Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core 7 253PQE Comparison

Intel Core 7 251E and Intel Core 7 253PQE are both desktop processors on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, built on the same Bartlett Lake architecture and 10 nm process node. The 251E is configured with 24 cores and 32 threads, while the 253PQE uses 10 cores and 20 threads. This difference in core count drives most of the performance separation between the two parts, along with a notable boost clock advantage for the 253PQE.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core 7 253PQE has recorded benchmark data across Cinebench and Passmark suites, while the Core 7 251E currently has no benchmark scores in the database. This means the head-to-head comparison is based on the 253PQE’s measured results and the architectural specifications of the 251E.

In Cinebench R23, the 253PQE scores 31390 points in the multicore test and 4431 points in the singlecore test. The R20 results show 13183 points multicore and 1861 points singlecore. In R15, the 253PQE delivers 3163 points multicore and 446 points singlecore. These scores place the processor at the 91st percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 55919.

The nearest rivals to the 253PQE in the database are closely matched. The Intel Core i9-14900HX scores 56004, which is 0.2 percent higher. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 56273, a 0.6 percent advantage. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 scores 56306, 0.7 percent higher. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX scores 56555, 1.1 percent higher. The 253PQE trails all four of these parts, but the margins are small, ranging from 0.2 to 1.1 percent.

In Passmark tests, the 253PQE shows strong multithreaded throughput with a multithread score of 41656. Single-thread performance is 4389 points. Integer math scores 137795, floating point math scores 105279, and extended instructions score 32390. Data compression scores 487335, while data encryption scores 25515. Random string sorting scores 54222, and finding prime numbers scores 206. Physics processing scores 2970.

Since the 251E has no recorded benchmark scores, the data cannot show direct measured wins for that processor. The comparison instead relies on the core and thread counts: 24 cores and 32 threads for the 251E versus 10 cores and 20 threads for the 253PQE. The 253PQE does carry a higher base clock at 3.50 GHz versus 2.10 GHz, and a slightly higher boost clock at 5.70 GHz versus 5.60 GHz.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same codename, Bartlett Lake, and the same 10 nm process node, manufactured by Intel. They also share the same socket, Intel Socket 1700, and the same generation label, Core 7 (Bartlett Lake). Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

The core configurations differ substantially. The 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. The 253PQE has 10 cores and 20 threads. This means the 251E offers 14 additional cores and 12 additional threads, which is a significant structural advantage for heavily parallel workloads.

Cache hierarchies are similar in per-core allocation but differ in shared L3 capacity. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 253PQE has 33 MB of shared L3 cache. The 251E therefore has 3 MB more L3 cache available across the chip.

Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory, with dual-channel memory buses and a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. Both provide Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes from the CPU. Both include integrated UHD Graphics 770.

The die size is listed for the 251E at 257 mm², while the 253PQE does not have a recorded die size in the database. Transistor counts are not recorded for either processor.

The power specifications differ. The 251E has a TDP of 65 watts. The 253PQE has a TDP of 125 watts. This is a major practical distinction: the 251E is designed for a lower power envelope, while the 253PQE draws nearly twice the power budget.

Where Each One Wins

The 253PQE wins on clock speed. Its base clock of 3.50 GHz is significantly higher than the 2.10 GHz base clock of the 251E, and its boost clock of 5.70 GHz edges out the 5.60 GHz boost of the 251E. This gives the 253PQE an advantage in lightly threaded tasks where single-core frequency matters, such as everyday responsiveness and applications that rely on a few fast cores.

The 253PQE also wins on measured benchmark performance, because it is the only one of the two with recorded scores. Its Cinebench R23 singlecore score of 4431 and multicore score of 31390 demonstrate a processor that performs at the 91st percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Passmark single-thread score of 4389 confirms strong single-core capability.

The 251E wins on core count and thread count. With 24 cores and 32 threads against 10 cores and 20 threads, the 251E has a structural advantage in workloads that scale across many cores. The 251E also has more shared L3 cache at 36 MB versus 33 MB, which can help in cache-sensitive multithreaded tasks.

The 251E wins on power efficiency in terms of rated TDP. At 65 watts, it draws much less power than the 125 watt 253PQE. For systems where cooling capacity or power delivery is limited, the 251E is the more restrained choice. For systems that can handle the higher power draw, the 253PQE’s higher clocks and measured performance make it the stronger general-purpose option.

The 251E also has a larger die at 257 mm², though the 253PQE has no recorded die size for direct comparison.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 7 253PQE has 10 cores and 20 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 253PQE has a boost clock of 5.70 GHz, which is slightly higher than the 5.60 GHz boost clock of the Intel Core 7 251E.

Q: What are the benchmark scores for the Intel Core 7 253PQE?

A: The 253PQE scores 31390 in Cinebench R23 multicore and 4431 in R23 singlecore. In Passmark, it scores 41656 in multithread and 4389 in single-thread tests. Its average benchmark score is 55919, placing it at the 91st percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Does the Intel Core 7 251E have any benchmark scores in the database?

A: No, the database currently has no benchmark scores recorded for the Intel Core 7 251E, so its measured performance cannot be compared directly to the 253PQE.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Core 7 253PQE has a TDP of 125 watts, while the Intel Core 7 251E has a TDP of 65 watts.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory and PCIe features?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, and both provide Gen 5 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes. Both also support ECC memory and include UHD Graphics 770.

The Verdict

The database contains measured performance for the Intel Core 7 253PQE but none for the Intel Core 7 251E. As a result, any direct performance conclusion about the 251E is limited to its architectural specifications. The 253PQE is a proven performer: its average benchmark score of 55919 places it at the 91st percentile, and its nearest rivals are all within 1.1 percent of its score. That is a tight cluster, which indicates the 253PQE is competitive with high-end mobile and workstation parts.

For users who need a processor with high single-thread clocks and confirmed benchmark results, the 253PQE is the clear choice from the recorded data. Its 5.70 GHz boost clock and 3.50 GHz base clock are both higher than the 251E’s 2.10 GHz base and 5.60 GHz boost. Its Cinebench R23 scores of 31390 multicore and 4431 singlecore are strong numbers for a desktop processor.

For users who need maximum core and thread counts, the 251E is the structural choice. Its 24 cores and 32 threads far exceed the 253PQE’s 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has more L3 cache at 36 MB versus 33 MB. The 251E is also rated at a much lower TDP of 65 watts, which gives it a clear advantage in power-constrained builds.

The tradeoff is straightforward. The 253PQE leverages higher clocks and a higher power budget to deliver measured performance at the 91st percentile. The 251E relies on core count and cache capacity, with a lower power envelope, but has no benchmark data to confirm how those specifications translate into real-world scores. The choice depends on whether the workload favors many cores or high per-core frequency, and on whether the system can accommodate a 125 watt TDP.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 251E | Intel Core 7 253PQE |

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

| Cores | 24 | 10 |

| Threads | 32 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.70 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 125 W |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 33 MB (shared) |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | Not recorded |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | $409 |

| Part Number | SRQDUQ657 | SA4QA |

| Benchmark Scores | None recorded | Cinebench R23 multicore 31390, singlecore 4431; Passmark multithread 41656, single-thread 4389 |

| Percentile | 50th | 91st |

| Average Benchmark Score | 0 | 55919 |

The two processors share the same socket, architecture, process node, memory support, memory bus, memory bandwidth, ECC support, PCIe configuration, integrated graphics, market segment, production status, and locked multiplier. The differences are concentrated in core count, clocks, power, cache capacity, release timing, and measured benchmark results.