Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive sweep for the Intel Core 9 273PQE across all 17 recorded tests, with the Intel Core 5 221TE recording zero wins. The smallest gap appears in PassMark single-thread performance, where the Core 9 273PQE scores 4573 against 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of 62.1% in favor of the higher-tier part. The largest single-test margin appears in PassMark extended instructions, where the Core 9 273PQE delivers 38743 versus 9655, a 75.1% advantage.

Cinebench results follow a consistent pattern. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Core 9 273PQE scores 39190 while the Core 5 221TE manages 11305, a 71.2% gap. The single-core version of the same test shows 5532 against 1596, a 71.1% difference. Cinebench R20 multicore repeats the 71.2% margin with scores of 16459 and 4748, while the single-core run shows 2323 against 670, again 71.2%. Cinebench R15 multicore shows 3950 versus 1139, and the single-core test shows 557 versus 160, both carrying approximately 71.2% to 71.3% gaps.

PassMark workloads reveal where the Core 9 273PQE expands its lead even further. Data compression shows 585752 against 156682, a 73.3% margin. Floating point math delivers 125546 versus 31661, a 74.8% gap. Integer math shows 164629 against 42303, a 74.3% difference. The narrower workloads include PassMark physics at 2754 versus 977, a 64.5% gap, and random string sorting at 53167 versus 16929, a 68.2% margin. Data encryption records 29636 against 8963, a 69.8% difference, while find prime numbers shows 198 against 59, a 70.2% gap.

PassMark multithread results place the Core 9 273PQE at 46107 against 13301 for the Core 5 221TE, a 71.2% gap. The average benchmark score for the Core 9 273PQE sits at 66099, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 221TE averages 17860, which lands in the 71st percentile. The nearest rival to the Core 9 273PQE in the database is the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus at 66159, a 0.1% difference, followed by the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D at 65914, where the Core 9 273PQE leads by 0.3%. The Core 5 221TE's closest competitors include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891, a 0.2% gap, and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17898, also a 0.2% gap. The Intel Core 7 350 trails the Core 5 221TE by 0.5% at 17779.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename, are built on Intel's 10 nm process node, and use the Intel Socket 1700 platform. The Core 5 221TE provides 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 9 273PQE doubles the thread count with 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clock speeds differ substantially: the Core 5 221TE runs at 1.80 GHz, while the Core 9 273PQE starts at 3.40 GHz. Boost clocks show a similar separation, with 5.00 GHz on the Core 5 221TE versus 5.90 GHz on the Core 9 273PQE.

Cache hierarchies differ in L2 and L3 capacity. Each core on the Core 5 221TE carries 1.25 MB of L2, while the Core 9 273PQE allocates 2 MB per core. Shared L3 totals 24 MB on the Core 5 221TE and 36 MB on the Core 9 273PQE. L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. The die size for the Core 5 221TE is recorded as 215 mm², while no die size figure exists for the Core 9 273PQE in the database.

Memory support matches on both parts: DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel access and ECC enabled. Memory bandwidth differs, with the Core 5 221TE rated at 76.8 GB/s and the Core 9 273PQE at 89.6 GB/s. PCIe configuration is identical, with Gen 5 and 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ: the Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 9 273PQE carries UHD Graphics 770. Thermal design power is recorded at 45 W for the Core 5 221TE and 125 W for the Core 9 273PQE.

Production status for both parts is listed as Active. The Core 5 221TE carries part number SRVQS and launched on January 12, 2025, while the Core 9 273PQE carries part number SA4Q9 and launched on March 8, 2026. The launch MSRP for the Core 5 221TE is $232, and for the Core 9 273PQE it is $589. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows no benchmark wins for the Intel Core 5 221TE across any of the 17 tests in the comparison set. Every workload, from Cinebench rendering to PassMark math, compression, encryption, and sorting tasks, favors the Intel Core 9 273PQE. The smallest relative advantage for the Core 9 273PQE appears in PassMark single-thread performance at 62.1%, which still represents a substantial lead in lightly threaded work.

The Core 5 221TE does occupy a distinct position in the database based on its own metrics. Its 71st percentile ranking and average score of 17860 place it in the same performance band as the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U, both of which score within 0.2% of it. This indicates the Core 5 221TE is a capable desktop processor for workloads that do not demand the full throughput of the higher-tier part. Its 45 W thermal design power, paired with a 1.80 GHz base clock, suggests a lower-power operating envelope relative to the 125 W Core 9 273PQE.

The Core 9 273PQE, meanwhile, sits in the 93rd percentile and competes directly with the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which it leads by 0.3% in average score. Its Cinebench R23 multicore result of 39190 is more than triple the Core 5 221TE's 11305, and its PassMark multithread score of 46107 is roughly 3.5 times the 13301 recorded for the Core 5 221TE. Workloads involving extended instruction sets, floating point math, and integer math show the largest gaps, indicating the Core 9 273PQE carries a particular advantage in compute-heavy parallel tasks.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core 9 273PQE in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Core 9 273PQE scores 39190, while the Core 5 221TE scores 11305, a 71.2% gap in favor of the Core 9 273PQE.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two processors?

A: The Core 9 273PQE averages 66099, while the Core 5 221TE averages 17860. The Core 9 273PQE sits in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, and the Core 5 221TE sits in the 71st percentile.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How does single-thread performance compare?

A: In PassMark single-thread, the Core 9 273PQE scores 4573 against 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a 62.1% gap. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 5532 versus 1596, a 71.1% difference.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel access and ECC memory. Memory bandwidth differs: 76.8 GB/s for the Core 5 221TE and 89.6 GB/s for the Core 9 273PQE.

Q: What are the closest rivals to each processor in the database?

A: The Core 9 273PQE's nearest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus at 66159, a 0.1% difference. The Core 5 221TE's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891, also a 0.2% difference.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear hierarchy. The Intel Core 9 273PQE outperforms the Intel Core 5 221TE in every recorded workload, with margins ranging from 62.1% in PassMark single-thread to 75.1% in PassMark extended instructions. The Core 9 273PQE delivers roughly 3.5 times the multithread throughput of the Core 5 221TE in PassMark, and its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 39190 places it in a competitive position against the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which it leads by 0.3% in average score.

The Core 5 221TE remains a functional desktop part in its own right, matching the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT within 0.2% and holding its own against the Intel Core 5 120U. Its 45 W thermal design power and 1.80 GHz base clock indicate a lower-power design profile compared to the 125 W Core 9 273PQE. For workloads that fit within the Core 5 221TE's capacity, it delivers performance consistent with its 71st percentile ranking.

The Core 9 273PQE is the stronger processor by every measured metric in this comparison. Its 12 cores, 24 threads, 36 MB of shared L3, higher clock speeds, and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth all contribute to the recorded margins. The 93rd percentile placement and the favorable comparison against the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D reinforce its position as the higher-performing option. The choice between the two, based strictly on the data, depends on whether the workload requires the substantially higher throughput of the Core 9 273PQE or can operate within the lower envelope of the Core 5 221TE.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221TE | Intel Core 9 273PQE |

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

| Cores | 10 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 24 |

| Base clock | 1.80 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.90 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 125 W |

| L2 cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

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

| Die size | 215 mm² | Not recorded |

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

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

| Release date | 2025-01-12 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $589 |

| Part number | SRVQS | SA4Q9 |

The two processors share their codename (Bartlett Lake), process node (10 nm), socket (Intel Socket 1700), memory support (DDR4, DDR5), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support, PCIe configuration (Gen 5, 16 lanes), L1 cache (80 KB per core), manufacturer, and production status (Active). Both lack an unlocked multiplier.