Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core 7 150U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data between the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core 7 150U shows a decisive split: the Core 7 150U wins 14 of 17 recorded comparisons, while the Core 5 221TE takes only 3. The most dramatic margin appears in the PassMark single-thread test, where the Core 7 150U scores 3508 against 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a 50.6% advantage. This single-core dominance is consistent across every Cinebench single-core test: R15 shows 254 versus 160 (37% ahead), R20 shows 740 versus 670 (9.5% ahead), and R23 shows 1875.5 versus 1596 (14.9% ahead).

The Core 7 150U also leads in multi-threaded benchmarks, though the margins vary. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 1505.5 against 1139, a 24.3% lead. In Cinebench R20 multicore, the gap narrows to 9.5% (5248 versus 4748). PassMark multithread shows 14700 versus 13301, a 9.5% advantage. The Core 7 150U also wins PassMark integer math by 17.1% (51057 versus 42303), floating-point math by 8% (34405 versus 31661), data encryption by 10.6% (10025 versus 8963), and random string sorting by 7.3% (18269 versus 16929). Its lead in data compression is marginal at 1.2% (158622 versus 156682), and it edges out the Core 5 221TE in PassMark physics by 3.5% (1012 versus 977).

However, the Core 5 221TE claims the most important multi-core victory. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 11305 against 8883, a 27.3% lead. This is a substantial reversal of the R15 and R20 results, indicating that the Core 5 221TE sustains higher performance under prolonged multi-core loads. The other two wins for the Core 5 221TE are PassMark extended instructions (9655 versus 8748, a 10.4% lead) and PassMark find prime numbers (59 versus 58, a 1.7% edge). Overall average benchmark scores are close: the Core 5 221TE averages 17860, while the Core 7 150U averages 17395, a difference of roughly 2.7% in favor of the Core 5 221TE despite its losing record in individual tests.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and target different market segments. The Core 5 221TE is a Bartlett Lake desktop part on Intel Socket 1700, while the Core 7 150U is a Raptor Lake-U mobile part on Intel BGA 1744. Both use Intel's 10 nm process node, and both are produced by Intel's own foundry.

Core configuration differs significantly. Both chips have 10 cores, but the Core 5 221TE supports 16 threads, while the Core 7 150U supports 12 threads. The Core 5 221TE therefore has more simultaneous multi-threading capacity, which helps explain its Cinebench R23 multicore advantage. The cache hierarchy is identical at the L1 and L2 levels (80 KB per core and 1.25 MB per core respectively), but the shared L3 cache differs: the Core 5 221TE has 24 MB shared, while the Core 7 150U has 12 MB shared. This double-sized L3 cache on the desktop part likely contributes to its extended instructions lead and its stronger sustained multi-core scores.

Clock speeds also differ. Both have a 1.80 GHz base clock, but the Core 7 150U boosts to 5.40 GHz versus 5.00 GHz for the Core 5 221TE. The higher boost clock aligns with the Core 7 150U's single-thread dominance. Thermal design power is a major differentiator: the Core 5 221TE is rated at 45 W, while the Core 7 150U is rated at 15 W. The Core 5 221TE's higher power envelope allows it to maintain higher sustained multi-core throughput, as seen in the R23 result.

Memory support is similar (both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration), but the Core 5 221TE records a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while the Core 7 150U has no recorded bandwidth figure. ECC memory support is present on the Core 5 221TE but absent on the Core 7 150U. PCIe capability differs: the Core 5 221TE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core 7 150U offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 5 221TE using UHD Graphics 730 and the Core 7 150U using Iris Xe Graphics 96EU.

Where Each One Wins

The data points to a clear use-case split. The Core 7 150U is the stronger choice for single-threaded workloads and general responsiveness. Its 50.6% lead in PassMark single-thread, combined with consistent advantages across all Cinebench single-core tests, indicates superior performance in applications that rely on one or two fast cores. The higher 5.40 GHz boost clock supports this profile. It also wins in most short-duration multi-threaded tests, including Cinebench R15 multicore (24.3% ahead), R20 multicore (9.5% ahead), and PassMark multithread (9.5% ahead). Its wins in integer math, floating-point math, encryption, and data compression suggest strong all-around throughput for mixed workloads.

