Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Processor N250 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 221TE and Intel Processor N250 occupy dramatically different positions in the database. The Core 5 221TE holds an average benchmark score of 17860, placing it in the 71st percentile of all CPUs tested. The N250, by contrast, sits at the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmark scores in the current dataset. This absence of measurement data for the N250 means the head-to-head comparison relies entirely on the Core 5 221TE's recorded results and the architectural specifications of both parts.

The Core 5 221TE delivers substantial multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 11305 points. The single-core result of 1596 in the same test shows a strong balance between parallel throughput and single-thread responsiveness. Cinebench R20 results follow a similar pattern: 4748 multi-core and 670 single-core. The older Cinebench R15 test produces 1139 multi-core and 160 single-core scores.

PassMark results reinforce this picture. The multithread score of 13301 and single-thread score of 1734 indicate a processor that handles both heavily parallel workloads and latency-sensitive tasks with similar competence. Integer math completes at 42303, floating point math at 31661, and extended instructions at 9655. Data compression reaches 156682, while data encryption processes 8963. Random string sorting finishes at 16929, and the physics test scores 977. Prime number finding completes at 59.

The nearest rivals in the database provide context for these numbers. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT averages 17891, a 0.2 percent advantage over the Core 5 221TE. The Intel Core 5 120U scores 17898, also 0.2 percent ahead. The Intel Core 7 350 scores 17779, putting the Core 5 221TE 0.5 percent ahead of that part. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 scores 17994, giving it a 0.7 percent edge over the Core 5 221TE. These deltas are all within a single percentage point, indicating that the Core 5 221TE sits in a tightly contested performance band despite its distinct architectural identity.

For the N250, the database contains no benchmark entries. Its percentile rank of 50 with an average score of zero means no direct numerical comparison can be drawn. What the specification data does show is a processor designed for minimal power consumption and modest workloads. The N250's four cores and four threads, paired with a 6 watt TDP, position it as a low-power part. The Core 5 221TE, with ten cores, sixteen threads, and a 45 watt TDP, targets substantially heavier workloads.

FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core 5 221TE compare to its closest rivals in the database?

A: The Core 5 221TE averages 17860 across all benchmark tests. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT scores 17891, a 0.2 percent difference. The Intel Core 5 120U scores 17898, also 0.2 percent higher. The Intel Core 7 350 scores 17779, which the Core 5 221TE beats by 0.5 percent. The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 scores 17994, 0.7 percent above the Core 5 221TE. All four rivals fall within one percentage point.

Q: What benchmark results are available for the Intel Processor N250?

A: The database currently contains no benchmark scores for the N250. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and it has no nearest rivals recorded. The percentile rank of 50 reflects its position relative to all CPUs, but no specific test results exist to analyze.

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 Processor N250 has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Core 5 221TE therefore supports simultaneous multithreading, while the N250 does not.

Q: What memory configurations do the two processors support?

A: The Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The N250 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 over a single-channel bus with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Core 5 221TE also supports ECC memory; the N250 does not.

Q: How do the clock speeds differ between the two parts?

A: The Core 5 221TE has a base clock of 1.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The N250 has a base clock of 0.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The base clock of the N250 is exceptionally low, reflecting its power-oriented design.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core 5 221TE?

A: The launch MSRP is $232. The N250 has no launch MSRP recorded in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share a 10 nm process node and Intel as the foundry, but their internal designs diverge sharply. The Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The N250 uses the Twin Lake codename with a Twin Lake architecture, listed under the Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N) generation. These are separate design lineages with different goals.

Cache organization reflects the performance gap. The Core 5 221TE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 24 MB L3 cache. The N250 provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core, a shared 2 MB L2 cache, and a shared 6 MB L3 cache. The Core 5 221TE's per-core L2 allocation and much larger L3 pool give it a substantial advantage for data-heavy workloads. The N250's slightly larger per-core L1 suggests a design tuned for efficiency rather than raw throughput.

The integrated graphics are identical in name: both parts use UHD Graphics 730. This is notable given the different market segments and power envelopes. The memory controllers differ significantly. The Core 5 221TE uses a dual-channel bus reaching 76.8 GB/s, while the N250 uses a single-channel bus at 38.4 GB/s. The N250 adds LPDDR5 support to its memory compatibility list, which the Core 5 221TE does not offer.

