Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear split between these two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel Core 5 221TE takes only 2. However, the margins and the nature of those wins matter for real-world use.

The most significant victory for the Core 5 221TE comes in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 11305 against 9848 for the Core Ultra 5 226V, a 14.8% advantage. This is the single largest win for the desktop part and indicates a sustained multi-threaded workload advantage. The other win for the 221TE is in PassMark integer math, scoring 42303 versus 38647, a 9.5% edge. These two results suggest the 221TE holds its own in certain compute-heavy tasks.

The Core Ultra 5 226V dominates nearly everywhere else. The single-core gap is stark. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ultra scores 267 against 160, a 40.1% deficit for the 221TE. In PassMark single-thread, the Ultra scores 3754 versus 1734, a massive 53.8% difference. The Cinebench R23 single-core result shows a smaller but still clear 8.5% lead for the Ultra (1744 vs 1596). This single-thread performance disparity drives many of the other benchmark outcomes.

In multi-core Cinebench tests, the results are inconsistent. The Ultra wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 24.1% (1501 vs 1139) and R20 multi-core by 25.6% (6381 vs 4748). Yet it loses R23 multi-core. The PassMark multi-thread score favors the Ultra at 17850 versus 13301, a 25.5% margin. The data shows the Ultra is generally faster in mixed-thread workloads, but the R23 result for the 221TE is not an outlier in isolation; it reflects a specific workload type where the desktop chip excels.

Encryption and compression tasks favor the Ultra decisively. PassMark data encryption shows 12710 for the Ultra versus 8963, a 29.5% lead. Data compression goes to the Ultra by 8.2% (170687 vs 156682). The extended instructions test shows a 34.4% advantage for the Ultra (14724 vs 9655). Floating point math also goes to the Ultra by 39.4% (52270 vs 31661). Prime number finding is a complete rout: 166 for the Ultra versus 59, a 64.5% deficit for the 221TE. Physics simulation scores 1449 for the Ultra versus 977, a 32.6% gap. Random string sorting favors the Ultra by 18.7% (20813 vs 16929).

The average benchmark score confirms the overall positioning. The Core Ultra 5 226V averages 19368, placing it in the 73rd percentile of all CPUs. The Core 5 221TE averages 17860, sitting at the 71st percentile. The nearest rival for the Ultra is the AMD Ryzen 5 7533HS with a 0% delta, essentially a tie. The 221TE sits closest to the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT with a -0.2% delta. These percentile and rival data show both chips performing in the same broad tier, but the Ultra has a measurable edge in aggregate.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The Intel Core 5 221TE is built on Bartlett Lake, uses a 10 nm process, and is fabricated by Intel. It is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700. The Core Ultra 5 226V is Lunar Lake architecture, built on a 3 nm process at TSMC, and is a mobile part on Intel BGA 2833. The process node difference is substantial: 3 nm versus 10 nm, which explains much of the efficiency and single-thread performance gap.

Core and thread counts differ. The 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 226V has 8 cores and 8 threads. The 221TE has no hyperthreading advantage in the data; it simply has more physical cores and threads. The base clock for the 221TE is 1.80 GHz with a boost of 5.00 GHz. The 226V has a base of 2.10 GHz and boosts to 4.50 GHz. The higher base clock and newer architecture on the Ultra likely contribute to its single-thread wins. The 221TE has a 45 W TDP versus 17 W for the Ultra, a large difference in power envelope.

Cache hierarchies are structured differently. The 221TE uses 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The 226V uses 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, but only 8 MB of shared L3. The Ultra has more per-core cache but far less shared cache. The 221TE die size is recorded at 215 mm²; the Ultra has no die size listed. Memory support also differs: the 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, plus ECC memory support. The 226V memory support is listed as unknown and depends on the motherboard, with dual-channel bus but no recorded bandwidth. ECC is not supported on the Ultra.

