Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core i3-14100F Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data paints a remarkably one-sided picture. The Intel Core i3-14100F wins 16 of the 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons, with the Intel Core 5 221TE taking only a single narrow victory.

The most dramatic discrepancy appears in the PassMark single-thread tests. The i3-14100F scores 3778 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, while the Core 5 221TE manages 1734. That represents a 54.1% deficit for the 221TE, the largest margin in any test. This gap is substantial enough that it will manifest in nearly every lightly threaded application.

Cinebench results tell a consistent story of multi-core advantage for the i3-14100F. In cinebench_r23_multicore, the i3-14100F posts 13084 against 11305 for the 221TE, a 13.6% difference. The same 13.6% delta appears in cinebench_r15_multicore (1318 versus 1139) and cinebench_r20_multicore (5495 versus 4748). Single-core Cinebench runs show an identical pattern: cinebench_r23_singlecore favors the i3-14100F by 13.6% (1847 versus 1596), and cinebench_r15_singlecore shows a 14% gap (186 versus 160).

PassMark workloads reinforce the i3-14100F's advantage. Data compression scores 176106 for the i3-14100F versus 156682 for the 221TE, an 11% gap. Extended instructions show a 19.4% delta (11984 versus 9655), the second-largest margin after single-thread performance. Floating point math favors the i3-14100F by 10.5% (35370 versus 31661), integer math by 6.7% (45357 versus 42303), and multithread by 13.7% (15420 versus 13301). Physics simulation shows a 9.3% edge for the i3-14100F (1077 versus 977).

The 221TE's only win is in passmark_data_encryption, where it scores 8963 against 8922 for the i3-14100F, a 0.5% margin that is within noise. The remaining tests show smaller gaps: find_prime_numbers favors the i3-14100F by 3.3% (61 versus 59), and random_string_sorting by 3.8% (17596 versus 16929).

The aggregate benchmark scores confirm the trend. The i3-14100F holds an average benchmark score of 18519, placing it in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. The 221TE averages 17860, sitting at the 71st percentile. The i3-14100F's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-13420H (delta 0%), AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 8300GE (delta 0.1%), Intel Core i3-13100 (delta 0.8%), and Intel Core 7 360 (delta 0.8%). The 221TE's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (delta -0.2%), Intel Core 5 120U (delta -0.2%), Intel Core 7 350 (delta 0.5%), and AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (delta -0.7%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel design lineages. The Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Core i3-14100F is a Raptor Lake-R part from the Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation, built on the Raptor Lake architecture.

Both are manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process node and fabricated by Intel. Die size differs notably: the 221TE measures 215 mm², while the i3-14100F is smaller at 163 mm². The 221TE's larger die accommodates additional silicon, but the benchmark data indicates that does not translate into a performance advantage.

Core counts diverge sharply. The 221TE offers 10 cores and 16 threads. The i3-14100F provides 4 cores and 8 threads. Despite having 2.5 times the cores and twice the threads, the 221TE loses in multi-threaded tests. The i3-14100F's higher base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 1.80 GHz for the 221TE explains part of this, as does the boost clock: 4.70 GHz for the i3-14100F versus 5.00 GHz for the 221TE.

Cache allocation differs. Both share the same per-core L1 (80 KB per core) and L2 (1.25 MB per core) configurations. The L3 cache is where they separate: the 221TE has 24 MB shared L3, double the 12 MB shared L3 of the i3-14100F.

Integrated graphics separate the pair. The 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730, while the i3-14100F has no integrated graphics (listed as N/A). This is a meaningful distinction for system builders who want to troubleshoot without a discrete GPU or run a display from the CPU.

Both processors use the Intel Socket 1700, support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, and offer PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). ECC memory support is present on both. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking headroom is limited on both.

The memory bandwidth figures differ. The 221TE lists 76.8 GB/s, while the i3-14100F has no recorded memory bandwidth value in the database. This does not appear to have hindered the i3-14100F in the recorded benchmarks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Core i3-14100F is consistently faster. PassMark single-thread scores show 3778 for the i3-14100F against 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a 54.1% advantage. Cinebench R23 single-core confirms this with 1847 versus 1596, a 13.6% edge.

Q: Does the Core 5 221TE's higher core count help it in multi-threaded tests?

