Intel Core 5 211TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Comparison

The Intel Core 5 211TE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V represent two very different approaches to Intel's processor lineup. The 211TE is a desktop chip built on the older Bartlett Lake architecture, while the 238V is a mobile processor from the Lunar Lake family. The benchmark data shows a decisive performance gap between the two, with the Core Ultra 5 238V winning all 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons.

Where Each One Wins

The performance split is entirely one-sided. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V wins every single benchmark in the database, from Cinebench rendering tests to PassMark's suite of computational workloads. The closest margin is in PassMark integer math, where the 238V leads by 12.6%. The largest gap appears in PassMark single-thread testing, where the 238V is 63.8% ahead.

The Intel Core 5 211TE does not win any of the 17 head-to-head comparisons. Its best relative showing is in integer math, a workload that typically scales with core count and raw frequency. However, even there, the 10-core, 16-thread 211TE falls behind the 8-core, 8-thread 238V.

For use-case planning, the 211TE remains viable for desktop builds where the LGA 1700 socket is already in place. It provides a 45 W TDP, dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 memory support, and ECC memory capability. The 238V, by contrast, is a 17 W mobile part soldered to BGA 2833, making it suitable for laptops and compact systems where power efficiency is paramount.

The data shows that the 238V is not just faster in aggregate; it is faster in every measured category. This includes workloads where the 211TE's higher thread count should theoretically help, such as multi-threaded Cinebench runs and PassMark multi-thread tests.

The Verdict

The choice between these two processors depends entirely on platform requirements, because the performance data leaves no ambiguity. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V outperforms the Core 5 211TE in every benchmark recorded, with an average benchmark score of 21981 against 15370.

The 238V sits in the 75th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the 211TE sits in the 69th percentile. The 238V's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-11700F and AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, both with average scores within 0.1% of the 238V. The 211TE's nearest rivals include the AMD EPYC 7543 and Intel Core i3-1315U, with the 211TE trailing the EPYC 7543 by 0.7% and leading the Core i3-1315U by 2.3%.

For a mobile or low-power system, the 238V is the clear choice. Its 17 W TDP, 3 nm process node from TSMC, and superior benchmark results make it the stronger processor in every measurable way. The 211TE is a desktop part with a 45 W TDP, a 10 nm process node from Intel, and support for ECC memory, which the 238V lacks.

The 211TE does offer a launch MSRP of $221, but the 238V has no recorded launch MSRP in the database. The 211TE also supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the 238V's memory support is listed as unknown and dependent on the motherboard. For builders who need a desktop LGA 1700 chip with ECC memory, the 211TE is the only option of the two. For everyone else prioritizing performance, the 238V is the data-backed winner.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results show a consistent 22% deficit for the 211TE across all six tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 211TE scores 1229 against the 238V's 1576. Single-core R15 shows 173 versus 222. Cinebench R20 multi-core records 5124 for the 211TE and 6570 for the 238V, while single-core R20 shows 723 versus 927. Cinebench R23 multi-core has the 211TE at 12201 and the 238V at 15645, with single-core R23 at 1722 versus 2208.

PassMark results reveal larger disparities in several categories. Data encryption shows the 238V at 13072 against the 211TE's 7231, a 44.7% advantage. Extended instructions testing delivers 15377 versus 8615, a 44% gap. The largest single-thread delta appears in PassMark single-thread, where the 238V scores 3890 and the 211TE scores 1408, a 63.8% difference.

Floating-point math is another area of significant separation, with the 238V scoring 53160 against 26150 for the 211TE, a 50.8% lead. Prime number finding shows 174 versus 72, a 58.6% gap. Multi-thread PassMark records 18407 for the 238V and 11685 for the 211TE, a 36.5% difference. Random string sorting shows 21585 versus 14838, a 31.3% gap. Data compression results are closer but still favor the 238V: 176532 versus 133434, a 24.4% lead. Physics testing shows 1546 versus 1278, a 17.3% gap.

The narrowest margin is in integer math, where the 238V scores 38889 and the 211TE scores 33991, a 12.6% advantage. Even the smallest delta confirms the pattern: the 238V is faster across the board.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 2208 against the Core 5 211TE's 1722, a 22% advantage. In PassMark single-thread, the 238V scores 3890 versus 1408, a 63.8% lead.

Q: Does the Core 5 211TE win any benchmarks?

A: No. The database records 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V wins all 17. The 211TE's closest result is PassMark integer math, where it trails by 12.6%.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 211TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads. Despite having fewer threads, the 238V wins all multi-threaded benchmarks.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 211TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core 5 211TE has a 45 W TDP. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has a 17 W TDP, making it the more power-efficient part.

Q: How do the two processors compare in the overall database percentile?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V sits in the 75th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 21981. The Intel Core 5 211TE sits in the 69th percentile, with an average benchmark score of 15370.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from distinct architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 211TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename, built on Intel's 10 nm process node, and is part of the Core 5 generation. The Intel Core Ultra 5 238V uses the Lunar Lake architecture, built on TSMC's 3 nm process node, and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 generation.

The 211TE is a desktop part using the Intel Socket 1700, while the 238V is a mobile part using the Intel BGA 2833 socket. The 211TE's die size is recorded at 215 mm², while the 238V's die size is not listed in the database.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The 211TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The 238V has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The 238V's larger per-core L1 and L2 caches likely contribute to its single-thread performance advantage.

The 211TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the 238V provides PCIe Gen 5 with 4 lanes from the CPU. The 211TE integrates UHD Graphics 730, while the 238V integrates Arc 130V graphics.

Memory support also differs. The 211TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The 238V's memory support is listed as unknown and dependent on the motherboard, though it also uses a dual-channel bus. The 211TE supports ECC memory; the 238V does not.

Specification Differences

The Intel Core 5 211TE and Intel Core Ultra 5 238V differ in nearly every recorded specification field.

The 211TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clock speeds are 1.70 GHz for the 211TE and 2.10 GHz for the 238V. Boost clocks are 4.80 GHz for the 211TE and 4.70 GHz for the 238V. The 211TE has a higher boost clock by 0.10 GHz, but the 238V has a higher base clock by 0.40 GHz.

TDP ratings show a 28 W difference: 45 W for the 211TE versus 17 W for the 238V. The 211TE uses Intel Socket 1700, and the 238V uses Intel BGA 2833. The 211TE is built on Intel's 10 nm process, while the 238V uses TSMC's 3 nm process.

The 211TE has a die size of 215 mm²; the 238V's die size is not recorded. The 211TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the 238V's memory support is unknown and depends on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but only the 211TE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s.

ECC memory support is present on the 211TE and absent on the 238V. PCIe lane counts differ: 16 lanes for the 211TE versus 4 lanes for the 238V, both Gen 5. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 for the 211TE and Arc 130V for the 238V. The 211TE is a desktop part; the 238V is a mobile part. The 211TE has a launch MSRP of $221; the 238V has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

The production status for both is active. The 211TE was released on 2025-01-12, and the 238V was released on 2024-09-23.