Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a decisive outcome: the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX wins every single head-to-head comparison, taking all 17 recorded tests. The Intel Core 5 221TE does not secure a win in any category, and the margins are substantial across the board.

In multi-core workloads, the Core Ultra 9 275HX dominates. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the 275HX scoring 35,589 against the 221TE's 11,305, a delta of -68.2% for the 221TE. The gap is even larger in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the 275HX posts 19,899 versus 4,748, a -76.1% difference. Cinebench R15 multi-core follows the same pattern: 5,619.5 for the 275HX against 1,139 for the 221TE, a -79.7% gap.

Single-core results are closer but still favor the 275HX decisively. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the 275HX scores 2,204 while the 221TE manages 1,596, a -27.6% difference. Cinebench R20 single-core shows 2,809 versus 670, a -76.1% delta. Cinebench R15 single-core records 334 against 160, a -52.1% gap. The PassMark single-thread test shows 4,713 for the 275HX and 1,734 for the 221TE, a -63.2% difference.

PassMark workload tests amplify the spread. Data compression: 608,381 versus 156,682, a -74.2% delta. Data encryption: 47,112 versus 8,963, a -81% gap. Extended instructions: 47,016 versus 9,655, a -79.5% difference. Floating point math: 191,186 versus 31,661, a -83.4% margin. Integer math: 155,218 versus 42,303, a -72.7% gap. Find prime numbers: 448 versus 59, a -86.8% delta, the largest single gap in the dataset. Physics: 3,338 versus 977, a -70.7% difference. Random string sorting: 74,320 versus 16,929, a -77.2% margin. Multithread: 55,759 versus 13,301, a -76.1% gap.

The average benchmark score reinforces the hierarchy. The Core Ultra 9 275HX averages 67,469 points, while the Core 5 221TE averages 17,860 points. The percentile rankings place the 275HX at the 94th percentile of all CPUs, while the 221TE sits at the 71st percentile. The 275HX's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Xeon w5-3525 (delta -0.3%), AMD EPYC 4484PX (delta -0.5%), AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX (delta -0.6%), and Intel Xeon 6515P (delta 0.7%). The 221TE's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (delta -0.2%), Intel Core 5 120U (delta -0.2%), Intel Core 7 350 (delta 0.5%), and AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (delta -0.7%). These rival relationships show that the 221TE competes in the mainstream desktop tier, while the 275HX operates alongside workstation and server-class silicon.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 9 275HX wins every recorded benchmark category, so the use-case split is defined by the magnitude of its advantage rather than by any 221TE victory. The 275HX is strongest in heavily parallel workloads. PassMark find prime numbers shows the largest gap at -86.8%, followed by floating point math at -83.4% and data encryption at -81%. These results indicate the 275HX handles scientific computation, encryption tasks, and math-heavy processing with far greater throughput.

The 221TE's closest relative performance comes in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the gap narrows to -27.6%. That remains a clear loss, but it suggests the 221TE's single-thread efficiency is its most competitive area. The PassMark single-thread test shows a -63.2% gap, so even that relative strength does not translate into a benchmark win.

For workstation-style rendering and content creation, the Cinebench results are unambiguous. The 275HX delivers 3.15 times the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of the 221TE (35,589 divided by 11,305). In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the ratio is 4.19 times (19,899 divided by 4,748). These ratios indicate that the 275HX is the appropriate choice for CPU-bound rendering tasks, while the 221TE would be limited to lighter workloads where its lower output is sufficient.

The 221TE does offer ECC memory support, which the 275HX lacks. That feature makes the 221TE relevant for reliability-sensitive systems where error correction is a requirement. The 275HX compensates with a higher memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s compared to 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE, and it supports DDR5 only, while the 221TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different design lineages. The Intel Core 5 221TE is a desktop part on the Bartlett Lake codename, built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 215 mm². The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is a mobile processor on the Arrow Lake-HX codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2, fabricated by TSMC on a 3 nm process with a die size of 243 mm² and 17,800 million transistors. The foundry split is notable: the 221TE is manufactured by Intel, while the 275HX is manufactured by TSMC.

Core counts differ substantially. The 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 275HX has 24 cores and 24 threads. The 275HX does not use simultaneous multithreading, which explains the equal core and thread counts. The 221TE's 10 cores with 16 threads indicates it uses Hyper-Threading or an equivalent approach. Base clocks are 1.80 GHz for the 221TE and 2.70 GHz for the 275HX. Boost clocks are 5.00 GHz for the 221TE and 5.40 GHz for the 275HX.

Cache hierarchies differ across every level. The 221TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The 275HX has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The 275HX's larger per-core caches and bigger L3 pool support its higher core count and memory bandwidth.

Memory support diverges as well. The 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel memory and ECC enabled. The 275HX supports DDR5 only, also dual-channel, but without ECC. Memory bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s for the 221TE and 102.4 GB/s for the 275HX. PCIe connectivity favors the 275HX with Gen 5 and 20 lanes from the CPU, while the 221TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Integrated graphics differ: the 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the 275HX uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The 275HX has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the 221TE does not. The 221TE uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, while the 275HX uses Intel BGA 2114, reflecting its mobile design. Both processors are listed as Active in production status and share the same release date of 2025-01-12. The 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232; the 275HX has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has 24 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap in Cinebench R23?

A: The 275HX scores 35,589 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the 221TE scores 11,305. The 221TE trails by -68.2%.

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

A: Yes, the 221TE supports ECC memory. The 275HX does not support ECC.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The 275HX has a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the 221TE has 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The 275HX has a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: What are the percentile rankings of each processor?

A: The 275HX is in the 94th percentile of all CPUs. The 221TE is in the 71st percentile.

The Verdict

The recorded data gives a clear answer for anyone choosing between these two processors: the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX outperforms the Intel Core 5 221TE in every benchmark category tested. The 275HX wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons, with advantages ranging from -27.6% in Cinebench R23 single-core to -86.8% in PassMark find prime numbers. Its average benchmark score of 67,469 is 3.78 times the 221TE's 17,860, and its 94th percentile ranking places it among the top CPUs in the database.

The 221TE is not without merit. Its ECC memory support is a functional advantage for systems requiring data integrity, and its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 gives platform flexibility. Its lower core count and smaller cache configuration make it a lighter-duty part, and its nearest rivals in the database are mainstream desktop processors like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U, confirming its position in that performance tier.

The 275HX, by contrast, sits alongside workstation processors such as the Intel Xeon w5-3525 and AMD EPYC 4484PX in the database's ranking. Its 24 cores, 36 MB of L3 cache, and 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth drive its multi-threaded dominance. For rendering, scientific workloads, encryption, or any CPU-intensive task measured here, the 275HX is the superior part. The 221TE remains viable for ECC-requiring builds or low-power desktop use, but the benchmark data does not support any scenario where it beats the 275HX in raw performance. Buyers needing maximum throughput should select the 275HX; buyers with a hard requirement for ECC memory or a desktop socket should consider the 221TE.