Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core 7 150UL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 221E and Intel Core 7 150UL occupy different ends of the performance spectrum, and the recorded data makes that distinction clear. The Core 5 221E produces an average benchmark score of 40,144 across all tested workloads, placing it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 7 150UL, by contrast, sits in the 50th percentile with no individual benchmark scores recorded in the database, meaning its average benchmark score is listed as zero.

The Core 5 221E delivers dominant multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 25,933, a figure that places it well above typical desktop processors. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core result reaches 10,891, and the R15 multi-core test yields 2,613. These results indicate a processor built for sustained parallel workloads, with 14 cores and 20 threads driving the score.

Single-core performance on the Core 5 221E is equally strong. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 3,661 points, R20 single-core reaches 1,537, and R15 single-core hits 368. The 5.20 GHz boost clock supports these results, providing responsive performance in lightly threaded applications.

PassMark results for the Core 5 221E further illustrate its capabilities. The multithread score is 30,510, while single-thread performance registers 4,147. Integer math scores 117,813, floating point math reaches 79,028, and extended instructions (SIMD) produce 18,216. Data compression achieves 324,285, data encryption hits 19,205, and random string sorting scores 37,686. Physics calculations reach 2,230, and prime number finding scores 173.

The Core 7 150UL has no individual benchmark entries in the database. Its 50th percentile ranking indicates mid-pack positioning, but without specific scores, direct numeric comparison is impossible. The data shows a substantial gap in raw capability between the two parts, driven by differences in core count, thread count, and clock speeds.

When measured against its nearest rivals, the Core 5 221E shows tight competition. It sits 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, both of which average around 40,000. It trails the AMD Ryzen 9 270 by 0.3% and the Intel Core i9-13905H by 0.4%. These delta values confirm that the Core 5 221E performs at a level comparable to recent high-end mobile and desktop parts, despite its modest launch MSRP of $232.

FAQ

Q: How does the Core 5 221E compare to its closest rivals in average benchmark score?

A: The Core 5 221E averages 40,144. It is 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (40,081) and 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 (40,048). It is 0.3% behind the AMD Ryzen 9 270 (40,246) and 0.4% behind the Intel Core i9-13905H (40,313). The differences are marginal, placing all five parts within about 0.6% of each other.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each processor?

A: The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Core 7 150UL has 10 cores and 12 threads. The Core 5 221E provides four additional cores and eight additional threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Core 5 221E boosts to 5.20 GHz, while the Core 7 150UL reaches 5.00 GHz. The Core 5 221E also has a higher base clock at 2.70 GHz compared to 1.70 GHz on the Core 7 150UL.

Q: Do both processors support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration. The Core 5 221E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 7 150UL does not have a bandwidth figure in the database.

Q: What integrated graphics do these CPUs include?

A: The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730. The Core 7 150UL uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. The Iris Xe solution in the Core 7 150UL has more execution units, indicating stronger integrated graphics capability.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The Core 7 150UL does not. This makes the Core 5 221E more suitable for error-sensitive workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221E wins in every measured performance category available in the database. Its multi-core scores are particularly strong, with Cinebench R23 multi-core at 25,933, R20 at 10,891, and R15 at 2,613. These results suit rendering, video encoding, batch processing, and other parallel workloads. The PassMark multithread score of 30,510 reinforces this strength.

Single-core performance also favors the Core 5 221E. The R23 single-core score of 3,661 and PassMark single-thread result of 4,147 indicate fast response in everyday tasks and lightly threaded applications. The higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz contributes to this advantage.

The Core 5 221E also wins on memory bandwidth with 89.6 GB/s, PCIe connectivity with Gen 5 and 16 lanes, and ECC memory support. These features make it the better choice for workstation-class usage where data integrity and expansion matter.

The Core 7 150UL has no recorded benchmark wins. Its advantages lie in efficiency and integrated graphics. The 15W TDP is significantly lower than the 65W TDP of the Core 5 221E, making it suitable for low-power desktop builds. The Iris Xe Graphics 96EU provides more execution units than the UHD Graphics 730, giving it an edge in light graphics work or media playback without a discrete GPU.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Core 5 221E | Core 7 150UL |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 14 | 10 |

| Threads | 20 | 12 |

| Base clock | 2.70 GHz | 1.70 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.20 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 65W | 15W |

| L2 cache | 2 MB per core | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 24 MB shared | 12 MB shared |

| Memory bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC support | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 lanes | Gen 4, 8 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU |

| Release date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-04-07 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | Not recorded |

The Core 5 221E has a larger L3 cache at 24 MB versus 12 MB, and its L2 cache is larger per core at 2 MB versus 1.25 MB. It also uses newer PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the Core 7 150UL uses Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The die size of the Core 5 221E is recorded at 257 mm², while the Core 7 150UL has no die size entry.

Architecture Differences

The Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process node. Its codename is Bartlett Lake, and it belongs to the Core 5 generation. The Core 7 150UL uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the codename Raptor Lake-PS, also on Intel's 10 nm node. Both are manufactured by Intel, and both use the Intel Socket 1700.

The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads, indicating a hybrid arrangement of performance and efficiency cores. The Core 7 150UL has 10 cores and 12 threads, which suggests fewer efficiency cores and a lower thread count. Both share the same L1 cache size of 80 KB per core.

The Core 5 221E ships with 24 MB of shared L3 cache and 2 MB of L2 per core. The Core 7 150UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache and 1.25 MB of L2 per core. These differences directly affect multi-threaded performance and memory latency handling.

The Core 5 221E supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Core 7 150UL. This places the Core 5 221E closer to workstation territory. The Core 5 221E also has a higher memory bandwidth rating of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 7 150UL has no recorded bandwidth figure.

PCIe capabilities differ significantly. The Core 5 221E provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, while the Core 7 150UL provides Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. This affects GPU bandwidth and high-speed storage options.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 150UL uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. The latter has more execution units, making it the stronger integrated graphics solution for media and light 3D work.

The release dates reflect a generational gap. The Core 7 150UL launched on 2024-04-07, and the Core 5 221E followed on 2025-01-12. Both remain in active production.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split. The Core 5 221E is the higher-performance part, with more cores, more threads, higher clocks, more cache, faster PCIe, and ECC support. Its average benchmark score of 40,144 places it in the 87th percentile, and its nearest rivals are all within roughly half a percent. This makes it suitable for multi-threaded desktop workloads, content creation, and workstation-style builds where throughput and data integrity matter.

The Core 7 150UL occupies a different role. With a 15W TDP, 10 cores, and 12 threads, it is built for efficiency-first desktop systems. Its Iris Xe Graphics 96EU offers better integrated graphics than the Core 5 221E. The lack of recorded benchmark scores means its performance cannot be quantified from the database, but its 50th percentile ranking indicates mid-range positioning.

A system builder choosing between these two should weigh the workload. The Core 5 221E delivers substantially higher multi-core and single-core scores, more memory bandwidth, and modern PCIe Gen 5 connectivity. The Core 7 150UL offers lower power draw and stronger integrated graphics, making it a fit for compact or low-noise builds that do not require heavy compute.

Both processors use the same socket and support the same memory types, so platform compatibility is not a differentiator. The Core 5 221E is the clear choice for performance-focused builds. The Core 7 150UL is the choice for power-conscious desktop systems with integrated graphics needs. The recorded data does not show any benchmark where the Core 7 150UL outperforms the Core 5 221E.