PCIe lanes differ significantly. The 221TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 226V provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). This makes the desktop part far more suitable for discrete GPUs and expansion. Integrated graphics are also different: the 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the 226V uses Arc 130V. The release dates show the Ultra launching on 2024-09-23 and the 221TE on 2025-01-12. The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232; the Ultra has no recorded launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The data indicates the Core Ultra 5 226V is the stronger processor for most tasks. Its single-thread performance is decisively better across every recorded test, from Cinebench R15 (40.1% faster) to PassMark single-thread (53.8% faster). This translates directly into wins in encryption, compression, extended instructions, physics, and prime number calculation. For general productivity, web browsing, and applications that rely on single-core speed, the Ultra is clearly superior based on the benchmark results.

The Core 5 221TE wins in two specific areas. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 14.8% higher, which suggests an advantage in sustained all-core rendering workloads of that type. Its PassMark integer math score is 9.5% higher, indicating an edge in integer-heavy computation. The 221TE also provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes versus 4, plus ECC memory support, which are platform-level advantages not reflected in raw benchmark scores. These features make it suitable for desktop builds requiring expansion and memory reliability.

The PassMark multi-thread score of 17850 for the Ultra versus 13301 for the 221TE (25.5% gap) complicates the multi-core picture. The Ultra wins that test, yet loses R23 multi-core. This suggests the workload type matters more than raw thread count. The 221TE has 16 threads versus 8, but the Ultra's newer architecture and higher per-core performance allow it to win in most multi-threaded scenarios. The R23 result for the 221TE is notable but not representative of all multi-core work.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V wins every recorded single-core test. PassMark single-thread shows 3754 for the Ultra versus 1734 for the 221TE, a 53.8% difference. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 1744 versus 1596, an 8.5% lead for the Ultra.

Q: How do the multi-core scores compare?

A: The results are mixed. The 221TE wins Cinebench R23 multi-core by 14.8% (11305 vs 9848). The Ultra wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 24.1% and R20 multi-core by 25.6%. PassMark multi-thread favors the Ultra at 17850 versus 13301, a 25.5% margin.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 5 226V has 8 cores and 8 threads. The 221TE has more threads, but the Ultra wins most multi-threaded benchmarks anyway.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Core Ultra 5 226V does not support ECC.

Q: What are the TDP ratings?

A: The Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45 W. The Core Ultra 5 226V has a TDP of 17 W. The Ultra is rated for significantly lower power consumption.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The Core 5 221TE provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only). The Core Ultra 5 226V provides 4 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only). The 221TE offers four times the lane count.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V as the faster processor for the majority of workloads. Its single-thread dominance is comprehensive, and it wins most multi-threaded tests despite having fewer threads. The average benchmark score of 19368 versus 17860, and the 73rd versus 71st percentile ranking, confirm the Ultra as the higher-performing chip overall. For anyone prioritizing raw speed in general applications, the Ultra is the clear choice.

The Core 5 221TE has a narrower but real set of advantages. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core win by 14.8% shows capability in specific rendering workloads. Its integer math lead of 9.5% indicates strength in certain compute tasks. The platform features matter too: 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, ECC memory support, and a desktop socket with upgrade potential. The 45 W TDP versus 17 W is a trade-off for that expansion capability.

The production status for both is Active. The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232, while the Ultra has no recorded launch MSRP. The release dates show the Ultra came first on 2024-09-23, with the 221TE following on 2025-01-12. The choice depends on the workload. For a compact, power-efficient mobile system where single-thread speed and encryption performance matter, the Ultra 5 226V is the superior part. For a desktop build requiring ECC memory, extensive PCIe expansion, and specific multi-core rendering workloads, the Core 5 221TE justifies its existence.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 221TE | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V |

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

| Cores | 10 | 8 |

| Threads | 16 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 1.80 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 17 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 2833 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Lunar Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | Unknown, depends on motherboard |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

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

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Arc 130V |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-09-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | Not recorded |