Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database contains no direct head-to-head measurements for the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA. The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and neither processor records wins in any comparative test. The Core Ultra 5 235TA has no benchmark entries at all, while the Core 5 221TE has a full set of 17 recorded scores across Cinebench and Passmark workloads.

For the Core 5 221TE, the recorded data shows a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 11305 and a single-core score of 1596. The Cinebench R20 results are 4748 multi-core and 670 single-core, while Cinebench R15 shows 1139 multi-core and 160 single-core. Passmark results include a multi-thread score of 13301, a single-thread score of 1734, integer math at 42303, floating point math at 31661, data compression at 156682, data encryption at 8963, extended instructions at 9655, prime number finding at 59, random string sorting at 16929, and physics at 977.

The average benchmark score for the Core 5 221TE is 17860, placing it at the 71st percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT with an average score of 17891, a delta of -0.2 percent, meaning the Core 5 221TE trails that part by a negligible 0.2 percent. The Intel Core 5 120U scores 17898, also a 0.2 percent gap against the 221TE. The Intel Core 7 350 comes in at 17779, which is 0.5 percent behind the 221TE. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 averages 17994, a 0.7 percent deficit for the 221TE. These deltas indicate the Core 5 221TE sits in a tightly clustered performance band where the largest separation among rivals is less than one percent.

Since the Core Ultra 5 235TA has no recorded benchmarks and no nearest rivals in the database, no comparative performance statements can be made from measured data. The absence of scores for that processor prevents any quantitative win-loss analysis between the two parts.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear distinction, but only in one direction. The Intel Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860 and a percentile rank of 71, meaning it outperforms 71 percent of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has an average benchmark score of 0 and a percentile rank of 50, with no recorded measurements. A processor with no benchmark data cannot be compared on performance grounds.

The Core 5 221TE delivers measurable performance across all tested workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 11305 and Passmark multi-thread score of 13301 indicate substantial parallel throughput. Single-thread performance is also solid, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1596 and a Passmark single-thread score of 1734.

The Core Ultra 5 235TA offers structural advantages in core count and process technology. It has 14 cores versus 10 for the 221TE, a 3 nm process node versus 10 nm, and a higher base clock of 2.20 GHz versus 1.80 GHz. Both parts share a 5.00 GHz boost clock. The 235TA also supports DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, compared to dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 support at 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE.

For users selecting purely on recorded benchmark performance, the Core 5 221TE is the only part with demonstrated results. The 235TA cannot be recommended on performance grounds because no measured data exists. For users prioritizing specifications such as core count, memory bandwidth, or process node, the 235TA holds clear technical advantages. The 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the 235TA uses Intel Socket 1851, so platform compatibility is a deciding factor. The 221TE supports ECC memory, while the 235TA does not. The 235TA provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes versus 16 for the 221TE.

The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232, and the 235TA has a launch MSRP of $269. The 221TE launched on January 12, 2025, while the 235TA launched on July 28, 2025. Both parts remain in active production.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has an average benchmark score of 17860. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has an average benchmark score of 0 because no benchmark results are recorded for it.

Q: How does the Core 5 221TE compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 5 221TE trails the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT by 0.2 percent and the Intel Core 5 120U by 0.2 percent. It leads the Intel Core 7 350 by 0.5 percent and trails the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 by 0.7 percent. All four rivals sit within one percent of the 221TE's average score.

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

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 235TA supports DDR5 only. The 235TA has a higher memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s compared to 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE.

Q: What is the process node for each chip?

A: The Core 5 221TE uses a 10 nm process manufactured by Intel. The Core Ultra 5 235TA uses a 3 nm process manufactured by TSMC.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 235TA does not support ECC memory.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every measured specification. The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 235TA has 14 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks differ at 1.80 GHz for the 221TE and 2.20 GHz for the 235TA; boost clocks are identical at 5.00 GHz. Thermal design power is 45 watts for the 221TE and 65 watts for the 235TA.

Sockets are incompatible: the 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, and the 235TA uses Intel Socket 1851. The 221TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the 235TA has a die size of 243 mm². The 235TA carries 17,800 million transistors; no transistor count is recorded for the 221TE.

Cache hierarchies differ. The 221TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. The 235TA has 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 3 MB of L2 cache per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache.

Memory support diverges: the 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the 235TA supports DDR5 only. Memory bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE and 102.4 GB/s for the 235TA. ECC memory is supported on the 221TE but not on the 235TA. PCIe lanes differ as well: the 221TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and the 235TA provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes.

Integrated graphics differ. The 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the 235TA uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU. Launch dates differ by roughly six months: January 12, 2025 for the 221TE and July 28, 2025 for the 235TA. The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232, and the 235TA has a launch MSRP of $269. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are SRVQS for the 221TE and SRWPP for the 235TA.

Architecture Differences

The Core 5 221TE is built on Bartlett Lake architecture under the Core 5 generation, while the Core Ultra 5 235TA uses Arrow Lake architecture under the Core Ultra Series 2 generation. The 221TE codename is Bartlett Lake, and the 235TA codename is Arrow Lake-S.

Process nodes reflect a generational shift. The 221TE uses a 10 nm node fabricated by Intel. The 235TA uses a 3 nm node fabricated by TSMC. This represents a major manufacturing transition between the two parts, with the 235TA moving to an external foundry and a smaller process geometry.

The 235TA has a larger die at 243 mm² versus 215 mm² for the 221TE, and it packs 17,800 million transistors, a figure not recorded for the 221TE. The core count increases from 10 to 14, while thread count decreases from 16 to 14, indicating a different core topology. The 235TA uses more physical cores but fewer threads, suggesting a design without hyperthreading on all cores, whereas the 221TE achieves 16 threads from 10 cores.

Cache architecture scales with the core changes. L1 cache grows from 80 KB per core to 192 KB per core, and L2 cache grows from 1.25 MB per core to 3 MB per core. L3 cache remains constant at 24 MB shared for both processors.

Memory architecture shifts as well. The 221TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the 235TA supports DDR5 exclusively. The 235TA delivers higher memory bandwidth at 102.4 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s. ECC support is present on the 221TE but absent on the 235TA.

PCIe connectivity expands on the 235TA with 20 Gen 5 lanes compared to 16 Gen 5 lanes on the 221TE. Integrated graphics change from UHD Graphics 730 to Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU, representing a different graphics architecture.

The 235TA has a higher base clock of 2.20 GHz and a higher TDP of 65 watts, while the 221TE operates at 1.80 GHz base with a 45 watt TDP. Boost clocks match at 5.00 GHz. The 235TA also carries a later release date and a different socket, confirming a platform generation change. The 221TE belongs to the Bartlett Lake generation, and the 235TA belongs to the Arrow Lake generation.