Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 221TE is the clear performance leader based on the recorded data, with no benchmark scores available for the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL. The Core 5 221TE posts an average benchmark score of 17860, placing it in the 71st percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core Ultra 5 135UL has no recorded benchmark scores, and its average benchmark score is listed as 0, placing it in the 50th percentile by default. This absence of data makes direct head-to-head score comparisons impossible, but the Core 5 221TE's available results provide a full picture of its capabilities.

In Cinebench R23, the Core 5 221TE scores 11305 in multi-core and 1596 in single-core. The multi-core result is particularly strong for a 45 W part, indicating sustained throughput across all 10 cores and 16 threads. In Cinebench R20, the same processor scores 4748 multi-core and 670 single-core. Cinebench R15 results show 1139 multi-core and 160 single-core. These scores scale consistently across the three Cinebench versions, confirming that the Core 5 221TE maintains its relative position regardless of workload length.

PassMark results for the Core 5 221TE show a multithread score of 13301 and a single-thread score of 1734. The integer math score of 42303 significantly exceeds the floating-point math score of 31661, which indicates the processor handles integer-heavy workloads more efficiently. Data compression scores 156682, while data encryption scores 8963. Extended instructions score 9655, and random string sorting scores 16929. The find prime numbers test scores 59, and the physics test scores 977.

The nearest rivals to the Core 5 221TE confirm its competitive standing. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT has an average score of 17891, which is 0.2% higher. The Intel Core 5 120U scores 17898, also 0.2% higher. The Intel Core 7 350 scores 17779, which is 0.5% lower. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 scores 17994, which is 0.7% higher. The Core 5 221TE's average score of 17860 sits within a narrow band of these rivals, with the largest deficit being 0.7% and the largest advantage being 0.5%. This indicates the Core 5 221TE performs in the same tier as these established processors.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221TE wins in every measured category because it is the only processor with recorded benchmark data. Its 10 cores and 16 threads provide strong multi-threaded performance, evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 11305. The single-core score of 1596 in Cinebench R23 shows that the 5.00 GHz boost clock delivers competitive per-thread performance. The PassMark single-thread score of 1734 reinforces this conclusion.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL, with no recorded benchmarks, cannot claim wins in any measured test. Its 12 cores and 14 threads suggest potential for multi-threaded workloads, but the data does not support any performance claims. The processor's 15 W TDP indicates a power-efficient design, which could be advantageous in thermally constrained systems. The Core Ultra 5 135UL supports DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, which is higher than the Core 5 221TE's 76.8 GB/s. This memory bandwidth advantage could benefit memory-intensive applications, but no benchmark data confirms this.

The Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz compared to the Core Ultra 5 135UL's 4.40 GHz. This 0.60 GHz difference gives the Core 5 221TE an advantage in single-threaded workloads that depend on raw clock speed. The Core 5 221TE also supports DDR4 in addition to DDR5, offering broader memory compatibility. The Core Ultra 5 135UL depends on the motherboard for DDR5 support, which introduces variability in memory performance.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 generation. It is built on a 10 nm process node by Intel with a die size of 215 mm². The processor uses the Intel Socket 1700 and has 10 cores with 16 threads. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. This large L3 cache benefits workloads with significant data sharing between cores.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL uses the Meteor Lake architecture with the Meteor Lake-PS codename. It belongs to the Core Ultra Series 1 and the Ultra 5 generation. The processor is built on a 7 nm process node by Intel with no recorded die size. It uses the Intel Socket 1851 and has 12 cores with 14 threads. The cache hierarchy includes 112 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches suggest a design optimized for per-thread performance, while the smaller L3 cache may limit cross-core data sharing.

The Core 5 221TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. It also supports ECC memory, which is important for reliability-sensitive applications. The Core Ultra 5 135UL supports DDR5 memory depending on the motherboard, also in a dual-channel configuration, with a higher bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. It does not support ECC memory.

The Core 5 221TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Core Ultra 5 135UL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The PCIe Gen 5 interface on the Core 5 221TE offers double the bandwidth per lane compared to PCIe Gen 4, and the 16 lanes provide more total connectivity for expansion devices.

The integrated graphics differ significantly. The Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 5 135UL uses Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. The Arc graphics architecture is newer and more feature-rich, with support for modern media codecs and enhanced compute capabilities. However, no benchmark scores are available for either integrated GPU, so performance comparisons cannot be quantified.

The Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45 W, while the Core Ultra 5 135UL has a TDP of 15 W. This 30 W difference gives the Core Ultra 5 135UL a substantial power efficiency advantage. The Core Ultra 5 135UL also has a lower base clock of 1.60 GHz compared to 1.80 GHz, which contributes to its lower power consumption. The release dates differ as well: the Core 5 221TE launched on 2025-01-12, while the Core Ultra 5 135UL launched on 2024-04-07.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. The Core 5 221TE's higher boost clock gives it an advantage in single-threaded workloads.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL does not support ECC memory. This makes the Core 5 221TE more suitable for error-sensitive computing environments.

Q: What is the thread count difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. The Core 5 221TE has more threads despite fewer cores, which indicates a different core configuration with hyper-threading on more cores.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 221TE's L3 cache is twice the size, which benefits workloads with significant data sharing.

Q: What are the PCIe capabilities of each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. The Core 5 221TE provides newer and more numerous PCIe lanes.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Core Ultra 5 135UL's higher bandwidth could benefit memory-intensive applications, though no benchmark data confirms this.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221TE | Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL |

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

| Cores | 10 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 14 |

| Base Clock | 1.80 GHz | 1.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Meteor Lake-PS |

| Generation | Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) | Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake-PS) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | Not recorded |

| 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) | 12 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 64EU |

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

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $331 |

| Part Number | SRVQS | SRN97 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 221TE is the processor to choose when benchmark performance is the priority. It has a complete set of recorded benchmark scores, an average benchmark score of 17860, and a 71st percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock, 24 MB of L3 cache, and 16 threads make it a strong candidate for both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The 45 W TDP indicates a higher power draw, but the performance data justifies this for users who prioritize speed.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL is the processor to choose when power efficiency and modern integrated graphics matter more than raw performance. Its 15 W TDP is one-third of the Core 5 221TE's 45 W TDP, which makes it suitable for thermally constrained systems. The Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics is a newer architecture than UHD Graphics 730, and the 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth is higher. The 12 cores and 14 threads provide a core count advantage, but the lack of benchmark data prevents any performance verification.

The Core 5 221TE also offers ECC memory support and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, which are features that matter for professional and reliability-focused use cases. The Core Ultra 5 135UL lacks ECC support and provides PCIe Gen 4 with only 8 lanes. The Core 5 221TE's launch MSRP of $232 is lower than the Core Ultra 5 135UL's launch MSRP of $331, though pricing considerations are secondary to performance in this analysis.

For users who need verified performance and broader platform compatibility, the Intel Core 5 221TE is the data-backed choice. For users who prioritize low power consumption and a newer integrated GPU, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL is the logical selection, with the caveat that no benchmark scores are available to quantify its capabilities.