The Core 5 221TE wins specifically in sustained multi-core rendering. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11305 versus 8883 represents a 27.3% advantage, the largest multi-core margin in either direction. This suggests the 45 W desktop part can maintain higher clocks across all cores for longer periods than the 15 W mobile part. The Core 5 221TE also leads in extended instructions by 10.4%, a category that often reflects AVX or other advanced instruction set performance. Its larger 24 MB L3 cache likely plays a role here. For workloads that hammer all cores for extended durations, such as video rendering or scientific computing, the Core 5 221TE's R23 result is the decisive data point.

The Core 7 150U's wins in data compression (1.2%), physics (3.5%), and find prime numbers (1.7% loss) are either narrow or mixed, so the practical difference in those areas is minimal. The meaningful split is single-thread and short-burst multi-thread on the Core 7 150U side versus sustained multi-core and extended instructions on the Core 5 221TE side.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The Core 5 221TE is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700 with a 45 W TDP, while the Core 7 150U is a mobile part on Intel BGA 1744 with a 15 W TDP. The Core 5 221TE uses Bartlett Lake architecture, while the Core 7 150U uses Raptor Lake architecture (Raptor Lake-U codename). Thread counts differ: 16 on the Core 5 221TE versus 12 on the Core 7 150U. Boost clocks differ: 5.00 GHz versus 5.40 GHz. L3 cache differs: 24 MB shared versus 12 MB shared. The Core 5 221TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the Core 7 150U has no recorded die size. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 221TE only. PCIe generation and lanes differ: Gen 5 with 16 lanes versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 730 versus Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. Memory bandwidth is recorded only for the Core 5 221TE at 76.8 GB/s. The Core 5 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232; the Core 7 150U has no recorded launch MSRP. Release dates differ, with the Core 5 221TE releasing later than the Core 7 150U. Both parts are active in production, both have locked multipliers, and both use 10 cores with identical L1 and L2 cache configurations.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core 7 150U wins every single-core benchmark in the head-to-head data. Its PassMark single-thread score is 3508 versus 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a 50.6% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 1875.5 versus 1596, a 14.9% advantage.

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core workloads?

A: It depends on the benchmark. The Core 7 150U wins Cinebench R15 multicore by 24.3% and R20 multicore by 9.5%. The Core 5 221TE wins Cinebench R23 multicore by 27.3%, indicating better sustained multi-core performance over longer workloads.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: Both processors have 10 cores. The Core 5 221TE supports 16 threads, while the Core 7 150U supports 12 threads, giving the Core 5 221TE a four-thread advantage.

Q: What are the cache differences?

A: Both have 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core. The L3 cache differs: the Core 5 221TE has 24 MB shared, while the Core 7 150U has 12 MB shared.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Core 7 150U does not.

Q: What is the thermal design power of each?

A: The Core 5 221TE is rated at 45 W TDP, while the Core 7 150U is rated at 15 W TDP. This threefold difference in power envelope aligns with the Core 5 221TE's stronger sustained multi-core scores.

The Verdict

The benchmark data supports a clear, context-dependent recommendation. The Intel Core 7 150U is the stronger processor for single-threaded performance, with a 50.6% lead in PassMark single-thread and consistent wins across all single-core Cinebench tests. It also wins most short-duration multi-threaded benchmarks, making it the better choice for general productivity, mixed workloads, and tasks that benefit from high boost clocks up to 5.40 GHz. Its 15 W TDP and mobile socket also position it for systems where power efficiency and compactness matter.

The Intel Core 5 221TE is the better choice for sustained multi-core rendering and advanced instruction workloads. Its 27.3% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore over the Core 7 150U is the single largest multi-core margin in the comparison, and its 10.4% lead in PassMark extended instructions indicates stronger performance in instruction-heavy applications. The 45 W TDP, 24 MB L3 cache, and 16 threads support this profile. For desktop users running long-duration CPU-intensive tasks, the Core 5 221TE's R23 result is the decisive metric.

The overall average benchmark scores are close (17860 for the Core 5 221TE versus 17395 for the Core 7 150U), and both processors sit at the 71st percentile against all CPUs. The choice comes down to workload duration and form factor: the Core 7 150U for fast, bursty performance in a mobile package, the Core 5 221TE for sustained multi-core throughput on a desktop platform.