Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core 7 160HL Comparison

Intel Core 5 221E and Intel Core 7 160HL are both 14-core, 20-thread desktop processors built on Intel's 10 nm node, but the recorded data shows they are aimed at different positions in the market. The Core 5 221E has a full set of benchmark scores, while the Core 7 160HL has no recorded scores or rivals in the database, so the analysis relies on the available measurements and the specification fields that differ.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table is empty, and the Core 7 160HL has no recorded benchmark scores. This means the comparison must be drawn from the Core 5 221E's measured results and the specification differences between the two chips.

The Core 5 221E delivers strong multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23, it scores 25,933 points in the multicore test and 3,661 in single-core. The R20 results show 10,891 multicore and 1,537 single-core, while R15 records 2,613 multicore and 368 single-core. These scores place the Core 5 221E at the 87th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 40,144.

Looking at the nearest rivals in the database, the Core 5 221E sits in a tight cluster. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 has an average score of 40,081, a delta of 0.2% above the Core 5 221E. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 matches at 40,048, also 0.2% higher. The AMD Ryzen 9 270 scores 40,246, which is 0.3% below the Core 5 221E, and the Intel Core i9-13905H records 40,313, 0.4% lower. The differences are minimal, within a fraction of a percent, indicating the Core 5 221E delivers performance nearly identical to these established parts.

In PassMark tests, the Core 5 221E shows specific strengths. The multithread score is 30,510, and the single-thread score is 4,147. Integer math reaches 117,813, while floating point math hits 79,028. Data compression scores 324,285, and data encryption records 19,205. Extended instructions score 18,216, random string sorting reaches 37,686, physics scores 2,230, and finding prime numbers records 173.

The lack of benchmarks for the Core 7 160HL means no direct score comparison is possible. The database lists its percentile at 50 and its average benchmark score at 0, both indicating no recorded performance data. The analysis must therefore rely on the specification sheet, where the Core 7 160HL shows a lower base clock of 2.50 GHz versus 2.70 GHz for the Core 5 221E, while both share a 5.20 GHz boost clock.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split. The Core 5 221E is the tested performer, with a comprehensive set of benchmark scores and a percentile ranking of 87. Its average benchmark score of 40,144 places it within 0.4% of several strong rivals, making it a proven quantity for workloads that benefit from high multi-threaded throughput and single-thread speed.

The Core 7 160HL has no recorded benchmarks, so it cannot be recommended on performance data alone. Its specification sheet shows a 45 W TDP versus 65 W for the Core 5 221E, a lower base clock, and a different integrated GPU. For users who need the measured performance, the Core 5 221E is the choice. For users who prioritize lower power draw and the Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, the Core 7 160HL has that profile, but without benchmark confirmation its performance ceiling is unknown from the recorded data.

The Core 5 221E also supports ECC memory, while the Core 7 160HL does not. For stability-sensitive builds, that is a decisive factor. The Core 5 221E carries a launch MSRP of $232 and was released in January 2025, while the Core 7 160HL has no launch MSRP recorded and came out in April 2024.

Where Each One Wins

From the measured benchmarks, the Core 5 221E wins in every recorded performance category because the Core 7 160HL has no scores. The practical split comes from the specifications.

The Core 5 221E wins for multi-threaded productivity. Cinebench R23 multicore at 25,933 and PassMark multithread at 30,510 show it handles parallel workloads. The 65 W TDP gives it more headroom for sustained load, and the 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth supports data-heavy tasks. ECC memory support makes it suitable for error-sensitive computing.

The Core 7 160HL wins on power efficiency. Its 45 W TDP is lower, which means less heat output and potentially simpler cooling in compact or thermally constrained systems. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics 96EU is a more capable GPU than the UHD Graphics 730 found in the Core 5 221E, so for systems that rely on the integrated graphics for display output or light GPU acceleration, the Core 7 160HL has the advantage.

The Core 7 160HL also uses Gen 4 PCIe with 8 lanes, while the Core 5 221E uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes. For users with Gen 5 storage or expansion cards, the Core 5 221E provides the newer interface. For older or more common Gen 4 devices, the Core 7 160HL is sufficient.

The Core 5 221E has a higher base clock of 2.70 GHz versus 2.50 GHz, so in lightly threaded tasks that do not reach boost frequencies, it holds a slight edge. Both chips boost to 5.20 GHz, so peak single-thread speed is identical.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multi-core performance?

A: The Core 5 221E is the only one with recorded multi-core scores. It scores 25,933 in Cinebench R23 multicore and 30,510 in PassMark multithread. The Core 7 160HL has no benchmark data, so no comparison is possible.

Q: What is the difference in power consumption?

A: The Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 W, while the Core 7 160HL has a TDP of 45 W. The Core 7 160HL draws less power under load.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The Core 7 160HL does not.

Q: Are the integrated graphics different?

A: Yes. The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 160HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. The Iris Xe part is the more capable of the two.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: Yes, both use Intel Socket 1700.

Q: What is the release date difference?

A: The Core 5 221E was released on January 12, 2025. The Core 7 160HL was released on April 7, 2024.

Architecture Differences

The Core 5 221E is based on the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Core 7 160HL uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename and is part of the Core 7 (Raptor Lake-PS) generation. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node and are produced by Intel.

The die size differs. The Core 5 221E has a die size of 257 mm², while the Core 7 160HL has no die size recorded. Both chips have the same cache structure: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3.

The PCIe interface differs significantly. The Core 5 221E supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Core 7 160HL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. This affects the bandwidth available for GPUs, NVMe storage, and other expansion devices.

Memory support is similar in type, with both supporting DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 5 221E records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 7 160HL has no bandwidth figure listed. The Core 5 221E supports ECC memory, and the Core 7 160HL does not.

The integrated graphics are different. The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 160HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. This makes the Core 7 160HL better suited for systems relying on integrated graphics for more than basic display output.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields.

The base clock is different. The Core 5 221E runs at 2.70 GHz, while the Core 7 160HL runs at 2.50 GHz. Both have the same boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

The TDP differs. The Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 W. The Core 7 160HL has a TDP of 45 W.

The sockets are the same, Intel Socket 1700 for both.

The generations differ. The Core 5 221E is in the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Core 7 160HL is in the Core 7 (Raptor Lake-PS) generation.

The memory support is the same, DDR4 and DDR5, dual-channel. The memory bandwidth is only recorded for the Core 5 221E at 89.6 GB/s.

ECC memory support differs. The Core 5 221E supports ECC. The Core 7 160HL does not.

The PCIe interface differs. The Core 5 221E has PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes. The Core 7 160HL has PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

The integrated graphics differ. The Core 5 221E has UHD Graphics 730. The Core 7 160HL has Iris Xe Graphics 96EU.

The release dates differ. The Core 5 221E was released on January 12, 2025. The Core 7 160HL was released on April 7, 2024.

The Core 5 221E has a launch MSRP of $232. The Core 7 160HL has no launch MSRP recorded.

The die size is recorded for the Core 5 221E at 257 mm². The Core 7 160HL has no die size data.

The part numbers differ. The Core 5 221E has the part number SRQDVQ659. The Core 7 160HL has an unknown part number.

Both have 14 cores and 20 threads. Both have 10 nm process node and are manufactured by Intel. Both are desktop market segment parts with active production status. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.