PCI Express support also separates the two. The Core 5 221TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The N250 provides Gen 3 with 9 lanes. This difference affects expansion capability and data transfer speeds for attached devices. The Core 5 221TE's newer and wider PCIe implementation supports faster storage and graphics connectivity.

The Core 5 221TE carries a die size of 215 mm². The N250 has no die size recorded in the database. The production status for both is Active, indicating ongoing availability.

Specification Differences

The socket types differ completely. The Core 5 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop platform. The N250 uses Intel BGA 1264, a soldered mobile package. This dictates the market segments: the Core 5 221TE is listed as Desktop, the N250 as Mobile.

Core and thread counts differ as described: 10 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 4 threads. Clock speeds differ substantially, with the Core 5 221TE base at 1.80 GHz and boost at 5.00 GHz, versus the N250 base at 0.10 GHz and boost at 3.80 GHz. The TDP difference is stark: 45 watts for the Core 5 221TE versus 6 watts for the N250. The N250's extremely low base clock and TDP indicate a fanless or lightly cooled design.

Memory support differs in channel configuration and bandwidth. The Core 5 221TE supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 at 76.8 GB/s. The N250 supports single-channel DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 at 38.4 GB/s. ECC memory is supported by the Core 5 221TE but not by the N250. PCIe generations and lane counts differ: Gen 5 with 16 lanes versus Gen 3 with 9 lanes.

The release dates are close. The Core 5 221TE released on 2025-01-12, and the N250 on 2025-01-06. The Core 5 221TE has a launch MSRP of $232; the N250 has no recorded launch MSRP. Part numbers are SRVQS for the Core 5 221TE and SRPNS for the N250. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

The L1 cache sizes differ on a per-core basis: 80 KB for the Core 5 221TE versus 96 KB for the N250. L2 cache organization differs fundamentally: per-core for the Core 5 221TE at 1.25 MB, shared for the N250 at 2 MB total. L3 cache is shared on both, but the Core 5 221TE's 24 MB dwarfs the N250's 6 MB.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 221TE wins in every workload category where data exists. Its 10 cores and 16 threads provide a 2.5x core advantage and 4x thread advantage over the N250. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 11305 demonstrates strong parallel scaling. The PassMark multithread score of 13301 confirms this capability. For rendering, compilation, scientific computing, and other multi-threaded tasks, the Core 5 221TE is the clear choice within this comparison.

Single-thread performance also favors the Core 5 221TE. Its boost clock of 5.00 GHz, compared to 3.80 GHz for the N250, produces a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1596. The PassMark single-thread score of 1734 indicates responsive application behavior. Tasks that depend on single-core speed, such as legacy software, spreadsheet calculations, and light scripting, benefit from the higher clock ceiling.

Memory bandwidth heavily favors the Core 5 221TE. The dual-channel 76.8 GB/s interface doubles the N250's single-channel 38.4 GB/s throughput. Applications that stream large datasets, process video, or manipulate database files will see measurable gains. The 24 MB L3 cache further reduces memory pressure for frequently accessed data.

ECC memory support gives the Core 5 221TE an edge in reliability-sensitive environments. Workstations and small servers that require error correction in memory can use this part. The N250 lacks ECC support entirely.

The N250 wins in power consumption. Its 6 watt TDP is roughly one-thirteenth of the Core 5 221TE's 45 watt TDP. For fanless embedded systems, battery-powered devices, or always-on appliances, the N250's power profile is decisive. The support for LPDDR5 memory aligns with low-power mobile designs.

The N250 also wins on platform simplicity. The BGA 1264 socket eliminates the need for a separate CPU cooler and socket mounting hardware. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 handles display output without a discrete GPU, and the Gen 3 PCIe lanes suffice for basic storage and networking. The Core 5 221TE, despite sharing the same integrated graphics, demands a more substantial cooling solution and desktop platform infrastructure.

The Core 5 221TE's PCIe Gen 5 support with 16 lanes enables high-bandwidth add-in cards. The N250's Gen 3 implementation with 9 lanes limits expansion options. For users building a desktop with discrete graphics, fast NVMe storage, or capture cards, the Core 5 221TE provides the necessary connectivity.

The database places the Core 5 221TE in the 71st percentile of all CPUs. The N250 sits at the 50th percentile. This gap reflects the performance difference between a desktop processor designed for active workloads and a mobile processor designed for efficiency. The Core 5 221TE's nearest rivals all score within one percentage point of its average, confirming its competitive position. The N250 has no rivals listed, consistent with its lack of benchmark data.