Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL Comparison

Intel Core 5 221TE and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL are two desktop processors that target different performance profiles despite sharing the same 45 W TDP class. The Core 5 221TE is a Bartlett Lake part with a high 5.00 GHz boost clock and large shared cache, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL is a Meteor Lake-PS part with more cores and a higher memory bandwidth. Benchmark data is only available for the Core 5 221TE, so the comparison relies on architectural differences, recorded specifications, and the Core 5 221TE’s placement among rivals.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221TE wins on raw single-thread speed and high-frequency workloads. Its boost clock of 5.00 GHz is the highest recorded among the two, and its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1596 reflects that advantage. In multi-threaded workloads, the Core 5 221TE also holds a clear edge in the recorded data, with Cinebench R23 multicore at 11305 and Cinebench R20 multicore at 4748. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has no recorded benchmark scores, but its 14 cores and 18 threads suggest it could be competitive in heavily parallel tasks, though its lower 4.50 GHz boost clock and smaller 18 MB L3 cache indicate it cannot match the Core 5 221TE’s frequency-driven single-core performance.

The Core 5 221TE wins on cache capacity. It has 24 MB shared L3 cache, which is 6 MB more than the Core Ultra 5 125HL’s 18 MB shared L3. Larger L3 cache typically improves performance in data-heavy workloads, and the Core 5 221TE’s PassMark data compression score of 156682 and random string sorting score of 16929 support this. The Core Ultra 5 125HL wins on memory bandwidth, with 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s for the Core 5 221TE. That higher bandwidth can benefit memory-intensive applications, but without benchmark scores for the Core Ultra 5 125HL, the practical impact remains unmeasured.

The Core Ultra 5 125HL wins on integrated graphics. It uses Arc Xe-LPG 112EU, a more capable solution than the UHD Graphics 730 in the Core 5 221TE. For systems relying on the integrated GPU without a discrete card, the Core Ultra 5 125HL offers a stronger baseline. The Core 5 221TE wins on PCIe support, with Gen 5 and 16 lanes versus Gen 4 and 8 lanes for the Core Ultra 5 125HL, which matters for high-speed storage and expansion.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectures. The Core 5 221TE is based on Bartlett Lake, produced on a 10 nm process by Intel, with a die size of 215 mm². The Core Ultra 5 125HL uses the Meteor Lake architecture, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS codename, on a 7 nm process. The process node difference is notable: 10 nm versus 7 nm, though both are Intel-fabricated.

Core counts differ substantially. The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL has 14 cores and 18 threads. The Core Ultra 5 125HL’s extra 4 cores and 2 threads suggest better parallel scaling potential, but the Core 5 221TE’s higher base clock of 1.80 GHz versus 1.20 GHz gives it a starting frequency advantage. The boost clocks favor the Core 5 221TE: 5.00 GHz versus 4.50 GHz.

Cache layouts differ in both size and organization. The Core 5 221TE has 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core, with 24 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has 112 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core, but only 18 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 125HL’s larger per-core L1 and L2 caches may help individual cores, but the Core 5 221TE’s larger shared L3 favors multi-core data sharing.

Memory support diverges. The Core 5 221TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL supports DDR5 only, with the specific support depending on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the Core Ultra 5 125HL has a higher memory bandwidth rating: 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 221TE but not on the Core Ultra 5 125HL.

Sockets differ completely. The Core 5 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL uses Intel Socket 1851. This means they are not interchangeable on the same motherboard. PCIe capabilities also differ: the Core 5 221TE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 5 125HL offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core 5 221TE’s newer PCIe standard and more lanes provide greater expansion bandwidth.

Release dates and pricing differ. The Core 5 221TE launched with a launch MSRP of $232, while the Core Ultra 5 125HL launched with a launch MSRP of $325. The Core 5 221TE was released later, on 2025-01-12, versus 2024-04-07 for the Core Ultra 5 125HL.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

No direct head-to-head benchmark results are recorded for these two processors. The Core Ultra 5 125HL has an empty benchmark list, and the head-to-head array is empty. The comparison must instead rely on the Core 5 221TE’s absolute scores and its position relative to nearby processors.

The Core 5 221TE’s Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11305 places it in a competitive range. Its single-core score of 1596 in the same test indicates strong frequency scaling, consistent with its 5.00 GHz boost clock. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score is 4748 and single-core is 670. Cinebench R15 results show 1139 multicore and 160 single-core.

PassMark results for the Core 5 221TE show a broad workload profile. Multithread score is 13301, single-thread score is 1734 (recorded twice as 1734 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread). Integer math scores 42303, floating point math scores 31661, and extended instructions score 9655. Data encryption scores 8963, and data compression scores 156682. Find prime numbers scores 59, physics scores 977, and random string sorting scores 16929.

The Core 5 221TE’s average benchmark score is 17860, placing it at the 71st percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rivals show tight competition. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT has an average score of 17891, a delta of -0.2% relative to the Core 5 221TE. The Intel Core 5 120U scores 17898, also -0.2%. The Intel Core 7 350 scores 17779, a +0.5% delta. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 scores 17994, a -0.7% delta. These narrow deltas indicate the Core 5 221TE sits in a dense performance cluster, within 1% of four rivals.

The Core Ultra 5 125HL has no average benchmark score and no nearest rivals recorded. Its 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, however, suggests it sits at the median, which is far below the Core 5 221TE’s 71st percentile. Without measured scores, the performance gap cannot be quantified in the database, but the percentile gap is a clear indicator.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL does not support ECC memory.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has 14 cores and 18 threads.

Q: Which processor uses a larger shared L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB shared L3 cache. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has 18 MB shared L3 cache.

Q: What integrated graphics do they use?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL uses Arc Xe-LPG 112EU.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 221TE has a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s.

The Verdict

The data shows a clear split. The Intel Core 5 221TE is the stronger processor for single-threaded and frequency-sensitive workloads. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock, recorded single-core scores, and 24 MB shared L3 cache give it a decisive edge in most measured benchmarks. The 71st percentile ranking and average score of 17860, with rivals within 1%, confirm it performs at a solid mid-range level.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL offers more cores (14 versus 10) and more threads (18 versus 16), which could theoretically benefit multi-threaded applications. However, the database contains no benchmark scores for it, and its 50th percentile ranking is substantially lower than the Core 5 221TE’s 71st percentile. The Core Ultra 5 125HL also has a lower boost clock, less L3 cache, and no ECC support. Its advantages are limited to higher memory bandwidth, better integrated graphics (Arc Xe-LPG 112EU versus UHD Graphics 730), and a smaller process node (7 nm versus 10 nm).

For users prioritizing raw performance, the Core 5 221TE is the clear choice based on recorded data. It leads in all benchmark categories where measurements exist, and its higher percentile confirms that lead. The Core Ultra 5 125HL may appeal to those needing more cores for parallel tasks, but without data to verify that benefit, the Core 5 221TE’s measured results carry more weight. The socket difference means motherboard choice will dictate which processor is viable.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221TE | Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL |

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

| Cores | 10 | 14 |

| Threads | 16 | 18 |

| Base Clock | 1.80 GHz | 1.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Meteor Lake-PS |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

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

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 (depends on motherboard) |

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

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Arc Xe-LPG 112EU |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $325 |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-04-07 |

| Part Number | SRVQS | SRN9D |