Intel Core 5 315 vs Intel Core 9 273PTE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive overall advantage for the Intel Core 9 273PTE, which wins 15 of the 17 direct benchmark comparisons. The Intel Core 5 315 manages only 2 wins, both in the same single-threaded PassMark test. The margin of victory for the Core 9 is substantial across nearly every workload category, with the largest gap appearing in integer math.

The single-threaded PassMark result is the one notable exception to the Core 9's dominance. The Core 5 315 scores 4021 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, while the Core 9 273PTE scores 3433 in each. That gives the Core 5 a 17.1% advantage, a meaningful lead for lightly threaded tasks that rely on raw per-core performance. Interestingly, the Cinebench single-core results tell a different story: the Core 9 leads by 36.6% in Cinebench R15 single-core (290 versus 184) and by 36.5% in Cinebench R23 single-core (2886 versus 1832). The discrepancy between PassMark and Cinebench single-thread tests suggests the two processors respond differently to specific instruction patterns.

The Core 9's largest win comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 82411 against the Core 5's 31690, a 61.5% margin. This is the single biggest percentage gap in the entire comparison. Data compression also shows a wide separation: the Core 9 records 258704 versus 146143, a 43.5% difference. Floating-point math favors the Core 9 by 30% (60673 versus 42441). Random string sorting shows a 39.4% gap in favor of the Core 9 (28973 versus 17551), and physics simulation scores 1917 versus 1163, a 39.3% lead.

The Cinebench suite shows remarkably consistent deltas across all versions. In R15, R20, and R23, the multicore results all show the Core 9 leading by 36.5%. Single-core results in the same suite show 36.6% leads in R15 and R20, with R23 at 36.5%. This consistency across three generations of the Cinebench test indicates a stable performance ratio between the two parts. The Core 9's multicore scores are 2060 in R15, 8586 in R20, and 20445 in R23, while the Core 5 reaches 1308, 5452, and 12981 respectively.

Data encryption shows a narrower gap at 22% (14253 versus 11119), and extended instructions come in at 17.6% (15952 versus 13143). Prime number finding shows a 21.1% lead for the Core 9 (142 versus 112). PassMark multithread results put the Core 9 at 24054 versus 15272, a 36.5% margin that mirrors the Cinebench multicore pattern.

The average benchmark score reflects this overall trend. The Core 9 273PTE posts an average of 31143, placing it in the 82nd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 315 averages 18188, landing in the 72nd percentile. The Core 9's nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i7-12700F (31081, 0.2% delta), AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (31074, 0.2%), and Intel Core i7-13700TE (31028, 0.4%). The Core 5 sits near the AMD EPYC 9274F (18189, 0% delta), Intel Core i7-9700 (18180, 0%), and Intel Core i7-1365U (18177, 0.1%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different architectural lineages within Intel's current lineup. The Core 5 315 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 generation, built on a 3 nm process node. The Core 9 273PTE carries the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 9 generation, manufactured on a 10 nm node. Both are produced by Intel, but the process technology difference is substantial and likely contributes to the distinct performance characteristics.

Core counts differ sharply. The Core 5 315 has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning no hyperthreading support. The Core 9 273PTE doubles the core count to 12 and supports 24 threads, a 4x increase in thread count. This thread advantage directly explains the Core 9's multicore wins in both Cinebench and PassMark multithread tests.

Clock speeds show a trade-off. The Core 5 has a higher base clock at 1.50 GHz versus 1.40 GHz, but the Core 9 boosts significantly higher at 5.50 GHz versus 4.40 GHz. The 1.10 GHz boost advantage for the Core 9 gives it a clear single-core performance edge in most tests, though the Core 5's PassMark single-thread win suggests its sustained per-core execution can exceed expectations in certain workloads.

Cache hierarchies differ in structure and size. The Core 5 315 has a 192 KB L1 cache, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 9 273PTE specifies per-core cache values: 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The Core 9's larger shared L3 pool provides considerably more data capacity for multi-threaded workloads that benefit from frequent cache hits.

Memory support diverges significantly. The Core 5 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 9 supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 9's dual-channel configuration and higher bandwidth provide a 50% bandwidth advantage over the Core 5. The Core 9 also supports ECC memory, while the Core 5 does not.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The Core 5 offers Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Core 9 provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The Core 9's newer PCIe generation and higher lane count give it more headroom for expansion devices and storage.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores, while the Core 9 uses UHD Graphics 730. The Core 5's Xe3 architecture represents a newer graphics design, though the benchmark data does not include GPU-specific tests.

