Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a lopsided comparison, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX holding the only available benchmark scores. The Intel Core 7 251E has no benchmark entries in the database, leaving its performance to be inferred from its specifications rather than measured results. This absence of data for the Core 7 251E means the comparison relies entirely on the Ultra 5 235HX's recorded performance across Cinebench and PassMark tests.

The Core Ultra 5 235HX delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 34731 and a single-core score of 4903. In Cinebench R20, it records 14587 multicore and 2059 single-core. The older Cinebench R15 test shows 3500 multicore and 494 single-core. These scores place the chip at the 91st percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 52073.

PassMark results for the Ultra 5 235HX show strong integer math performance at 97177 and floating-point math at 129819. Data compression reaches 426417, while encryption hits 32697. Extended instructions score 34808, and random string sorting records 50929. The multithread score is 40849, physics scores 2550, and single-thread performance is 4683. Prime number finding is notably lower at 361.

Because the Core 7 251E lacks any recorded scores, no head-to-head deltas can be calculated. The nearest rivals for the Ultra 5 235HX provide context: AMD EPYC 8124P is 0.1% ahead with a score of 52121, AMD Ryzen 9 5950X trails by 0.2% at 51947, Intel Core i7-14700 leads by 0.4% at 52301, and Intel Core i9-13900F trails by 0.7% at 51730. These tight margins show the Ultra 5 235HX sits in a competitive band around the 52000 average score mark.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 235HX wins every measured category by default, as it is the only chip with benchmark data. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 34731 indicates strong sustained multi-threaded performance, while the single-core score of 4903 suggests respectable per-thread speed. The PassMark multithread score of 40849 reinforces the multicore story.

The Core 7 251E presents a different theoretical profile based on raw specifications. It offers 24 cores and 32 threads compared to the Ultra 5 235HX's 14 cores and 14 threads. This core count advantage suggests potential superiority in heavily parallel workloads, though no measured data confirms this. The 251E also has a higher boost clock of 5.60 GHz against the 235HX's 5.10 GHz, which could translate to single-thread advantages in some scenarios.

The database shows the 251E has a larger shared L3 cache at 36 MB versus 24 MB on the 235HX. This cache difference often benefits workloads with large working sets. The 251E also supports DDR4 in addition to DDR5, while the 235HX only supports DDR5. Memory bandwidth favors the 235HX at 102.4 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s for the 251E.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 7 generation, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry. Its die size measures 257 mm². The Core Ultra 5 235HX uses Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-HX codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2, manufactured on a 3 nm process at TSMC. Its die size is 243 mm², with 17,800 million transistors.

Cache organization differs substantially. The 251E provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The 235HX offers 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L1 and L2 on the 235HX may benefit latency-sensitive workloads, while the 251E's larger L3 helps with cache-heavy multithreaded tasks.

Memory support diverges clearly. The 251E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel configuration, while the 235HX supports only DDR5. ECC memory is available on the 251E but not on the 235HX. PCIe capabilities favor the 235HX with Gen 5 and 20 lanes, compared to Gen 5 and 16 lanes on the 251E.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The 251E uses UHD Graphics 770, while the 235HX features Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU. The market segments separate them: the 251E targets desktop with Socket 1700, while the 235HX is mobile with BGA 2114. The 235HX has an unlocked multiplier, the 251E does not. Both were released on the same date and carry Active production status. Thermal design power shows 65 W for the 251E and 55 W for the 235HX.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: What is the clock speed difference between the two?

A: The Core 7 251E has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 235HX has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz.

Q: How does the cache compare?

A: The 251E has 80 KB L1 and 2 MB L2 per core, with 36 MB shared L3. The 235HX has 192 KB L1 and 3 MB L2 per core, with 24 MB shared L3.

Q: Which chip supports ECC memory?

A: The Core 7 251E supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 5 235HX does not.

Q: What are the process node and foundry differences?

A: The 251E uses a 10 nm process at Intel with a 257 mm² die. The 235HX uses a 3 nm process at TSMC with a 243 mm² die and 17,800 million transistors.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: Only the Core Ultra 5 235HX has a recorded average benchmark score of 52073, placing it at the 91st percentile. The Core 7 251E has no benchmark data recorded.

The Verdict

The database shows a clear imbalance: the Core Ultra 5 235HX has extensive benchmark coverage while the Core 7 251E has none. For users requiring measured performance verification, the 235HX is the only option with recorded results. Its 91st percentile ranking and average score of 52073 put it in the company of AMD EPYC 8124P, Ryzen 9 5950X, Core i7-14700, and Core i9-13900F, all within 0.7% of each other.

The Core 7 251E offers a higher core count, larger L3 cache, and higher boost clock, which could matter for specific workloads. Its ECC support and DDR4 compatibility broaden memory options. However, without benchmark data, these advantages remain speculative. The 235HX counters with a smaller process node, higher memory bandwidth, more PCIe lanes, and an unlocked multiplier.

The desktop versus mobile distinction is significant. The 251E targets desktop systems via Socket 1700, while the 235HX serves mobile platforms via BGA 2114. The 251E's 65 W TDP versus the 235HX's 55 W TDP reflects different thermal envelopes. Users building desktop systems would choose the 251E for its socket compatibility, while mobile users would choose the 235HX. The choice ultimately depends on platform requirements, as the data does not provide a direct performance comparison.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 251E | Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX |

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

| Cores | 24 | 14 |

| Threads | 32 | 14 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.10 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 55 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 2114 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Arrow Lake-HX |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | 243 mm² |

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

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | Not recorded |

| Average Benchmark Score | Not recorded | 52073 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 50 | 91 |