Intel Core 5 223PQE vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Intel Core 5 223PQE and Intel Core 9 273PQE are both Bartlett Lake desktop processors on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, but the data shows they occupy distinctly different performance tiers. The Core 9 273PQE is the clear performance leader, while the Core 5 223PQE is a more modest 8-core option. Both share the same 10 nm process node, the same 125 W TDP, and the same memory and PCIe capabilities, which makes their differences in core count, cache, and clock speed the primary differentiators.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core 9 273PQE dominates in every recorded benchmark, which is expected given its 12 cores and 24 threads versus the Core 5 223PQE's 8 cores and 16 threads. The benchmark database records no scores for the Core 5 223PQE, so the comparison relies on the Core 9's results and its percentile ranking. The Core 9 273PQE achieves an average benchmark score of 66099, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs. The Core 5 223PQE sits at the 50th percentile with an average score of zero in the database, which confirms a substantial performance gap.

Looking at the Core 9 273PQE's specific results, multi-threaded workloads show the largest advantage. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 39190 indicates strong parallel processing capability, while the Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 16459 and Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 3950 follow the same pattern. Single-core performance is also strong, with Cinebench R23 single-core at 5532, Cinebench R20 single-core at 2323, and Cinebench R15 single-core at 557. PassMark results reinforce this picture, with a multi-thread score of 46107 and a single-thread score of 4573.

The Core 9 273PQE's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its positioning. It is essentially tied with the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, which scores 66159, a difference of only 0.1 percent. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D scores 65914, putting the Core 9 273PQE 0.3 percent ahead. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scores 66855, meaning the Core 9 273PQE trails by 1.1 percent, and the AMD EPYC 4465P scores 66925, a 1.2 percent lead over the Core 9. These deltas are all within a narrow band, indicating that the Core 9 273PQE performs at a level comparable to these established high-end processors.

Since the Core 5 223PQE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, the head-to-head comparison is one-sided. The Core 9 273PQE wins every available benchmark category, from Cinebench multi-core and single-core tests to PassMark integer math, floating point math, data compression, and encryption workloads. The Core 5 223PQE's lower core count and lower boost clock of 5.50 GHz versus the Core 9's 5.90 GHz suggest it cannot match the Core 9's throughput, but the lack of direct scores means the exact margins remain unquantified.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Bartlett Lake codename and use Intel's 10 nm process node, with Intel as the foundry. They share the same socket, Intel Socket 1700, and the same memory support for DDR4 and DDR5, with dual-channel memory bus and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth. ECC memory support is present on both, and both integrate UHD Graphics 770. PCIe connectivity is identical at Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The core and thread counts differ significantly. The Core 5 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads, a 50 percent increase in both cores and threads. Cache configurations also diverge. Both use 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, but the shared L3 cache is 24 MB on the Core 5 and 36 MB on the Core 9, a 12 MB difference that benefits the larger processor in workloads with high cache reuse.

Clock speeds show a trade-off between the two. The Core 5 223PQE has a higher base clock of 4.00 GHz compared to the Core 9 273PQE's 3.40 GHz, but the Core 9 has a higher boost clock of 5.90 GHz versus 5.50 GHz on the Core 5. This means the Core 5 starts at a higher frequency but cannot reach the Core 9's peak single-core speed. Both processors have locked multipliers, so neither supports unlocked overclocking.

The release date is identical for both, 2026-03-08, and both are listed as active in production. The part numbers differ, SA4QC for the Core 5 and SA4Q9 for the Core 9. The launch MSRP for the Core 5 223PQE is $319, and the launch MSRP for the Core 9 273PQE is $589.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What are the clock speeds for each processor?

A: The Core 5 223PQE has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The Core 9 273PQE has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.90 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel memory bus and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth. Both also support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Core 9 273PQE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 5 223PQE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core.

Q: What is the integrated graphics on these processors?

A: Both processors integrate UHD Graphics 770.

Q: What is the process node for both processors?

A: Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node under the Bartlett Lake codename.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Core 9 273PQE is the superior processor for demanding workloads, with 12 cores, 24 threads, 36 MB of L3 cache, and a 5.90 GHz boost clock. Its average benchmark score of 66099 and 93rd percentile ranking place it among high-end desktop CPUs, with its nearest rivals all within a 1.2 percent performance band. The Core 5 223PQE, with 8 cores, 16 threads, 24 MB of L3 cache, and a 5.50 GHz boost clock, is a lower-tier option that sits at the 50th percentile, though the database lacks direct benchmark scores for it.

The Core 5 223PQE does have a higher base clock of 4.00 GHz versus 3.40 GHz on the Core 9, which could benefit lightly threaded tasks that rely on sustained base frequency. However, the Core 9's higher boost clock and additional cores give it a clear advantage in multi-threaded scenarios. The Core 9 273PQE is the choice for users who need maximum throughput across parallel workloads. The Core 5 223PQE is positioned for users who need fewer cores but still want the same platform features, including ECC memory, DDR4 and DDR5 support, and UHD Graphics 770.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in core count, thread count, base clock, boost clock, L3 cache, launch MSRP, and part number. The Core 5 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Core 5 has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, while the Core 9 has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.90 GHz. The L3 cache is 24 MB on the Core 5 and 36 MB on the Core 9. The launch MSRP is $319 for the Core 5 and $589 for the Core 9. The part numbers are SA4QC for the Core 5 and SA4Q9 for the Core 9.

The specifications that are identical include the process node at 10 nm, the Intel Socket 1700, the 125 W TDP, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 770, the Bartlett Lake codename, the 2026-03-08 release date, active production status, and locked multipliers.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 9 273PQE wins in multi-threaded and single-threaded performance based on the recorded benchmarks. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 39190, Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 16459, and Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 3950 show strong parallel scaling from its 12 cores and 24 threads. Its single-core scores, including Cinebench R23 at 5532 and PassMark single-thread at 4573, benefit from the 5.90 GHz boost clock. PassMark integer math at 164629, floating point math at 125546, data compression at 585752, and data encryption at 29636 all indicate high throughput across diverse workloads. The Core 9 also excels in extended instructions with a score of 38743 and physics with a score of 2754.

The Core 5 223PQE has no recorded benchmark scores, so its wins cannot be quantified from direct measurements. The specification data does show its higher base clock of 4.00 GHz compared to the Core 9's 3.40 GHz, which could translate to an advantage in workloads that run at base frequency for extended periods. Its lower core count of 8 cores and 16 threads means it draws the same 125 W TDP as the Core 9, but the database does not include power efficiency measurements. Users who prioritize the lower launch MSRP of $319 would choose the Core 5, while those who need the Core 9's 12 cores, 36 MB of L3 cache, and higher boost clock would opt for the $589 model. The Core 9 273PQE is the data-backed winner for almost any compute-intensive use case, while the Core 5 223PQE fills a more conservative role within the same platform.