A: No. Despite having 10 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads for the i3-14100F, the 221TE loses every multi-threaded benchmark. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 13084 for the i3-14100F versus 11305 for the 221TE, a 13.6% margin.

Q: Is there any workload where the Core 5 221TE wins?

A: The database records only one. In passmark_data_encryption, the 221TE scores 8963 against 8922 for the i3-14100F, a 0.5% difference. This is the sole win across 17 recorded benchmarks.

Q: What are the integrated graphics options?

A: The Core 5 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core i3-14100F has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A. Builders using the i3-14100F must install a discrete GPU for any display output.

Q: How do the two compare in overall benchmark standing?

A: The i3-14100F holds a 72nd percentile ranking against all CPUs with an average benchmark score of 18519. The 221TE sits at the 71st percentile with an average score of 17860. The i3-14100F is about 3.7% ahead on average score.

Q: Do both support ECC memory?

A: Yes. Both the Core 5 221TE and the Core i3-14100F support ECC memory, and both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show several points of divergence between the two processors.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The Core 5 221TE provides 10 cores and 16 threads. The Core i3-14100F provides 4 cores and 8 threads.

Clock speeds move in opposite directions. The 221TE has a base clock of 1.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The i3-14100F has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Thermal design power differs. The 221TE is rated at 45 watts TDP, while the i3-14100F is rated at 58 watts.

Cache capacity varies. The 221TE has 24 MB shared L3 cache. The i3-14100F has 12 MB shared L3. Both use 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core.

Memory bandwidth is recorded only for the 221TE at 76.8 GB/s. No figure is available for the i3-14100F.

Integrated graphics present a clear split. The 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The i3-14100F lists N/A for integrated graphics.

Die size differs. The 221TE measures 215 mm². The i3-14100F measures 163 mm².

Release dates are close. The i3-14100F was released in January 2024. The 221TE was released in January 2025.

Part numbers identify each: SRVQS for the 221TE, SRMX2 for the i3-14100F.

The launch MSRP for the 221TE is $232. The launch MSRP for the i3-14100F is $109.

Both use Intel Socket 1700, support DDR4 and DDR5, run dual-channel memory, support ECC, use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, have locked multipliers, are manufactured on Intel's 10 nm node, and are desktop market parts with active production status.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-14100F wins across nearly every recorded benchmark category. Single-thread performance is its strongest asset, with a 54.1% lead in PassMark single-thread tests and a 13.6% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core. Multi-threaded workloads also favor the i3-14100F by roughly 13.6% across all three Cinebench versions. PassMark workloads show consistent advantages ranging from 3.3% in prime number finding to 19.4% in extended instructions.

The Core 5 221TE has exactly one recorded win: data encryption with a 0.5% margin. Beyond that, it offers no benchmark advantage. Its larger L3 cache (24 MB versus 12 MB) and higher core count (10 versus 4) do not translate into wins in the recorded tests.

For practical use cases, the data suggests the i3-14100F is the better choice for general desktop work, gaming, and productivity applications. The 221TE's integrated UHD Graphics 730 gives it an edge in systems without a discrete GPU, since the i3-14100F cannot output video without a separate graphics card. The 221TE's lower TDP of 45 watts versus 58 watts also indicates it may be easier to cool in constrained chassis, though the database does not record thermal performance directly.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points decisively toward the Intel Core i3-14100F. It wins 16 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, holds a higher average benchmark score (18519 versus 17860), and ranks slightly higher in percentile standing (72nd versus 71st). The i3-14100F's single-thread dominance, with a 54.1% lead in PassMark single-thread tests, makes it the obvious pick for most desktop workloads where responsiveness and lightly threaded performance matter.

The Core 5 221TE's case rests on features outside the benchmark suite. Its UHD Graphics 730 integrated GPU allows display output without a discrete card, which the i3-14100F cannot do. Its lower 45 watt TDP suggests lower power draw, and its larger 24 MB L3 cache and higher core count may help in specific unrecorded scenarios. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock is also higher than the i3-14100F's 4.70 GHz, though the measured single-core results do not reflect that advantage.

For users building a system with a dedicated GPU, the i3-14100F is the stronger performer in every recorded metric. For users who need integrated graphics or prioritize lower power consumption, the 221TE offers those capabilities, but at a significant performance cost in the recorded benchmarks. The data does not show any scenario where the 221TE outperforms the i3-14100F in computational throughput beyond the single 0.5% encryption win.