Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a thoroughly one-sided contest. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons, with the Intel Core 5 221TE recording zero wins. The margins are substantial across every workload category, indicating a fundamental performance gap rather than a narrow advantage.

Starting with the Cinebench suite, the Core Ultra 5 245HX dominates multi-threaded rendering. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Ultra 5 scores 32358 against the Core 5's 11305, a delta of -65.1%. The same pattern holds in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the Ultra 5 posts 13590 versus 4748, and in Cinebench R15 multicore, the scores are 3261 and 1139 respectively. The single-core results tell an equally decisive story. The Ultra 5 reaches 4568 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Core 5 manages 1596, another -65.1% delta. Cinebench R20 single-core shows 1918 against 670, and Cinebench R15 single-core shows 460 versus 160.

The Passmark suite reinforces this picture with varying margins. The largest single deficit appears in the find prime numbers test, where the Core 5 scores 59 and the Ultra 5 scores 359, a delta of -83.6%. Floating point math shows the Core 5 at 31661 versus 120735 for the Ultra 5, a -73.8% difference. Data encryption produces 8963 against 30022, a -70.1% gap. Extended instructions show 9655 versus 31212, a -69.1% deficit. Data compression yields 156682 versus 393071, a -60.1% margin.

The smallest recorded deltas still favor the Ultra 5 heavily. Integer math shows 42303 against 92150, a -54.1% difference. Physics scores 977 versus 2526, a -61.3% gap. Random string sorting produces 16929 versus 47616, a -64.4% deficit. Multithread scores 13301 versus 38069, another -65.1% margin. Single-thread results show 1734 versus 4481, a -61.3% difference.

The average benchmark score places the Ultra 5 at 48287, which corresponds to the 90th percentile among all CPUs. The Core 5 averages 17860, sitting at the 71st percentile. The nearest rivals for the Core 5 include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 (-0.2%), the Intel Core 5 120U at 17898 (-0.2%), the Intel Core 7 350 at 17779 (+0.5%), and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 17994 (-0.7%). The Ultra 5's nearest rivals are the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A at 48201 (+0.2%), the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 at 48171 (+0.2%), the AMD EPYC 4345P at 48470 (-0.4%), and the Intel Core i5-14600K at 48618 (-0.7%). These rival placements show that the Core 5 competes with older mid-range desktop processors, while the Ultra 5 sits alongside current high-performance mobile and desktop parts.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge sharply in their underlying design. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. It is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700 with 10 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2, uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-HX codename, and is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC. It is a mobile part on Intel BGA 2114 with 14 cores and 14 threads.

The transistor count differs dramatically. The Ultra 5 contains 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the Core 5 lists no transistor count but has a 215 mm² die. The cache hierarchy also differs. The Core 5 provides 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, while the Ultra 5 offers 192 KB of L1 per core and 3 MB of L2 per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache.

Memory support separates the two as well. The Core 5 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. The Ultra 5 supports only DDR5, still dual-channel, but with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 but not on the Ultra 5. PCIe connectivity differs, with the Core 5 providing Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and the Ultra 5 offering Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics present another distinction. The Core 5 uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Ultra 5 features Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU. The Ultra 5 has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Core 5 does not. Base clocks stand at 1.80 GHz for the Core 5 and 3.10 GHz for the Ultra 5. Boost clocks reach 5.00 GHz on the Core 5 and 5.10 GHz on the Ultra 5. Thermal design power is listed at 45 for the Core 5 and 55 for the Ultra 5.

Where Each One Wins

Given the sweep of results, the use-case split is stark. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX wins every recorded benchmark category, making it the clear choice for any workload represented in the database. The Cinebench multi-core tests indicate strong rendering performance, useful for 3D content creation and video encoding. The single-core Cinebench results suggest responsive general computing and lightly threaded applications. Passmark integer math, floating point math, and extended instructions point to broad computational strength in scientific and engineering tasks. Data compression and encryption scores indicate solid performance in archiving and security-related workloads.

The Intel Core 5 221TE does not win any benchmark category in this comparison. Its recorded scores place it at the 71st percentile overall, which means it performs adequately against the broader CPU population but cannot match the Ultra 5's 90th percentile standing. The Core 5's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and the Intel Core 5 120U, both with average scores within a fraction of a percent. This suggests the Core 5 occupies a mid-range desktop position, suitable for general productivity and modest multi-threaded work, but the data provides no category where it outperforms the Ultra 5.

