Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a clear split between the Intel Core 5 221E and the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H, with the 221E winning 10 of 17 head-to-head comparisons and the 338H taking 7. The most dramatic gaps appear in Cinebench R23, where the 221E delivers massive margins. In the R23 multicore test, the 221E scores 25933 against 16331, a 58.8% advantage. The R23 singlecore result is even more lopsided: 3661 versus 2044, a 79.1% lead. These are the largest deltas in the entire comparison.

Cinebench R15 and R20 follow a similar but less extreme pattern. R15 multicore shows 2613 for the 221E versus 2504, a 4.4% win. R15 singlecore favors the 221E by 20.7%, with 368 against 305. In R20, the multicore gap is 6.6% (10891 versus 10213), while singlecore sits at 6.7% (1537 versus 1441). The 221E also dominates in PassMark integer math, scoring 117813 against 64934, an 81.4% advantage, the largest single-workload lead in either direction.

PassMark multithread shows the 221E ahead by 6.2% (30510 versus 28717). Data compression favors the 221E by 17.3% (324285 versus 276539), and random string sorting goes to the 221E by 10.6% (37686 versus 34082).

The 338H counters in several specialized workloads. Extended instructions show a 23.8% win for the 338H, with 23906 against 18216. Find prime numbers goes to the 338H by 43.1% (304 versus 173). Data encryption favors the 338H by 10.1% (21367 versus 19205). Floating point math gives the 338H a 6% edge (84067 versus 79028). Physics testing shows a 17.3% win for the 338H (2697 versus 2230). The single-thread PassMark results are nearly identical, with the 338H edging ahead by 0.8% in both singlethread and single_thread tests, 4180 versus 4147.

The average benchmark scores place the 221E at 40144, putting it in the 87th percentile of all CPUs. The 338H averages 33989, in the 84th percentile. The 221E sits close to rivals like the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (40081, 0.2% delta) and AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 (40048, 0.2% delta), while the 338H aligns with the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H (34083, -0.3% delta) and Intel Core i7-12800HX (33875, 0.3% delta).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel process nodes and designs. The Core 5 221E uses a 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm², while the Core Ultra 5 338H uses a 3 nm process. The 221E is built on the Bartlett Lake codename, part of the Core 5 generation, and targets the desktop segment. The 338H belongs to the Core Ultra Series 3, uses the Panther Lake architecture with the Panther Lake-H generation, and targets mobile systems.

Core counts differ substantially. The 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. The 221E therefore supports hyperthreading, giving it 8 more threads than its core count. The 338H runs one thread per core. Clock speeds also diverge: the 221E has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, while the 338H runs at 1.90 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost. The 221E has a 65 W TDP, versus 25 W for the 338H.

Cache layouts are different in both size and organization. The 221E provides 80 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, with 24 MB of shared L3. The 338H uses 192 KB of L1 per core and 2.5 MB of L2 per core, with 18 MB of shared L3. The 338H has a larger per-core L1 and L2, but less total L3.

Memory support separates the two clearly. The 221E supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC support. The 338H uses LPDDR5X only, also dual-channel, but with higher bandwidth at 136.5 GB/s and no ECC. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the 221E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the 338H provides Gen 5 with only 4 lanes.

Integrated graphics are distinct. The 221E carries UHD Graphics 730, while the 338H uses Arc B370. The 338H has a smaller TDP by 40 W, which aligns with its mobile positioning. The 221E uses Socket 1700, while the 338H uses BGA 2540. The 221E launched on 2025-01-12 with a launch MSRP of $232. The 338H released on 2026-01-04 with no recorded launch MSRP. Both parts are active in production, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The 221E is the clear winner for multi-threaded, integer-heavy, and compression-oriented workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 25933 versus 16331 demonstrates a 58.8% advantage that indicates substantially higher sustained throughput for rendering and CPU-bound productivity tasks. The integer math result, 117813 versus 64934, shows an 81.4% lead that points to strong performance in general-purpose computation, database operations, and code compilation. Data compression, with a 17.3% edge, favors archival and file-handling tasks. Random string sorting, 10.6% ahead, reinforces this pattern for sorting-heavy workloads.

The 338H wins in specific, often vectorized or cryptographic workloads. Extended instructions score 23906 against 18216, a 23.8% advantage that suggests better SIMD or specialized instruction throughput. Find prime numbers shows a 43.1% lead (304 versus 173), indicating a strength in iterative mathematical loops. Data encryption favors the 338H by 10.1%, which points to better cryptography acceleration. Floating point math gives the 338H a 6% edge, and physics simulation is 17.3% ahead. Single-thread PassMark is essentially tied, with the 338H ahead by only 0.8%.

The 221E wins in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 across both singlecore and multicore tests, plus PassMark multithread, integer math, data compression, and random string sorting. The 338H wins in extended instructions, prime numbers, encryption, floating point, physics, and single-thread PassMark. The split is not simply core count versus efficiency; it reflects different architectural priorities. The 221E uses its higher thread count and clock speeds to dominate conventional CPU benchmarks, while the 338H leverages its newer 3 nm process and larger per-core caches for specific algorithm classes.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core 5 221E is the stronger processor for general-purpose desktop workloads. It wins the majority of head-to-head comparisons, holds a 58.8% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore, and an 81.4% lead in integer math. Its higher core count (14 versus 12), thread count (20 versus 12), and boost clock (5.20 GHz versus 4.70 GHz) align with its 65 W TDP and desktop socket. The 221E also supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ECC, and 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, making it suitable for systems that need memory flexibility and expansion.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is the better choice for power-constrained mobile platforms. Its 25 W TDP is 40 W lower than the 221E, and it delivers wins in encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating point math, and physics. Its LPDDR5X memory support provides higher bandwidth at 136.5 GB/s, and the 3 nm process node suggests better efficiency per watt. The 338H's integrated Arc B370 graphics outclasses the UHD Graphics 730 in the 221E, which matters for systems without discrete GPUs.

Benchmark averages confirm the 221E's overall edge: 40144 versus 33989, a difference of roughly 18%. The 221E sits in the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the 338H sits in the 84th. For desktop users who prioritize raw multi-core performance, integer throughput, and rendering, the 221E is the clear selection. For mobile users who need a lower TDP, higher memory bandwidth, and stronger integrated graphics, the 338H fits better. The 338H's wins in encryption and extended instructions also make it attractive for security-focused or SIMD-heavy mobile workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E scores 25933, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H scores 16331. The 221E leads by 58.8%.

Q: How do the two compare in single-thread PassMark performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H scores 4180, slightly ahead of the Intel Core 5 221E's 4147. The delta is 0.8% in favor of the 338H.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H does not.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth with DDR4 and DDR5 support. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 136.5 GB/s with LPDDR5X support.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 W, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has a TDP of 25 W.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221E | Intel Core Ultra 5 338H |

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

| Cores | 14 | 12 |

| Threads | 20 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.20 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 25 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Panther Lake |

| Generation | Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) | Ultra 5 (Panther Lake-H) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | 136.5 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Arc B370 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2026-01-04 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRQDVQ659 | SA4REQ9EW |