Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core 7 251TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core 7 251TE wins every single recorded comparison, 17 out of 17 head-to-head tests. The Core 5 221TE does not claim a single victory in any workload category. The magnitude of the Core 7 251TE's advantage is consistently large, though it varies considerably by task type.

The largest gap appears in PassMark integer math, where the Core 7 251TE scores 125,739 against 42,303 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -66.4% from the perspective of the Core 5. Floating point math shows a similar pattern: 85,607 versus 31,661, a -63% delta. These two workloads are heavily parallel, and the Core 7 251TE's extra cores and threads drive the separation. Data encryption also favors the Core 7 251TE by a wide margin, 22,176 versus 8,963, a -59.6% delta. Prime number finding shows the Core 7 251TE at 140 against 59, a -57.9% delta.

Multi-threaded rendering benchmarks all cluster around the same relative gap. Cinebench R23 multi-core gives the Core 7 251TE a score of 25,518 versus 11,305 for the Core 5 221TE, a -55.7% delta. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the exact same relative margin: 10,717 against 4,748, also -55.7%. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows 2,572 versus 1,139, again -55.7%. The consistency across three generations of the Cinebench multi-core test indicates the performance ratio between these two processors is stable under sustained threaded rendering loads.

Single-thread performance also belongs to the Core 7 251TE, though with a slightly smaller margin. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core 7 251TE scores 3,602 versus 1,596 for the Core 5 221TE, a -55.7% delta. PassMark single-thread shows 3,568 versus 1,734, a -51.4% delta. The Core 7 251TE's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz against 5.00 GHz on the Core 5 221TE explains part of this advantage. The single-core deltas are smaller than the multi-core deltas in the PassMark suite, which indicates that the Core 7 251TE's thread-count advantage compounds its clock advantage in parallel workloads.

Other PassMark tests reinforce the trend. Data compression: 334,399 versus 156,682, a -53.1% delta. Extended instructions: 16,974 versus 9,655, a -43.1% delta, which is the smallest margin recorded. Random string sorting: 39,643 versus 16,929, a -57.3% delta. Physics: 1,938 versus 977, a -49.6% delta. PassMark multithread: 30,022 versus 13,301, a -55.7% delta.

The smallest relative advantage, -43.1% in extended instructions, still represents a massive performance gap. The largest, -66.4% in integer math, shows what happens when 24 cores face 10 cores in a purely parallel integer workload. Across the full benchmark suite, the average benchmark score tells the same story: the Core 7 251TE averages 41,650 against 17,860 for the Core 5 221TE. The Core 7 251TE sits at the 88th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Core 5 221TE sits at the 71st percentile.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename, the Intel 10 nm process node, the Intel Socket 1700, and a die size of 215 mm². The foundry is Intel for both. They are both desktop parts with active production status and a release date of January 12, 2025. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The architecture differences begin with the core counts: the Core 7 251TE packs 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core 5 221TE offers 10 cores and 16 threads. That is a difference of 14 cores and 16 threads in favor of the Core 7 251TE.

Cache organization differs substantially. Both use an L1 cache of 80 KB per core and an L2 cache of 1.25 MB per core. The shared L3 cache, however, scales with the processor tier: the Core 5 221TE has 24 MB shared L3, while the Core 7 251TE has 36 MB shared L3, a 12 MB advantage. The per-core L1 and L2 figures are identical, so the L3 difference reflects the larger core complex on the Core 7 251TE.

Clock speeds move in opposite directions between the two parts. The Core 5 221TE has a base clock of 1.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Core 7 251TE has a lower base clock of 1.40 GHz but a higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The Core 7 251TE therefore idles or lightly loads at a lower frequency but reaches a higher peak frequency under boost. Both carry a 45 W TDP, so the higher core count and larger cache are achieved within the same thermal envelope.

Memory bandwidth also differs. The Core 5 221TE supports dual-channel memory with 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 7 251TE also supports dual-channel memory but delivers 89.6 GB/s. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory and both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is identical: Gen 5 with 16 lanes, CPU only.