The market segments and sockets reflect different intended platforms. The Core 5 315 targets mobile systems with an Intel BGA 1516 socket and a 15 W TDP. The Core 9 273PTE targets desktop systems with Intel Socket 1700 and a 45 W TDP. The Core 9's higher TDP allows for sustained performance under load, while the Core 5's lower TDP suits power-constrained mobile designs.

Release dates place the Core 5 in April 2026 and the Core 9 in March 2026, roughly one month apart. Both processors remain in active production. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear hierarchy. The Intel Core 9 273PTE outperforms the Intel Core 5 315 in 15 of 17 recorded tests, with margins ranging from 17.6% to 61.5%. Its wins span every Cinebench version, all PassMark computational workloads, and the multithread test. The average benchmark score of 31143 versus 18188 places the Core 9 in the 82nd percentile versus the Core 5's 72nd percentile.

The Core 5 315's only wins come in PassMark single-thread tests, where it leads by 17.1% (4021 versus 3433). This indicates that for purely single-threaded PassMark-style workloads, the Core 5 delivers superior per-core throughput. However, the Cinebench single-core results contradict this finding, with the Core 9 leading by 36.5% to 36.6% across all three versions. The discrepancy suggests workload-specific behavior rather than a universal single-core advantage.

For users prioritizing multi-threaded performance, the Core 9 273PTE is the clear choice from the data. Its 12 cores and 24 threads, combined with 36 MB of shared L3 and dual-channel memory, produce consistent 36.5% leads in Cinebench multicore tests and a 61.5% lead in integer math. The Core 5 315, with 6 cores, 6 threads, and 6 MB L3, cannot match this throughput in parallel workloads.

The Core 5 315 does offer advantages in power envelope and platform. Its 15 W TDP versus 45 W means it fits into thermally constrained mobile designs. Its 3 nm process node suggests a more advanced manufacturing technology that likely contributes to its efficiency. For single-threaded PassMark workloads, it holds a measurable lead.

The launch MSRP for the Core 5 315 is $340. The launch MSRP for the Core 9 273PTE is $549.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PTE has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel Core 5 315 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds for both processors?

A: The Core 9 273PTE boosts to 5.50 GHz, while the Core 5 315 boosts to 4.40 GHz. The Core 5 has a higher base clock at 1.50 GHz versus 1.40 GHz.

Q: Which processor wins in multi-threaded Cinebench tests?

A: The Core 9 273PTE wins all Cinebench multicore tests, leading by 36.5% in R15, R20, and R23. Its R23 multicore score is 20445 versus 12981 for the Core 5.

Q: Does the Core 5 315 win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the Core 5 315 wins the PassMark single-thread tests, scoring 4021 versus 3433 for the Core 9, a 17.1% advantage.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Core 5 315 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus. The Core 9 273PTE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and ECC memory support.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Core 5 315 is built on a 3 nm process, while the Core 9 273PTE uses a 10 nm process. Both are manufactured by Intel.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 9 273PTE wins in every multi-threaded and most single-threaded computational categories. Its largest advantage appears in integer math (61.5% lead), data compression (43.5%), random string sorting (39.4%), and physics simulation (39.3%). All three Cinebench multicore tests show a 36.5% lead, and the Cinebench single-core tests show a 36.5% to 36.6% lead. Data encryption (22%), extended instructions (17.6%), and prime number finding (21.1%) also favor the Core 9. The PassMark multithread result shows a 36.5% lead. The Core 9's 24 threads, 36 MB shared L3, dual-channel memory at 89.6 GB/s, and 5.50 GHz boost clock explain these results.

The Intel Core 5 315 wins in PassMark single-thread tests with a 17.1% lead (4021 versus 3433). This single category represents its only recorded benchmark victories. The Core 5's 3 nm process node, 6 MB L3 cache, and 4.40 GHz boost clock produce a result that surpasses the Core 9 in this specific PassMark workload. Its lower 15 W TDP also positions it for mobile systems where power draw and thermal output constrain performance.

For users running parallel workloads such as video rendering, data processing, or scientific computation, the Core 9 273PTE delivers consistently higher throughput. The 61.5% integer math lead and 43.5% data compression lead indicate particularly strong performance in these areas. For systems where single-threaded PassMark performance matters most and power consumption is a concern, the Core 5 315 provides a viable alternative with its 15 W envelope and 3 nm process.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category.

| Specification | Intel Core 5 315 | Intel Core 9 273PTE |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 12 |

| Threads | 6 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 1.50 GHz | 1.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 5.50 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Process Node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 6 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | April 2026 | March 2026 |

| Launch MSRP | $340 | $549 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

| Part Number | SAEFC | SA4QJ |

The Core 9 273PTE also reaches the 82nd percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Core 5 315 sits at the 72nd percentile. The average benchmark score for the Core 9 is 31143 versus 18188 for the Core 5. Both processors are in active production.