Intel Core 7 150HL vs Intel Core 7 251E Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 150HL and Intel Core 7 251E occupy different positions in the desktop processor stack, and the recorded data shows a clear split in their intended roles. The Core 7 150HL, built on Raptor Lake-PS, is the more conservative part with 14 cores and 20 threads. The Core 7 251E, from the Bartlett Lake family, delivers 24 cores and 32 threads. That difference in core count is the single largest factor separating these two processors.

In terms of raw throughput, the Core 7 251E wins on every metric that scales with core count. The data shows a 10-core advantage, 12-thread advantage, and a 12 MB larger shared L3 cache (36 MB versus 24 MB). The 251E also carries a higher boost clock of 5.60 GHz compared to the 150HL's 5.00 GHz, meaning it wins not only in multi-threaded workloads but also in single-thread peak capability. The 150HL does hold a higher base clock at 2.40 GHz versus 2.10 GHz, which gives it a small idle-to-loaded transition advantage in lightly threaded tasks, but that advantage is narrow.

The integrated graphics situation also splits these two. The 150HL uses Iris Xe Graphics with 96 execution units, while the 251E uses UHD Graphics 770. The Iris Xe part is the more capable graphics block on paper, so the 150HL wins in scenarios where the iGPU is used for media playback, light gaming, or encode/decode workloads. The 251E counters with ECC memory support, which the 150HL lacks, making it the winner for stability-sensitive environments such as small servers, NAS builds, or workstation use cases where error correction matters.

The PCIe configuration further separates them. The 251E supports Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 150HL supports Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). That is a major win for the 251E in any workload involving high-bandwidth peripherals, GPU transfers, or NVMe storage. The 251E also has a higher memory bandwidth figure at 89.6 GB/s, while the 150HL has no recorded bandwidth number.

The 150HL wins on power envelope. Its TDP is 45 W versus 65 W for the 251E, so in thermally constrained chassis or systems with modest cooling, the 150HL is the more sensible choice. The 150HL also launched earlier, with a release date in April 2024, while the 251E arrived in January 2025. The 251E has a launch MSRP of $384, while the 150HL has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 7 150HL has 14 cores and 20 threads.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: Yes, both use Intel Socket 1700.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Core 7 251E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 7 150HL does not.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E boosts to 5.60 GHz, while the Intel Core 7 150HL boosts to 5.00 GHz. The 251E is 0.60 GHz higher.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, compared to 24 MB on the Intel Core 7 150HL.

Q: What PCIe generation does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 7 150HL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data is empty in the database, so no direct frame-by-frame scores exist for these two parts. However, the recorded specifications allow for a clear comparative analysis. The most decisive differences appear in core count, cache size, memory bandwidth, and PCIe capability.

The Core 7 251E holds a 10-core lead over the 150HL. That translates to 12 additional threads. In heavily threaded workloads such as video encoding, compilation, or 3D rendering, the 251E would be expected to finish substantially ahead, given that its thread count is 60% higher. The L3 cache difference reinforces this: 36 MB versus 24 MB is a 50% increase in shared cache, which reduces memory latency pressure in multi-threaded scenarios.

The boost clock difference is also significant. The 251E reaches 5.60 GHz, which is 0.60 GHz higher than the 150HL's 5.00 GHz. In single-threaded tasks, the 251E should take the lead. The 150HL's base clock is higher at 2.40 GHz versus 2.10 GHz, but base clock matters less for peak performance than boost clock, especially in bursty workloads.

The memory subsystem favors the 251E as well. It has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the 150HL has no recorded memory bandwidth figure. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 and use a dual-channel memory bus, but the 251E's higher bandwidth figure indicates better memory throughput in bandwidth-sensitive applications.

The PCIe interface is another decisive win for the 251E. It supports Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the 150HL supports Gen 4 with 8 lanes. That is a doubling of lane count and a generation jump, which matters for discrete GPUs, high-speed SSDs, and other expansion cards. The 251E can feed a modern GPU with more bandwidth, while the 150HL is limited to half the lanes on an older generation.

