Intel Core 7 160HL vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 9 273PE is the only processor in this comparison with recorded benchmark data. The Intel Core 7 160HL has no benchmark entries in the database, so all measurable performance comparisons are one-sided. The Core 9 273PE holds a 90th percentile ranking among all CPUs tracked, while the Core 7 160HL sits at the 50th percentile. That 40-point percentile gap reflects a substantial difference in overall capability, though the Core 7 160HL's lack of scores means the exact magnitude cannot be quantified directly.

Looking at the Core 9 273PE's Cinebench results, the multi-core scores show strong scaling. In Cinebench R15, it records 3153 points multi-core and 445 points single-core. The R20 run shows 13140 multi-core and 1855 single-core. The R23 test, which is the most demanding of the three, produces 31288 multi-core and 4417 single-core. The single-core to multi-core ratio in R23 is roughly 1:7, which aligns with a 12-core, 24-thread design that can push boost clocks aggressively on lightly threaded workloads.

The Passmark suite adds more detail. The Core 9 273PE scores 36810 in multithread testing and 3650 in single-thread testing. The integer math workload hits 139410, while floating point math reaches 107884. Data compression posts 405885, and data encryption reaches 22719. Extended instructions score 24630. Prime number finding is notably lower at 203, a result that typically reflects the specific instruction set path used rather than overall weakness. Random string sorting scores 45098, and physics reaches 3120.

The nearest rivals in the database provide context for the Core 9 273PE's standing. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 averages 49796, which is 0.1% below the Core 9 273PE's 49845 average. The Intel Core i5-14600KF averages 49394, a 0.9% deficit. The Intel Core i9-13980HX averages 50398, putting it 1.1% ahead. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 averages 50448, leading by 1.2%. These are tight margins. The Core 9 273PE sits within a 2.5% band of four capable rivals, which indicates its performance profile is competitive but not dominant in either direction.

The Core 7 160HL cannot be placed in this comparison numerically. The database shows no benchmark scores, no average score, and no nearest rivals for it. Its 50th percentile ranking is the only positional data available. That ranking places it at the midpoint of all CPUs, far below the Core 9 273PE's 90th percentile. The absence of scores means no win column can be filled for the Core 7 160HL. The Core 9 273PE wins every measurable head-to-head category by default.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design lineages. The Core 7 160HL uses Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename. The Core 9 273PE uses Bartlett Lake architecture. Both are built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry, but the underlying designs diverge significantly.

Core counts differ. The Core 7 160HL has 14 cores and 20 threads. The Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The thread advantage belongs to the Core 9 273PE despite having two fewer physical cores. This indicates a different core configuration, likely with more hyperthreading enabled across its cores. The Core 7 160HL's 14 cores produce only 20 threads, meaning some cores do not contribute additional threads.

Clock speeds also differ. The Core 7 160HL has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The Core 9 273PE has a lower base clock of 2.30 GHz but a higher boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The 0.50 GHz boost advantage for the Core 9 273PE suggests it can reach higher peak frequencies on lightly threaded workloads. Its lower base clock suggests the design prioritizes burst performance over sustained all-core operation.

Cache hierarchies are similar in structure but differ in capacity. Both use 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache differs substantially: the Core 7 160HL has 24 MB shared, while the Core 9 273PE has 36 MB shared. That 12 MB difference in L3 capacity can benefit workloads with large working sets that repeatedly access shared data.

Memory support is identical in type: both accept DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core 9 273PE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core 7 160HL has no bandwidth figure in the database. ECC memory support differs. The Core 7 160HL does not support ECC memory. The Core 9 273PE supports it, which matters for error-sensitive workloads.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The Core 7 160HL uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU-only lanes. The Core 9 273PE uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU-only lanes. This doubles the lane count and moves to a newer generation, which affects bandwidth for GPUs, NVMe storage, and other expansion devices.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 7 160HL uses Iris Xe Graphics with 96 execution units. The Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730. The Iris Xe implementation with 96 EU is the more capable graphics solution on paper. The UHD Graphics 730 is a more modest integrated option. Neither is a discrete-class solution, but the Core 7 160HL's iGPU is positioned higher in the integrated graphics hierarchy.

Power and thermal targets differ. The Core 7 160HL has a TDP of 45 watts. The Core 9 273PE has a TDP of 65 watts. The higher TDP for the Core 9 273PE aligns with its higher boost clock and larger L3 cache, though it also implies more heat generation under load.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear choice for raw performance. The Intel Core 9 273PE has an average benchmark score of 49845 and a 90th percentile ranking. The Intel Core 7 160HL has no recorded scores and a 50th percentile ranking. In every test category where data exists, the Core 9 273PE is the superior option. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 and single-core score of 4417 demonstrate strong capability in both threaded and single-threaded workloads. Its Passmark multithread score of 36810 and single-thread score of 3650 reinforce that pattern.

The nearest rival data shows the Core 9 273PE is competitive with top-tier alternatives. It trails the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 by 1.2% and the Intel Core i9-13980HX by 1.1%, while leading the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 by 0.1% and the Intel Core i5-14600KF by 0.9%. These margins are small enough that real-world application differences will depend on workload specifics. The Core 9 273PE is not the fastest CPU in its peer group, but it is within striking distance of all of them.

The Core 7 160HL's case rests on its 14 cores, 20 threads, and lower 45-watt TDP. Its Iris Xe Graphics with 96 EU is the stronger integrated graphics option. Its 5.20 GHz boost clock is respectable. But without benchmark scores, the database cannot substantiate any performance claim for it. The 50th percentile ranking suggests it is an average performer among all CPUs, which places it well behind the Core 9 273PE's 90th percentile standing.

Users who need maximum computational throughput should choose the Core 9 273PE. Users who need integrated graphics with more execution units and a lower power envelope might consider the Core 7 160HL, but only if the workload does not stress multi-threaded performance. The Core 9 273PE also supports ECC memory, which the Core 7 160HL does not, and offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes. These are meaningful advantages for workstation and server-adjacent use cases.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 160HL | Intel Core 9 273PE |

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

| Cores | 14 | 12 |

| Threads | 20 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.20 GHz | 5.70 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Bartlett Lake |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB shared | 36 MB shared |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | None | $549 |

| Part Number | unknown | SA4QD |

| Percentile | 50 | 90 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 0 | 49845 |

The release dates differ by nearly two years. The Core 7 160HL launched in April 2024, while the Core 9 273PE launched in March 2026. The Core 9 273PE carries a launch MSRP of $549, while the Core 7 160HL has no recorded launch price. Both processors use Intel Socket 1700 and are locked (multiplier not unlocked). Both are active production parts in the desktop market segment.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 160HL has 14 cores, while the Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores. The Core 9 273PE has more threads (24 versus 20) despite having fewer physical cores.

Q: What is the boost clock difference?

A: The Core 9 273PE boosts to 5.70 GHz, while the Core 7 160HL boosts to 5.20 GHz. The Core 9 273PE has a 0.50 GHz advantage in peak clock speed.

Q: Does the Core 9 273PE support ECC memory?

A: Yes. The Core 9 273PE supports ECC memory. The Core 7 160HL does not support ECC memory.

Q: How does the Core 9 273PE compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 9 273PE averages 49845. It leads the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 by 0.1% and the Intel Core i5-14600KF by 0.9%. It trails the Intel Core i9-13980HX by 1.1% and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 by 1.2%.

Q: What PCIe capabilities does each processor offer?

A: The Core 7 160HL uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU-only lanes. The Core 9 273PE uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU-only lanes.

Q: Which processor has the larger L3 cache?

A: The Core 9 273PE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 7 160HL has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.