The practical implication is that any workload measured in this database will favor the Ultra 5. The smallest margin, -54.1% in integer math, still represents a massive performance deficit for the Core 5. The largest margin, -83.6% in prime number finding, indicates tasks involving heavy integer iteration will see the greatest relative difference.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX averages 48287, while the Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17860.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest gap appears in the Passmark find prime numbers test, where the Core Ultra 5 245HX scores 359 versus 59 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -83.6%.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 245HX supports DDR5 only.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245HX has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245HX scores 32358, compared to 11305 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -65.1%.

Q: Are both processors currently in production?

A: Yes, both are listed as Active in production status.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields. The Core Ultra 5 245HX uses the Arrow Lake architecture and Arrow Lake-HX codename, while the Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename with no listed architecture. The process node is 3 nm for the Ultra 5 and 10 nm for the Core 5. The foundry is TSMC for the Ultra 5 and Intel for the Core 5.

The Ultra 5 has 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Core 5 has 10 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.10 GHz for the Ultra 5 and 1.80 GHz for the Core 5. Boost clocks are 5.10 GHz for the Ultra 5 and 5.00 GHz for the Core 5. TDP is 55 for the Ultra 5 and 45 for the Core 5. The Ultra 5 uses Intel BGA 2114, while the Core 5 uses Intel Socket 1700.

The transistor count is 17,800 million for the Ultra 5, with no figure recorded for the Core 5. Die size is 243 mm² for the Ultra 5 and 215 mm² for the Core 5. L1 cache is 192 KB per core for the Ultra 5 and 80 KB per core for the Core 5. L2 cache is 3 MB per core for the Ultra 5 and 1.25 MB per core for the Core 5. Both share 24 MB of L3.

Memory support differs, with the Core 5 supporting DDR4 and DDR5 and the Ultra 5 supporting only DDR5. Memory bandwidth is 102.4 GB/s for the Ultra 5 and 76.8 GB/s for the Core 5. ECC memory is supported on the Core 5 but not on the Ultra 5. PCIe lanes are 20 for the Ultra 5 and 16 for the Core 5, both Gen 5. Integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU for the Ultra 5 and UHD Graphics 730 for the Core 5.

The market segment is Mobile for the Ultra 5 and Desktop for the Core 5. The multiplier is unlocked on the Ultra 5 but locked on the Core 5. Part numbers are SRVFM for the Ultra 5 and SRVQS for the Core 5. The Core 5 has a launch MSRP of $232, while the Ultra 5 has no listed launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The recorded data makes the choice unambiguous for performance-focused users. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX wins all 17 benchmark comparisons and sits at the 90th percentile among all CPUs, with an average score of 48287. The Intel Core 5 221TE records zero wins and sits at the 71st percentile with an average score of 17860.

Users requiring maximum multi-threaded throughput for rendering, compression, encryption, or mathematical workloads should select the Ultra 5. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 32358 is nearly three times the Core 5's 11305. Single-thread performance also favors the Ultra 5, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4568 against 1596.

The Core 5 221TE retains relevance only as a desktop part with ECC memory support and DDR4 compatibility, which the Ultra 5 lacks. Its lower TDP of 45 versus 55 may suit constrained desktop builds, and its launch MSRP of $232 provides a reference point. However, the benchmark data shows no workload where the Core 5 outperforms the Ultra 5. The Ultra 5's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-14600K and the AMD EPYC 4345P, placing it in high-performance territory. The Core 5's nearest rivals are older mid-range parts like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and the Intel Core 7 350, confirming its lower standing.

The architecture gap explains the results. The Ultra 5's 3 nm process, 14 cores, larger caches, higher clocks, and higher memory bandwidth create a substantial advantage over the Core 5's 10 nm process and 10 cores. The 17,800 million transistors in the Ultra 5, combined with 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, deliver the measured performance. The Core 5's 76.8 GB/s bandwidth and smaller cache hierarchy cannot compensate. The verdict is clear: the data supports the Ultra 5 for any scenario covered by these benchmarks.