Integrated graphics differ by one tier. The Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. Both are integrated into the same socket and platform. The Core 7 251TE part number is SRQAXQ5ZG, while the Core 5 221TE is SRVQS. The launch MSRP for the Core 5 221TE is $232. The launch MSRP for the Core 7 251TE is $384.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221TE does not win any of the 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks. There is no workload category in the database where it posts a higher score than the Core 7 251TE. The nearest rival data places the Core 5 221TE in a competitive band around the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, which scores 17,891 on average, a -0.2% delta, and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17,898, also -0.2%. The Core 7 350 sits 0.5% behind the Core 5 221TE in average score, and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 trails by 0.7%. This places the Core 5 221TE among capable mid-range desktop processors in average benchmark terms.

The Core 7 251TE, by contrast, sits near Intel Core i7-class mobile and desktop parts. Its nearest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H, which averages 41,621, a 0.1% delta, followed by the Intel Core i7-14650HX at 41,576, a 0.2% delta. The Intel Core i7-12850HX trails by 0.3%, and the Intel Core i7-14700T trails by 0.6%. The Core 7 251TE therefore aligns with high-end Intel parts from both the Core i7 and Core Ultra families.

The use-case split is therefore one-sided. The Core 7 251TE is the choice for any workload that benefits from more cores, more threads, larger L3 cache, higher boost clocks, or higher memory bandwidth. The Core 5 221TE offers a lower average score and a lower percentile ranking, and it cannot claim any advantage in the recorded data. Its lower base clock does not translate into any benchmark win. Its smaller L3 cache does not help in any measured scenario. The only inherent differences that could favor the Core 5 221TE in unmeasured scenarios are its higher base clock and its lower launch MSRP, but neither appears as a benchmark advantage in the database.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221TE | Intel Core 7 251TE |

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

| Cores | 10 | 24 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base clock | 1.80 GHz | 1.40 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| L3 cache | 24 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $384 |

| Part number | SRVQS | SRQAXQ5ZG |

The TDP is identical at 45 W for both. The process node is identical at 10 nm. The foundry, socket, L1 cache per core, L2 cache per core, memory support (DDR4, DDR5), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support, PCIe configuration (Gen 5, 16 lanes, CPU only), market segment, production status, release date, and multiplier lock status are all identical. The die size is the same 215 mm² for both.

The Core 7 251TE adds 14 cores, 16 threads, 12 MB of L3 cache, 12.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth, a 0.40 GHz higher boost clock, and a higher-tier integrated GPU. The Core 5 221TE retains a 0.40 GHz higher base clock and a lower launch MSRP. The average benchmark score difference is 23,790 points in favor of the Core 7 251TE.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 221TE boosts to 5.00 GHz. The Core 5 221TE has the higher base clock at 1.80 GHz versus 1.40 GHz.

Q: How large is the L3 cache difference?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB. The L1 cache is 80 KB per core and the L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core on both.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory. Both also support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41,650, placing it at the 88th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core 5 221TE has an average score of 17,860, placing it at the 71st percentile.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE scores 25,518 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, versus 11,305 for the Intel Core 5 221TE, a -55.7% delta. The Core 7 251TE wins every head-to-head benchmark in the database.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports only one conclusion for performance: the Intel Core 7 251TE is the stronger processor in every measured category. It wins all 17 head-to-head benchmarks, holds an 88th percentile ranking against all CPUs, and averages 41,650 points. The Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17,860 points and ranks at the 71st percentile. The Core 7 251TE delivers more than double the multi-threaded rendering performance in Cinebench R23, 25,518 versus 11,305, and nearly triple the integer math throughput, 125,739 versus 42,303.

The Core 5 221TE is positioned among mid-range desktop processors such as the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and the Intel Core 5 120U, both of which sit within 0.2% of its average score. The Core 7 251TE is positioned alongside processors like the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H and the Intel Core i7-14650HX, all within 0.2% of its average score. The performance class separation between the two parts is substantial.

The Core 5 221TE does retain a higher base clock of 1.80 GHz versus 1.40 GHz and a lower launch MSRP of $232 versus $384. Its 45 W TDP matches the Core 7 251TE, and it shares the same socket, process node, memory support, and PCIe configuration. For workloads that require the highest available throughput in this socket and TDP class, the Core 7 251TE is the only choice supported by the benchmark data. For use cases where the full core count is unnecessary and the lower launch MSRP is the deciding factor, the Core 5 221TE remains a functional desktop processor, but it cannot match the Core 7 251TE in any recorded benchmark.