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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF across all 17 benchmark comparisons. The Intel Core 5 221TE does not register a single win. The largest gaps appear in compute-heavy workloads, while the smallest deltas appear in integer math.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core Ultra 5 245KF scores 36647 against 11305 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -69.2% for the 221TE. The single-core R23 result is similarly lopsided: 5173 versus 1596, a -69.1% gap. R20 multi-core shows 15391 versus 4748 (-69.2%), and R20 single-core shows 2172 versus 670 (-69.2%). The R15 tests follow the same pattern, with the 245KF posting 3693 multi-core and 521 single-core, while the 221TE manages 1139 and 160 respectively, both at -69.2% and -69.3% deltas.

PassMark results reinforce the dominance. The data compression test shows the 245KF at 460123 versus 156682, a -65.9% delta. Data encryption shows 33381 versus 8963, a -73.1% gap. Extended instructions deliver 37912 versus 9655, a -74.5% delta. Floating point math shows 131546 versus 31661, a -75.9% gap. The prime number search is the most extreme: 416 versus 59, a -85.8% delta.

The closest relative margin comes in PassMark integer math, where the 245KF scores 98854 versus 42303, a -57.2% delta. Physics shows 2998 versus 977 (-67.4%), random string sorting shows 55206 versus 16929 (-69.3%), and multithread shows 43110 versus 13301 (-69.1%). Single-thread PassMark results are 4715 versus 1734, a -63.2% delta.

The average benchmark score in the database is 55093 for the 245KF versus 17860 for the 221TE. The 245KF sits at the 91st percentile of all CPUs, while the 221TE sits at the 71st percentile. The nearest rivals confirm the positioning: the 245KF sits within 1.9% of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K and within 1.6% of the Core i9-14900HX, while the 221TE sits within 0.7% of the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and within 0.5% of the Intel Core 7 350.

The Verdict

The data directs a clear choice. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF is the superior processor in every measured workload, with deltas ranging from -57.2% to -85.8% relative to the Core 5 221TE. Anyone selecting between these two based on benchmark results should take the 245KF without hesitation.

The 221TE does retain relevance in specific contexts. Its 45 watt TDP versus the 245KF's 125 watt TDP indicates a substantially lower power envelope. It also supports ECC memory, which the 245KF does not. The 221TE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the 245KF has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output. These factors make the 221TE viable for power-sensitive or ECC-dependent builds where raw performance is secondary.

The 245KF targets users who prioritize compute throughput. Its 14 cores, 14 threads, and higher clock speeds (base 4.20 GHz, boost 5.20 GHz versus 1.80 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost) deliver the recorded benchmark dominance. The 221TE's 10 cores and 16 threads with hyper-threading provide more thread count than the 245KF, but the 245KF's per-core performance and higher core count still produce a 3.2x advantage in R23 multi-core (36647 versus 11305). The verdict is straightforward: the 245KF wins in all performance categories, the 221TE wins in power efficiency and ECC support.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF wins all single-thread tests. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 5173 versus 1596, a -69.1% delta for the Core 5 221TE. PassMark single-thread shows 4715 versus 1734, a -63.2% delta.

Q: Does the Core 5 221TE support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Core 5 221TE lists ECC memory support as true. The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists ECC memory support as false.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration difference?

A: The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads. The 221TE has more threads than cores due to hyper-threading, while the 245KF has equal core and thread counts.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Core 5 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core Ultra 5 245KF has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth figures?

A: The Core 5 221TE lists 76.8 GB/s. The Core Ultra 5 245KF lists 102.4 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the 245KF supports only DDR5.

Q: How do the two compare in the percentile ranking?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245KF is at the 91st percentile of all CPUs. The Core 5 221TE is at the 71st percentile. The average benchmark scores are 55093 and 17860 respectively.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge on nearly every specification field. The Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks are 1.80 GHz for the 221TE and 4.20 GHz for the 245KF. Boost clocks are 5.00 GHz and 5.20 GHz respectively. TDP is 45 watts for the 221TE and 125 watts for the 245KF.

