Intel Core 5 330 vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data delivers a decisive result: the Intel Core 9 273PE wins 15 of 17 recorded comparisons, with the Intel Core 5 330 taking only 2. The margin is consistently large across both synthetic rendering and real-world workload tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 9 273PE scores 31288 against 13150 for the Core 5 330, a 58% advantage. The single-core gap is equally stark in Cinebench R23, where the Core 9 273PE posts 4417 versus 1856, again a 58% lead.

The largest single delta appears in PassMark integer math. Here the Core 9 273PE scores 139410, while the Core 5 330 manages 33258, a 76.1% difference. This is the widest margin in the entire dataset. Data compression shows the second-largest gap: 405885 for the Core 9 273PE against 145287, a 64.2% deficit for the Core 5 330. Floating point math also favors the Core 9 273PE heavily, with 107884 versus 43885, a 59.3% difference.

The Core 5 330 claims both of its wins in PassMark single-thread tests. It scores 4088 in PassMark single_thread and PassMark singlethread, against 3650 for the Core 9 273PE in both. This translates to a 12% advantage for the Core 5 330 in single-threaded PassMark workloads. Notably, this result contradicts the Cinebench single-core pattern, where the Core 9 273PE holds a 58% lead in every Cinebench iteration.

Cinebench R15 multi-core sees the Core 9 273PE at 3153 versus 1325, a 58% gap. The R15 single-core result is similar, 445 against 186, a 58.2% difference. Cinebench R20 follows the same shape: 13140 versus 5523 in multi-core and 1855 versus 779 in single-core, both at 58%.

PassMark multi-thread shows 36810 for the Core 9 273PE against 15471, a 58% lead. Physics testing gives 3120 versus 1201, a 61.5% gap. Random string sorting favors the Core 9 273PE at 45098 versus 17771, a 60.6% difference. Extended instructions show 24630 versus 12808, a 48% gap. Data encryption delivers 22719 versus 11076, a 51.2% lead. Find prime numbers is the closest contest in percentage terms at 43.8%, with 203 versus 114.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 9 273PE dominates every multi-threaded and heavily parallel workload in the database. Its wins span Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 in both single and multi-core, plus PassMark data compression, data encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating point math, integer math, multi-thread, physics, and random string sorting. This is a comprehensive sweep across rendering, encryption, compression, and general compute.

The Core 5 330 wins only in PassMark single-thread and PassMark singlethread, both recording 4088 points. These are the sole benchmarks where it outpaces the Core 9 273PE, which scores 3650 in both. The 12% margin is meaningful for lightweight, single-threaded applications, but it is an isolated result against a backdrop of 15 losses.

The practical split is clear. For any workload that can use multiple cores or threads, the Core 9 273PE is the stronger choice by a wide margin. For strictly single-threaded PassMark workloads, the Core 5 330 holds a measurable edge. The data also shows the Core 5 330 sits at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 9 273PE ranks at the 90th percentile, confirming the overall performance hierarchy.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families with distinct design approaches. The Core 5 330 is built on Wildcat Lake, a 3 nm process, while the Core 9 273PE uses Bartlett Lake on a 10 nm node. Both are fabricated by Intel, but the process difference is substantial.

Core counts differ sharply. The Core 5 330 has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning no hyper-threading. The Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads, doubling both core count and thread count. Cache configurations reflect this scale difference. The Core 5 330 carries 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 9 273PE lists 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3, a much larger aggregate cache.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 5 330 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores. The Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730. Memory support diverges as well: the Core 5 330 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the Core 9 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5. The Core 5 330 also supports ECC memory, while the Core 9 273PE does not.

PCIe capabilities are not equivalent. The Core 5 330 provides Gen 4 with 6 CPU-only lanes. The Core 9 273PE provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU-only lanes. The Core 5 330 uses a single-channel memory bus, while the Core 9 273PE uses dual-channel. Memory bandwidth reflects this: 59.7 GB/s for the Core 5 330 versus 89.6 GB/s for the Core 9 273PE.

Socket types differ completely. The Core 5 330 uses Intel BGA 1516, a mobile socket, while the Core 9 273PE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop socket. The Core 5 330 is a mobile segment part; the Core 9 273PE is a desktop segment part. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Specification Differences

The clock speeds set the two apart immediately. The Core 5 330 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Core 9 273PE has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The Core 9 273PE is faster at both idle and peak.

Power draw differs considerably. The Core 5 330 has a TDP of 15 watts, while the Core 9 273PE has a TDP of 65 watts. This reflects the mobile versus desktop positioning.

Memory bandwidth is another differentiator: 59.7 GB/s for the Core 5 330 against 89.6 GB/s for the Core 9 273PE. The memory bus width follows, single-channel versus dual-channel. ECC memory support belongs only to the Core 5 330. The Core 9 273PE does not list ECC support.

PCIe generations and lane counts differ. The Core 5 330 uses Gen 4 with 6 lanes; the Core 9 273PE uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Release dates are close but not identical: the Core 5 330 launched on 2026-04-15, and the Core 9 273PE launched on 2026-03-08. Both are listed as Active in production status. Part numbers are SAE3G for the Core 5 330 and SA4QD for the Core 9 273PE.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 5 330 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference in PassMark?

A: The Intel Core 5 330 scores 4088 in PassMark single-thread tests, while the Intel Core 9 273PE scores 3650. The Core 5 330 leads by 12%.

Q: How large is the multi-core advantage for the Core 9 273PE?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 9 273PE scores 31288 against 13150 for the Core 5 330, a 58% advantage. PassMark multi-thread shows 36810 versus 15471, also a 58% lead.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE has a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The Intel Core 5 330 has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Core 5 330 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 9 273PE does not list ECC support.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 330 uses a 3 nm process. The Intel Core 9 273PE uses a 10 nm process. Both are fabricated by Intel.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core 9 273PE as the dominant part in the vast majority of recorded benchmarks. It wins 15 of 17 tests, with margins ranging from 43.8% in find prime numbers to 76.1% in integer math. Its average benchmark score of 49845 places it at the 90th percentile of all CPUs, and its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and the Intel Core i5-14600KF, both within 0.9% of its average score.

The Intel Core 5 330 is a smaller, lower-power mobile part. Its 15 watt TDP, 6 cores, and single-channel memory bus position it for efficiency rather than peak throughput. Its average benchmark score of 18345 puts it at the 72nd percentile, with nearest rivals like the Intel Core i3-14100 and Intel Core 7 360 within 0.2% of its score. Its only victories come in PassMark single-thread tests, where it beats the Core 9 273PE by 12%.

For workloads that demand multi-threaded performance, rendering, compression, encryption, or high-bandwidth memory access, the Core 9 273PE is clearly superior. Its 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, dual-channel bus, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache support that role. For a strictly single-threaded PassMark workload, the Core 5 330 holds the advantage, but that is the extent of its wins.

The choice depends on the platform and workload. Desktop systems needing maximum compute should select the Core 9 273PE. Mobile systems prioritizing low power and single-thread PassMark performance should select the Core 5 330. The recorded data does not support any other conclusion.