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

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 221TE and Intel Core 5 223PQE are two distinct desktop processors sharing the Bartlett Lake codename and Intel Socket 1700 platform, but they target different priorities. The 221TE is the measured performer here, with a complete benchmark suite showing an average score of 17860, placing it in the 71st percentile of all CPUs. The 223PQE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, its average is 0, and it sits at the 50th percentile, meaning its actual performance cannot be verified from current data.

The 223PQE is the higher-clocked part on paper, with a 4.00 GHz base and 5.50 GHz boost versus 1.80 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost for the 221TE. It also carries a larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) and a higher memory bandwidth rating (89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s). However, the 221TE counters with 10 cores versus 8, a lower 45 TDP versus 125, and a smaller die size at 215 mm². The 223PQE has no die size recorded.

For buyers who need verified performance today, the 221TE is the only option with data. For those prioritizing raw clock speed and per-core cache, the 223PQE presents a compelling specification sheet, but its lack of benchmark results means it cannot be recommended on measured grounds. The 221TE also launches at $232, while the 223PQE carries a $319 launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The 221TE wins in core count, offering 10 cores against the 223PQE's 8, and it wins in power efficiency with a 45 TDP compared to 125. It also has a smaller physical footprint at 215 mm², which may indicate a denser or more efficient design. Its integrated graphics are the UHD Graphics 730, while the 223PQE uses the UHD Graphics 770, a newer or higher-tier iGPU model.

The 223PQE wins on clock speeds, with a 4.00 GHz base clock that is over double the 221TE's 1.80 GHz, and a 5.50 GHz boost that exceeds the 221TE's 5.00 GHz by 10%. It also has a larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) and higher memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s). The 223PQE's launch date is later, 2026-03-08, versus 2025-01-12 for the 221TE, suggesting a newer release window.

In terms of verified benchmark wins, the 221TE has all recorded scores since the 223PQE has none. The database shows zero head-to-head benchmark entries and zero wins for either processor, so any use-case split must rely on specifications alone. The 221TE is the proven quantity; the 223PQE is the unmeasured candidate with higher clocks.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same 10 nm process node and come from Intel's Bartlett Lake architecture. They share the same L1 cache size at 80 KB per core and the same L3 cache at 24 MB shared. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both have ECC memory support. PCIe is identical: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU only. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not enabled on either part.

The core counts differ: the 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads. This means the 223PQE uses hyper-threading to reach the same thread count with fewer physical cores, while the 221TE has two additional physical cores. The L2 cache per core is larger on the 223PQE at 2 MB versus 1.25 MB, but since the 221TE has more cores, the total L2 capacity is not directly comparable from the given data.

The 221TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the 223PQE has no die size recorded. Both use Intel as the foundry. The 223PQE's integrated graphics are the UHD Graphics 770, a step up from the UHD Graphics 730 found in the 221TE. The 221TE was released on 2025-01-12, and the 223PQE on 2026-03-08, over a year later.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PQE has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, which is 0.50 GHz higher than the Intel Core 5 221TE's 5.00 GHz boost.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core 5 223PQE have ECC memory support enabled in their specifications.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45 watts, while the Intel Core 5 223PQE has a TDP of 125 watts, a difference of 80 watts in favor of the 221TE for lower power draw.

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 physical cores, while the Intel Core 5 223PQE has 8 physical cores. Both have 16 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PQE has a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, which is 12.8 GB/s higher than the Intel Core 5 221TE's 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860, while the Intel Core 5 223PQE has no recorded benchmark scores, giving it an average of 0 in the database.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries between the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core 5 223PQE, and neither processor is credited with any wins in direct comparison. This absence of data means the 223PQE cannot be evaluated on measured performance. All available benchmark results belong to the 221TE, which has a full suite across Cinebench and Passmark tests.

For the 221TE, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 11305, and the single-core score is 1596. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 4748 and single-core is 670. In Cinebench R15, the multi-core score is 1139 and single-core is 160. These scores place the 221TE in the 71st percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 17860.

Passmark results for the 221TE show a multi-thread score of 13301, a single-thread score of 1734, and a single-thread score listed twice at 1734. Integer math scores 42303, floating point math scores 31661, and extended instructions score 9655. Data compression scores 156682, data encryption scores 8963, and find prime numbers scores 59. Random string sorting scores 16929, and physics scores 977.

The nearest rivals for the 221TE provide context. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT has an average score of 17891, a delta of -0.2% against the 221TE, meaning the 221TE is 0.2% behind. The Intel Core 5 120U has an average score of 17898, also a -0.2% delta. The Intel Core 7 350 has an average score of 17779, a +0.5% delta, meaning the 221TE is 0.5% ahead. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 has an average score of 17994, a -0.7% delta, meaning the 221TE is 0.7% behind.

The 223PQE has no rivals listed and no benchmark scores, so its performance class cannot be established from measurements. The 221TE's data shows it sits within a tight band of comparable CPUs, all within 0.7% of each other in average score, indicating a competitive mid-range position.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core 5 223PQE:

• Cores: 10 for the 221TE, 8 for the 223PQE.
• Base Clock: 1.80 GHz for the 221TE, 4.00 GHz for the 223PQE.
• Boost Clock: 5.00 GHz for the 221TE, 5.50 GHz for the 223PQE.
• TDP: 45 for the 221TE, 125 for the 223PQE.
• Die Size: 215 mm² for the 221TE, not recorded for the 223PQE.
• L2 Cache: 1.25 MB per core for the 221TE, 2 MB per core for the 223PQE.
• Memory Bandwidth: 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE, 89.6 GB/s for the 223PQE.
• Integrated Graphics: UHD Graphics 730 for the 221TE, UHD Graphics 770 for the 223PQE.
• Release Date: 2025-01-12 for the 221TE, 2026-03-08 for the 223PQE.
• Launch MSRP: $232 for the 221TE, $319 for the 223PQE.
• Part Number: SRVQS for the 221TE, SA4QC for the 223PQE.
• Benchmark Scores: Full suite for the 221TE, none for the 223PQE.
• Percentile: 71st for the 221TE, 50th for the 223PQE.
• Average Benchmark Score: 17860 for the 221TE, 0 for the 223PQE.

Identical specifications include the process node (10 nm), foundry (Intel), L1 cache (80 KB per core), L3 cache (24 MB shared), memory support (DDR4, DDR5), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (true), PCIe (Gen 5, 16 lanes CPU only), socket (Intel Socket 1700), market segment (desktop), production status (active), multiplier unlocked (false), and architecture codename (Bartlett Lake).