candidate for low-power desktop systems where energy consumption and heat output are primary concerns. The 12-core design with 14 threads provides a foundation for multi-core tasks, though no benchmark evidence exists to confirm its performance level.

The choice depends on priorities. The Core 5 211TE is the processor for users who need verified performance and are willing to accommodate a 45 watt TDP. The Core Ultra 5 125UL is the processor for users who prioritize power efficiency and a newer architecture, accepting the absence of benchmark data as a limitation in the comparison.