Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core 5 223PQE Comparison

Intel Core 5 221E and Intel Core 5 223PQE are two desktop processors sharing the Bartlett Lake codename and Intel Socket 1700, but the data shows they are positioned for entirely different workloads. The 221E packs 14 cores and 20 threads, while the 223PQE uses 8 cores and 16 threads. The 221E has an extensive set of recorded benchmark scores; the 223PQE has none in the database. This absence of measured performance for the 223PQE shapes the entire comparison, as the analysis must rely on architectural and specification differences rather than direct score deltas.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core 5 221E and the Intel Core 5 223PQE. The headToHeadBenchmarks field is empty, and the wins counter for each processor is zero. Consequently, there are no exact scores, deltas, or percentage differences to walk through for this pairing.

The Intel Core 5 221E, however, has a full benchmark suite recorded. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score is 25933, and its single-core score is 3661. In Cinebench R20, it scores 10891 multicore and 1537 single-core. Older Cinebench R15 results show 2613 multicore and 368 single-core. PassMark tests further detail its capabilities: multithread score of 30510, single-thread score of 4147, integer math at 117813, floating point math at 79028, data compression at 324285, and data encryption at 19205. Extended instructions score 18216, find prime numbers scores 173, random string sorting scores 37686, and physics scores 2230. Its average benchmark score is 40144, placing it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs.

The 223PQE has no recorded benchmarks, so no score can be cited for it. The nearest rivals listed for the 221E provide context: the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 averages 40081, a 0.2% difference; the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 averages 40048, also 0.2% higher; the AMD Ryzen 9 270 averages 40246, 0.3% lower; and the Intel Core i9-13905H averages 40313, 0.4% lower. These figures show the 221E sits in a tight performance cluster, with all rival deltas within 0.4% of its average score. The 223PQE has no nearest rivals listed, meaning no comparative benchmark data exists for it in the database.

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 221E is the only processor in this comparison with measured performance data. Its 87th percentile ranking and average score of 40144 indicate a capable desktop part, closely matched with several AMD and Intel rivals. The 223PQE, with its empty benchmark array and 50th percentile placeholder, cannot be evaluated on performance grounds from the database.

For users who require verified benchmark results, the 221E is the clear choice based on available data. Its 14 cores and 20 threads give it a structural advantage for heavily threaded workloads, and its recorded scores confirm strong multicore and single-thread performance. The 223PQE, despite its higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz and base clock of 4.00 GHz, has no scores to back its capability. The 125 W TDP of the 223PQE suggests it targets sustained high-frequency operation, but without benchmarks, that claim remains unverified in the database.

The 221E also holds advantages in integrated graphics, using UHD Graphics 730 versus the UHD Graphics 770 in the 223PQE, though the latter has a higher model number. The 223PQE was released later, on 2026-03-08, compared to the 221E on 2025-01-12. The 221E has a launch MSRP of $232, while the 223PQE has a launch MSRP of $319. The 221E lists a die size of 257 mm², while the 223PQE has no die size recorded.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Core 5 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the clock speeds of each processor?

A: The 221E has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The 223PQE has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth. Both also support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The 223PQE has a TDP of 125 W, while the 221E has a TDP of 65 W.

Q: What integrated graphics do they use?

A: The 221E uses UHD Graphics 730, and the 223PQE uses UHD Graphics 770.

Q: Are there any benchmark scores for the 223PQE?

A: No, the database shows no benchmark results for the 223PQE. Its average benchmark score is listed as 0, and it has no nearest rivals recorded.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several key specifications. Core count: the 221E has 14 cores versus 8 for the 223PQE. Thread count: 20 threads versus 16. Base clock: 2.70 GHz versus 4.00 GHz. Boost clock: 5.20 GHz versus 5.50 GHz. TDP: 65 W versus 125 W. Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 730 versus UHD Graphics 770. Die size: 257 mm² for the 221E, with no die size recorded for the 223PQE. Release date: 2025-01-12 versus 2026-03-08. Launch MSRP: $232 versus $319. Part numbers: SRQDVQ659 for the 221E and SA4QC for the 223PQE.

Shared specifications include the Intel Socket 1700, Bartlett Lake codename, Core 5 generation, 10 nm process node, Intel as foundry, L1 cache of 80 KB per core, L2 cache of 2 MB per core, L3 cache of 24 MB shared, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), Desktop market segment, Active production status, and locked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename and the Core 5 generation label, built on Intel's 10 nm process node. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core, L2 at 2 MB per core, and L3 at 24 MB shared. The memory architecture is the same: dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 support with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and ECC capability. PCIe connectivity matches at Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

The core configuration differs significantly. The 221E uses 14 cores and 20 threads, suggesting a hybrid arrangement with performance and efficiency cores. The 223PQE uses 8 cores and 16 threads, implying a more uniform core layout, likely all performance cores given its high base clock of 4.00 GHz. This structural difference explains the TDP gap: the 221E at 65 W can rely on efficiency cores for lighter loads, while the 223PQE at 125 W targets consistent high-frequency operation across all cores.

The integrated graphics differ, with the 221E using UHD Graphics 730 and the 223PQE using UHD Graphics 770. The die size is recorded only for the 221E at 257 mm², suggesting a more complex chip with additional core clusters. The 223PQE has no die size listed, which may indicate a different physical layout despite the shared process node.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221E wins in scenarios requiring high thread counts. Its 14 cores and 20 threads provide more parallel execution resources than the 8 cores and 16 threads of the 223PQE. The recorded Cinebench R23 multicore score of 25933 and PassMark multithread score of 30510 confirm strong multi-threaded performance. For workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, data compression, and software compilation, the 221E's additional cores should deliver higher throughput.

The 221E also wins on power efficiency. Its 65 W TDP is substantially lower than the 223PQE's 125 W, making it more suitable for systems with limited cooling or lower power budgets. The 221E's die size of 257 mm² is recorded, while the 223PQE's is not, but the lower TDP suggests the 221E may manage thermals better under sustained loads.

The Intel Core 5 223PQE wins on clock speed. Its base clock of 4.00 GHz and boost clock of 5.50 GHz exceed the 221E's 2.70 GHz base and 5.20 GHz boost. For lightly threaded applications where single-core frequency dominates, such as gaming, legacy software, or certain simulation tasks, the 223PQE's higher clocks could provide an advantage, though no benchmark scores confirm this.

The 223PQE also has a more advanced integrated graphics model, UHD Graphics 770 versus UHD Graphics 730, which may benefit systems without a discrete GPU. Its later release date of 2026-03-08 could imply newer binning or refinements, but the database does not contain performance data to verify any improvements.

For users prioritizing verified performance, the 221E is the only option with measurable results. Its 87th percentile ranking and average score of 40144 place it alongside strong rivals like the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 and Ryzen AI 9 365, with deltas under 0.2%. The 223PQE, lacking any benchmarks, remains a specification-only proposition. Its higher clocks and TDP suggest a different design philosophy, but the database cannot confirm its real-world behavior. The choice hinges on whether one trusts the 221E's recorded scores or the 223PQE's unverified specifications.