The integrated graphics comparison goes the other way. The 150HL uses Iris Xe Graphics with 96 execution units. The 251E uses UHD Graphics 770. The Iris Xe part has more execution units, and in typical iGPU benchmarks, a 96EU Iris Xe configuration outperforms UHD 770 in graphics-heavy tasks. The 150HL wins the iGPU comparison, though the gap is not as large as the core count gap in the other direction.

The power draw also favors the 150HL. Its TDP is 45 W, while the 251E is rated at 65 W. That is a 20 W difference. In a small form factor system or a workstation with limited cooling, the 150HL will generate less heat and require less aggressive cooling. However, the 251E's higher TDP is consistent with its higher core count and higher boost clock.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key fields. The 150HL has 14 cores and 20 threads; the 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. Base clock: 2.40 GHz on the 150HL, 2.10 GHz on the 251E. Boost clock: 5.00 GHz on the 150HL, 5.60 GHz on the 251E. TDP: 45 W on the 150HL, 65 W on the 251E.

L3 cache: 24 MB on the 150HL, 36 MB on the 251E. L1 and L2 cache are identical: 80 KB per core and 2 MB per core, respectively. Memory bandwidth: no recorded figure for the 150HL, 89.6 GB/s for the 251E. ECC memory support: false on the 150HL, true on the 251E.

PCIe: Gen 4 with 8 lanes on the 150HL, Gen 5 with 16 lanes on the 251E. Integrated graphics: Iris Xe Graphics 96EU on the 150HL, UHD Graphics 770 on the 251E. Die size: no recorded figure for the 150HL, 257 mm² for the 251E. Release date: April 2024 for the 150HL, January 2025 for the 251E. Launch MSRP: none recorded for the 150HL, $384 for the 251E. Part number: unknown for the 150HL, SRQDUQ657 for the 251E.

Architecture Differences

The 150HL is built on Raptor Lake, with the codename Raptor Lake-PS and the generation listed as Core 7 (Raptor Lake-PS). The 251E uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, with the generation listed as Core 7 (Bartlett Lake). Both use a 10 nm process node from Intel, and both are fabricated by Intel.

The 251E has a recorded die size of 257 mm², while the 150HL has no recorded die size. That larger die is consistent with the higher core count and larger L3 cache. The 251E also carries a specific part number (SRQDUQ657), while the 150HL's part number is listed as unknown.

The cache hierarchy is otherwise identical in per-core structure: 80 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core on both. The shared L3 is where they diverge, with 36 MB on the 251E versus 24 MB on the 150HL. The 251E supports ECC memory, the 150HL does not.

Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus, but the 251E has a higher recorded memory bandwidth. Both are desktop market segment parts, both use Intel Socket 1700, both are production active, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The 251E's Bartlett Lake architecture represents a newer release generation, arriving in January 2025 versus the 150HL's April 2024 release.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward split. The Intel Core 7 251E is the stronger processor for compute-heavy workloads. Its 24 cores, 32 threads, 36 MB L3 cache, 5.60 GHz boost clock, 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and ECC support make it the pick for multi-threaded productivity, server-like tasks, and any system that needs expansion bandwidth or error-correcting memory. The recorded launch MSRP of $384 places it as a higher-tier desktop part.

The Intel Core 7 150HL is the more efficient and graphics-capable option. Its 45 W TDP, compared to 65 W on the 251E, makes it better suited to compact or thermally limited builds. Its Iris Xe Graphics 96EU block is the stronger integrated GPU, so systems relying on the iGPU for display output or media acceleration will perform better on the 150HL. Its higher base clock of 2.40 GHz gives it a small edge in lightly threaded responsiveness at low load.

There is no benchmark score data in the database for either processor, so the verdict rests on specification analysis. The 251E wins on core count, thread count, boost clock, L3 cache, memory bandwidth, PCIe capability, ECC support, and die size. The 150HL wins on base clock, TDP, and integrated graphics execution units. For users prioritizing compute density, memory throughput, and modern PCIe, the 251E is the clear choice. For users prioritizing power efficiency and integrated graphics performance, the 150HL fits better. Both use the same socket, so platform compatibility is not a deciding factor.