Intel Core 5 213PE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

The Intel Core 5 213PE and Intel Core Ultra 5 338H occupy different segments of the desktop and mobile markets, respectively. The benchmark data reveals a clear split: the 213PE dominates in heavy multi-threaded workloads and integer performance, while the 338H counters with superior scores in physics, encryption, and floating-point math. This analysis breaks down the recorded measurements, the strengths of each processor, and the specifications that separate them.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic difference appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core testing. The Intel Core 5 213PE scores 22468, which is 37.6% ahead of the 338H's 16331. This is the largest delta in either direction across all recorded tests. The single-core R23 result is even more lopsided: the 213PE delivers 3172 against the 338H's 2044, a 55.2% advantage. These two results alone establish the 213PE as the dominant choice for sustained CPU rendering workloads.

The Core Ultra 5 338H, however, wins the older Cinebench iterations. In R15 multi-core, it scores 2504 versus 2264, a 9.6% lead. In R20 multi-core, it scores 10213 versus 9436, a 7.6% lead. The single-core R20 test also favors the 338H, with 1441 against 1332, another 7.6% margin. This pattern suggests that the 338H's architecture performs better in certain legacy test conditions, while the 213PE pulls far ahead in the newer R23 workload.

PassMark results further divide the two processors. The 213PE wins integer math decisively, scoring 92089 against 64934, a 41.8% lead. It also wins data compression, 298804 versus 276539, an 8.1% margin. The 338H counters with a 62.5% lead in find prime numbers, scoring 304 versus 114. It also wins floating-point math, 84067 versus 68587, an 18.4% advantage, and extended instructions, 23906 versus 19565, an 18.2% lead.

Encryption performance heavily favors the 338H. It scores 21367 in data encryption against the 213PE's 15916, a 25.5% margin. Physics simulation also goes to the 338H, with 2697 versus 1624, a 39.8% lead. The 338H wins the PassMark multi-thread test, 28717 versus 26434, a 7.9% margin, and random string sorting, 34082 versus 32027, a 6% lead. Single-thread PassMark results are close, with the 338H scoring 4180 against 4060, a 2.9% edge.

Overall, the head-to-head ledger shows 12 wins for the Core Ultra 5 338H and 5 wins for the Core 5 213PE. However, the magnitude of the 213PE's victories in R23 and integer math is substantial, indicating that its wins carry more weight in specific professional workloads.

The Verdict

The data points to distinct user profiles. The Intel Core 5 213PE is the clear pick for users running Cinebench R23 multi-core rendering, where its 37.6% lead over the 338H translates to meaningfully shorter render times. Its 55.2% advantage in R23 single-core also makes it the better option for lightly threaded tasks that rely on the latest instruction sets. The 41.8% lead in PassMark integer math further solidifies its position for general-purpose desktop computing, data processing, and spreadsheet-style workloads.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H, meanwhile, is the choice for tasks that stress encryption, physics, and floating-point math. Its 25.5% lead in data encryption and 39.8% lead in physics indicate strong suitability for security-related software and simulation workloads. The 18.4% advantage in floating-point math points to better performance in scientific calculations and certain media tasks. The 338H also holds a narrow but consistent edge in single-thread PassMark tests, suggesting a slight overall responsiveness advantage in everyday mobile use.

For a desktop user who prioritizes rendering and integer-heavy applications, the 213PE is the data-backed selection. For a mobile user focused on encryption, physics, or floating-point workloads, the 338H is the better fit. The 338H's 12 wins out of 17 tests do not override the 213PE's decisive margins in its core strengths.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE has an average benchmark score of 35428, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has an average of 33989.

Q: How does the single-core Cinebench R23 performance compare?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE scores 3172 in Cinebench R23 single-core, which is 55.2% higher than the Core Ultra 5 338H's score of 2044.

Q: Which processor is faster in PassMark physics simulation?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is faster, scoring 2697 in PassMark physics compared to the Intel Core 5 213PE's 1624, a 39.8% lead.

Q: What is the difference in PassMark integer math performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE leads by a large margin, scoring 92089 in integer math versus the Core Ultra 5 338H's 64934, a 41.8% advantage.

Q: Which CPU wins in data encryption tests?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins, with a score of 21367 in PassMark data encryption compared to the Intel Core 5 213PE's 15916, a 25.5% difference.

Q: How do the two CPUs rank against all other processors?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE is in the 85th percentile, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is in the 84th percentile.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every core specification. The Intel Core 5 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. The 213PE runs a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz; the 338H runs a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. Thermal design power differs significantly: the 213PE is rated at 65 watts, while the 338H is rated at 25 watts.

Memory support diverges completely. The 213PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, and it includes ECC memory support. The 338H supports LPDDR5X memory with a dual-channel bus and 136.5 GB/s bandwidth, but it lacks ECC memory support. PCIe connectivity also differs: the 213PE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 338H offers Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only).

The integrated graphics are different: the 213PE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the 338H uses Arc B370. The 213PE uses Intel Socket 1700 and is a desktop part; the 338H uses Intel BGA 2540 and is a mobile part. The 213PE has a launch MSRP of $221; the 338H has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 5 213PE is based on the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the "Core 5 (Bartlett Lake)" generation, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is based on the Panther Lake architecture and belongs to the "Ultra 5 (Panther Lake-H)" generation. The 213PE is manufactured on a 10 nm process node, while the 338H uses a 3 nm process node, both by Intel.

Cache configurations are distinct. The 213PE has an L1 cache of 80 KB per core, an L2 cache of 2 MB per core, and a shared L3 cache of 24 MB. The 338H has an L1 cache of 192 KB per core, an L2 cache of 2.5 MB per core, and a shared L3 cache of 18 MB. The 338H's larger per-core L1 and L2 caches contrast with the 213PE's larger shared L3 pool.

Release dates differ, with the 213PE recorded for March 2026 and the 338H for January 2026. Both are listed as Active in production status. The 338H belongs to the Core Ultra Series 3 product line, while the 213PE has no series designation. The 338H's smaller process node and mobile-oriented architecture explain its lower TDP and different memory support profile.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 213PE wins in scenarios that demand sustained multi-core rendering and integer throughput. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 22468, a 37.6% lead, makes it the clear choice for video rendering, 3D model generation, and other long-running CPU tasks. The 55.2% lead in R23 single-core also gives it an edge in legacy single-threaded applications that benefit from the higher boost clock. The 41.8% lead in PassMark integer math points to strength in database operations, code compilation, and financial modeling, where integer arithmetic dominates. The 8.1% win in data compression further supports its use in file archiving and backup workloads.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins in areas tied to parallel floating-point operations and specialized instruction handling. Its 39.8% lead in physics simulation indicates strong performance in game physics, scientific simulation, and engineering analysis. The 25.5% lead in data encryption makes it the better fit for VPN services, secure file transfer, and cryptographic workloads. The 18.4% advantage in floating-point math supports tasks like audio processing, scientific computing, and certain image filters. The 18.2% lead in extended instructions and the 62.5% lead in prime number finding also point to strong vectorized and algorithmic performance. The 338H's 7.9% win in PassMark multi-thread and its 6% win in random string sorting give it a slight edge in general productivity across mixed workloads, despite its lower overall average score.