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

FAQ

Q: How do the Intel Core 5 221TE and Intel Core 9 273PTE compare on overall average benchmark score?

A: The Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860, while the Core 9 273PTE scores 31143. The Core 9 sits at the 82nd percentile of all CPUs, versus the 71st percentile for the Core 5.

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

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

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 5 221TE and the Core 9 273PTE support ECC memory. Both also support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Core 9 273PTE has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, while the Core 5 221TE boosts to 5.00 GHz. The Core 9 also has a lower base clock at 1.40 GHz versus 1.80 GHz for the Core 5.

Q: How many benchmark wins does each processor record in direct head-to-head testing?

A: The Core 9 273PTE wins all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The Core 5 221TE records zero wins.

Q: What are the launch MSRP values for these two processors?

A: The Core 5 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232, and the Core 9 273PTE has a launch MSRP of $549.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename and are built on Intel's 10 nm process node. They are desktop parts using Intel Socket 1700, with PCIe Gen 5 support offering 16 lanes from the CPU. Both include the UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics and support DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

The core configurations differ significantly. The Core 5 221TE provides 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 9 273PTE provides 12 cores and 24 threads. That means the Core 9 has two additional physical cores and eight additional threads, a substantial increase in parallel execution capacity.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The L2 cache per core is 1.25 MB on the Core 5, expanding to 2 MB per core on the Core 9. The shared L3 cache totals 24 MB on the Core 5 and 36 MB on the Core 9, giving the higher-end part 50% more last-level cache.

Memory bandwidth differs as well. The Core 5 221TE delivers 76.8 GB/s, while the Core 9 273PTE delivers 89.6 GB/s. The Core 9 has a higher boost clock at 5.50 GHz versus 5.00 GHz, but a lower base clock at 1.40 GHz versus 1.80 GHz.

The die size is recorded for the Core 5 at 215 mm², while no die size is listed for the Core 9. The production status for both is active, with the Core 5 released in January 2025 and the Core 9 released in March 2026. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are SRVQS for the Core 5 and SA4QJ for the Core 9.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core 9 273PTE dominates every measured workload. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 9 scores 20445 against 11305 for the Core 5, a delta of 44.7%. Single-core performance shows the same pattern, with the Core 9 at 2886 and the Core 5 at 1596, also a 44.7% gap.

Cinebench R20 results mirror this. Multi-core scores are 8586 for the Core 9 and 4748 for the Core 5. Single-core scores are 1212 versus 670. The delta in both cases is 44.7%. Cinebench R15 follows the same trend: 2060 versus 1139 multi-core, 290 versus 160 single-core, with deltas of 44.7% and 44.8% respectively.

PassMark integer math shows the Core 9 at 82411 and the Core 5 at 42303, a 48.7% advantage. Floating point math follows with 60673 versus 31661, a 47.8% gap. The physics test shows 1917 versus 977, a 49% difference. Single-thread performance in PassMark is 3433 versus 1734, a 49.5% lead for the Core 9.

The largest relative gap appears in the prime number finding test. The Core 9 scores 142, while the Core 5 scores 59, a 58.5% difference. Data compression shows the Core 9 at 258704 and the Core 5 at 156682, a 39.4% gap. Data encryption is 14253 versus 8963, a 37.1% difference. Extended instructions are 15952 versus 9655, a 39.5% gap. Random string sorting is 28973 versus 16929, a 41.6% difference. PassMark multi-thread shows 24054 versus 13301, a 44.7% gap.

The average benchmark score comparison places the Core 9 at 31143 versus 17860 for the Core 5. The nearest rivals for the Core 5 include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at an average score of 17891 with a 0.2% delta, and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17898 with a 0.2% delta. The Core 9's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-12700F at 31081 with a 0.2% delta, and the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS at 31074 with a 0.2% delta.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Core 9 273PTE is the stronger processor in every recorded benchmark. It holds the 82nd percentile versus the 71st for the Core 5, and its average benchmark score is 74% higher. The 12-core, 24-thread configuration with 36 MB of L3 cache and 89.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth delivers consistent multi-threaded advantages.

The Core 5 221TE is a capable desktop processor in its own right. Its 10 cores and 16 threads, 24 MB of L3 cache, and 5.00 GHz boost clock place it near the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U in average score. It carries a lower launch MSRP and a smaller die size at 215 mm².

For workloads that stress all cores, the Core 9 is the clear choice. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 20445 is 80% higher than the Core 5's 11305. For single-thread tasks, the Core 9's 5.50 GHz boost clock and 49.5% PassMark single-thread advantage make it the better fit.

The Core 5 221TE serves builds where the 45 W TDP and lower launch MSRP are priorities, while the Core 9 273PTE justifies its higher launch MSRP with substantially higher performance across all 17 head-to-head comparisons.

Specification Differences

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

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

| Cores | 10 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 1.80 GHz | 1.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 45 W |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | Not listed |

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

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $549 |

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

| Part Number | SRVQS | SA4QJ |

| Percentile | 71 | 82 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 17860 | 31143 |

Both processors share the same socket, process node, L1 cache size, memory support, memory bus width, PCIe configuration, integrated graphics, ECC support, and production status.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 9 273PTE wins in all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The largest margins are in prime number finding at 58.5%, single-thread performance at 49.5%, and physics at 49%. The smallest margins are in data encryption at 37.1% and data compression at 39.4%, but the Core 9 still leads by significant margins in every category.

The Core 5 221TE wins in no direct benchmark comparison. Its strengths are relative to other processors in its own performance class. Its nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, has an average score of 17891, just 0.2% above the Core 5. The Intel Core 5 120U at 17898 is also 0.2% ahead. The Intel Core 7 350 at 17779 sits 0.5% behind the Core 5.

The Core 9 273PTE sits in a higher performance tier. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-12700F at 31081, is 0.2% behind. The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS at 31074 is also 0.2% behind. The Intel Core i7-12650HX at 31290 is 0.5% ahead of the Core 9.

For memory bandwidth, the Core 9's 89.6 GB/s exceeds the Core 5's 76.8 GB/s. For cache, the Core 9's 36 MB L3 and 2 MB per-core L2 provide more headroom for data-heavy workloads. The Core 5's 24 MB L3 and 1.25 MB per-core L2 are lower in both respects.

The Core 5 221TE is suitable for systems where the 45 W TDP and smaller die are relevant factors. Its 10-core, 16-thread layout still delivers a 71st percentile standing. The Core 9 273PTE, with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 5.50 GHz boost clock, is the higher-performing option for workloads that scale with thread count, cache size, and memory bandwidth.