Sockets differ: the 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, the 245KF uses Intel Socket 1851. Process nodes differ: 10 nm for the 221TE, 3 nm for the 245KF. The foundry also differs: Intel for the 221TE, TSMC for the 245KF. Transistor count is not listed for the 221TE, but the 245KF has 17,800 million transistors. Die size is 215 mm² for the 221TE and 243 mm² for the 245KF.

Cache structures differ. The 221TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3. The 245KF has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3. Memory support: the 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, the 245KF supports only DDR5. Memory bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s versus 102.4 GB/s. ECC memory: true for the 221TE, false for the 245KF. PCIe lanes: Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the 221TE, Gen 5 with 20 lanes for the 245KF. Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 730 for the 221TE, N/A for the 245KF.

The multiplier is locked on the 221TE and unlocked on the 245KF. Release dates differ: the 221TE released on 2025-01-12, the 245KF on 2024-10-23. Part numbers are SRVQS and SRQCY respectively. The launch MSRP is $232 for the 221TE and $294 for the 245KF.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename, part of the Core 5 generation. The Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Arrow Lake-S codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2 generation, with the Arrow Lake architecture.

The process node difference is significant: 10 nm for the 221TE versus 3 nm for the 245KF. The foundry also differs, with Intel manufacturing the 221TE and TSMC manufacturing the 245KF. The transistor count for the 245KF is listed at 17,800 million, while the 221TE does not have a listed transistor count. Die size is larger for the 245KF at 243 mm² versus 215 mm² for the 221TE.

Cache architecture diverges at the lower levels. The 221TE provides 80 KB L1 per core and 1.25 MB L2 per core. The 245KF provides 192 KB L1 per core and 3 MB L2 per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache. The larger per-core caches on the 245KF align with its higher per-core performance in the benchmark data.

Threading models differ. The 221TE supports hyper-threading, yielding 16 threads from 10 cores. The 245KF has 14 threads from 14 cores, indicating no hyper-threading. Despite the lower thread count, the 245KF still achieves a 3.2x advantage in R23 multi-core (36647 versus 11305), which points to substantially higher instructions per clock and clock speeds.

The 245KF also includes more PCIe lanes (20 versus 16) and higher memory bandwidth (102.4 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s). The 221TE retains ECC support and integrated graphics, features absent from the 245KF. The 245KF's unlocked multiplier enables overclocking, while the 221TE's multiplier is locked.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF wins every benchmark in the database. Its strengths are most pronounced in prime number search (-85.8% delta), extended instructions (-74.5%), and floating point math (-75.9%). These results indicate a processor built for heavy compute workloads, rendering, and scientific calculations. The 245KF also leads in data compression (460123 versus 156682) and data encryption (33381 versus 8963), making it suited for content creation and data processing tasks.

The Cinebench suite shows the 245KF with a consistent -69.2% delta across multi-core and single-core tests in R15, R20, and R23. This consistency suggests a balanced improvement across both throughput and latency-sensitive workloads. The PassMark multithread score of 43110 versus 13301 (-69.1%) and physics score of 2998 versus 977 (-67.4%) further confirm the 245KF's dominance in threaded applications.

The Core 5 221TE wins no benchmark comparisons, but its specification profile points to specific use cases. The 45 watt TDP versus 125 watts indicates a power-efficient option for always-on systems or compact builds. The ECC memory support makes it relevant for error-sensitive workloads such as file servers or data integrity applications. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 allows basic display output without a discrete GPU, which the 245KF cannot offer.

The 221TE's memory support for DDR4 provides compatibility with existing platforms, while the 245KF requires DDR5. The 221TE's Socket 1700 platform is also different from the 245KF's Socket 1851, meaning motherboard choice will be dictated by the processor selection. The 245KF's unlocked multiplier and higher boost clock (5.20 GHz versus 5.00 GHz) give it additional headroom for performance tuning.

In summary, the data supports the 245KF for any user prioritizing compute performance, multi-threaded workloads, or single-thread responsiveness. The 221TE serves users who need ECC, integrated graphics, lower power consumption, or DDR4 compatibility. The performance gap is not close, but the feature differences are distinct enough to justify each processor in its respective niche.