Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core i5-14600 Comparison

The Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i5-14600 are both desktop processors on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, but the benchmark data places them in different performance tiers. The Core i5-14600 wins every recorded head-to-head benchmark, with the Core 5 221TE trailing by margins that range from 58.1% to 64.8% depending on the workload. The Core 5 221TE holds a 71st percentile ranking against all CPUs, while the Core i5-14600 reaches the 89th percentile. The average benchmark scores reinforce this gap: the Core 5 221TE averages 17,860 points, while the Core i5-14600 averages 44,889 points.

Where Each One Wins

The head-to-head benchmark results show a clean sweep for the Intel Core i5-14600 across all 17 recorded tests. There are no workload categories where the Core 5 221TE takes a win, so the use-case split is defined by the degree of the deficit rather than by any advantage. The Core 5 221TE comes closest in passmark_physics and passmark_single_thread, where it trails by 58.1% and 58.4% respectively. These are still substantial gaps, but they are the narrowest recorded in the comparison.

The Core i5-14600 delivers its largest relative advantage in passmark_random_string_sorting, where it leads by 64.8%, and in passmark_data_encryption, where the lead is 64.3%. The data compression and integer math tests show a 63.9% advantage for the Core i5-14600. The Cinebench suite is consistent, with the Core i5-14600 leading by 62.9% across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, and by 63% or 62.9% in the corresponding single-core tests.

For single-threaded workloads, the Core i5-14600 delivers a passmark_single_thread score of 4,167 against 1,734 for the Core 5 221TE. For multi-threaded workloads, the passmark_multithread score is 35,848 against 13,301. The Core 5 221TE remains a functional processor for light desktop tasks, but the recorded data shows no benchmark category where it outperforms its rival.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and the same 10 nm process node from Intel, but their internal configurations differ significantly. The Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename with 10 cores and 16 threads. The Core i5-14600 uses the Raptor Lake-R codename with 14 cores and 20 threads. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel bus, and both support ECC memory.

The cache hierarchies differ in L2 capacity. The Core 5 221TE has 1.25 MB of L2 per core, while the Core i5-14600 has 2 MB of L2 per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache. The die size also differs: the Core 5 221TE measures 215 mm², while the Core i5-14600 measures 257 mm². The Core i5-14600 has a higher base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, compared to 1.80 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost for the Core 5 221TE.

The thermal design power is 45 watts for the Core 5 221TE and 65 watts for the Core i5-14600. Both processors feature PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The integrated graphics differ: the Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core i5-14600 uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core 5 221TE launched on 2025-01-12 with a launch MSRP of $232. The Core i5-14600 launched on 2024-01-07 with a launch MSRP of $255. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The memory bandwidth for the Core 5 221TE is recorded at 76.8 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is listed for the Core i5-14600.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports a clear separation between these two processors. The Intel Core i5-14600 is the stronger performer in every measured category, with an average benchmark score of 44,889 against 17,860 for the Core 5 221TE. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i9-12900KS with an average score of 45,094 and a delta of -0.5%, the AMD EPYC 4344P at 45,122 with a delta of -0.5%, the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D at 44,573 with a delta of 0.7%, and the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H at 44,466 with a delta of 1%. This places the Core i5-14600 in the company of high-end desktop and workstation parts.

The Core 5 221TE sits in a different competitive bracket. Its nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT with an average score of 17,891 and a delta of -0.2%, the Intel Core 5 120U at 17,898 with a delta of -0.2%, the Intel Core 7 350 at 17,779 with a delta of 0.5%, and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 17,994 with a delta of -0.7%. These are older or lower-power parts, which aligns with the Core 5 221TE having a 45 watt TDP and a lower base clock.

For workloads that rely on multi-core throughput, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30,464 for the Core i5-14600 versus 11,305 for the Core 5 221TE shows a 62.9% advantage. For single-core responsiveness, the R23 single-core score of 4,300 versus 1,596 shows the same relative gap. The Core 5 221TE is a lower-power option with ECC support and a smaller die, but the benchmark results indicate it is not competitive with the Core i5-14600 in raw performance.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-14600 has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core i5-14600 in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The Core i5-14600 scores 30,464 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Core 5 221TE scores 11,305. This represents a 62.9% advantage for the Core i5-14600.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i5-14600 support ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in single-thread performance?

A: In passmark_single_thread, the Core i5-14600 scores 4,167 and the Core 5 221TE scores 1,734, a 58.4% advantage for the Core i5-14600. The Cinebench R23 single-core test shows a 62.9% advantage, with scores of 4,300 and 1,596 respectively.

Q: How do the two processors compare in thermal design power?

A: The Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45 watts, while the Core i5-14600 has a TDP of 65 watts.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core i5-14600 has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, while the Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows consistent results across all versions. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core i5-14600 scores 3,070 against 1,139 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -62.9%. The R15 single-core test shows 433 against 160, a delta of -63%. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the -62.9% delta with scores of 12,794 and 4,748. The R20 single-core test also shows -62.9% with scores of 1,806 and 670. Cinebench R23 multi-core delivers 30,464 versus 11,305, again -62.9%, and the R23 single-core test shows 4,300 versus 1,596, also -62.9%.

The Passmark suite reveals where the largest gaps appear. The passmark_random_string_sorting test shows the biggest difference at -64.8%, with scores of 48,043 and 16,929. Data encryption follows at -64.3%, with scores of 25,082 and 8,963. Data compression and integer math both show -63.9%: compression scores are 434,620 and 156,682, while integer math scores are 117,078 and 42,303. Floating point math shows -63.1% with scores of 85,759 and 31,661. The passmark_multithread test shows -62.9% with scores of 35,848 and 13,301. Extended instructions show -62.4% with scores of 25,674 and 9,655. Find prime numbers shows -61.9% with scores of 155 and 59.

The smallest deltas appear in physics and single-thread tests. Passmark_physics shows -58.1% with scores of 2,330 and 977. Passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread both show -58.4% with scores of 4,167 and 1,734. The Core 5 221TE wins zero tests in the head-to-head comparison, while the Core i5-14600 wins all 17. The data confirms a wide performance gap across rendering, encryption, compression, math, and sorting workloads.