Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Comparison
Intel Core 7 251E
Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The Intel Core 7 251E and Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus have no direct head-to-head benchmark results recorded in the database, so a direct test-by-test comparison is not possible. However, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has extensive benchmark data, and its performance can be contextualized against its nearest rivals. The Core 7 251E has no recorded benchmark scores, making a numerical comparison impossible.
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus delivers a Cinebench R15 multicore score of 4640 and a single-core score of 328. In Cinebench R20, it scores 18442 multicore and 2603 single-core. The R23 run shows 30867 multicore and 2261 single-core. These results place it at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 66855.
Its nearest rival is the AMD EPYC 4465P, which scores 66925, a delta of -0.1% (the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is effectively tied). The Intel Xeon 6515P scores 67006, a -0.2% delta. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX scores 67469, a -0.9% delta. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 66159, a +1.1% delta, meaning the 250K Plus leads that chip by 1.1%.
In PassMark tests, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus shows strong integer math performance at 125091, floating point math at 162692, and multithread at 51596. Data compression scores 568721, data encryption 42144, and extended instructions 44565. Single-thread performance is 4757, with physics at 3494 and random string sorting at 69090. Find prime numbers scores 486.
The Core 7 251E has no benchmark data in the database, so its performance cannot be quantified. The database records only its specifications, not its measured results. This means the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is the only chip with verifiable performance figures.
The Verdict
From the recorded data, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is the clear performer. It holds the 93rd percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 66855. The Core 7 251E sits at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of 0, indicating no recorded tests. For any workload requiring measured performance, the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is the only option with evidence.
The Core 7 251E offers 24 cores and 32 threads versus 18 cores and 18 threads on the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. The 251E has a higher boost clock at 5.60 GHz versus 5.30 GHz, but a lower base clock at 2.10 GHz versus 4.20 GHz. The 251E runs at 65W TDP versus 125W. The 251E uses Intel Socket 1700 and DDR4/DDR5 memory, while the 250K Plus uses Intel Socket 1851 and only DDR5.
The Core 7 251E has a launch MSRP of $384. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has a launch MSRP of $199. The data shows the 250K Plus is cheaper and has measured performance at the 93rd percentile. The 251E is more expensive and has no measured performance. For a builder prioritizing verified performance, the 250K Plus is the logical choice.
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is unlocked, allowing overclocking, while the 251E is locked. The 250K Plus also has more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) and higher memory bandwidth (115.2 GB/s vs 89.6 GB/s). These specification advantages align with its benchmark dominance.
FAQ
Q: Which CPU has better single-core performance?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scores 4757 in PassMark single-thread tests. The Intel Core 7 251E has no recorded single-core benchmark scores.
Q: How does the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus compare to its nearest rival?
A: It scores 66855 on average, versus 66925 for the AMD EPYC 4465P, a delta of -0.1%. Against the Intel Xeon 6515P, it trails by 0.2%. It leads the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus by 1.1%.
Q: What is the core count difference?
A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads.
Q: Which CPU supports faster memory bandwidth?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus supports 115.2 GB/s. The Intel Core 7 251E supports 89.6 GB/s.
Q: Are both CPUs unlocked for overclocking?
A: No. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel Core 7 251E does not.
Q: What is the process node for each?
A: The Intel Core 7 251E uses a 10 nm process from Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses a 3 nm process from TSMC.
Specification Differences
The Intel Core 7 251E and Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus differ across several core specifications. The 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The 251E has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The 250K Plus has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. TDP differs: 65W for the 251E, 125W for the 250K Plus.
The 251E uses Intel Socket 1700; the 250K Plus uses Intel Socket 1851. The 251E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory; the 250K Plus supports only DDR5. Memory bus is dual-channel for both. Memory bandwidth is 89.6 GB/s for the 251E and 115.2 GB/s for the 250K Plus. Both support ECC memory.
PCIe lanes differ: the 251E has 16 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only), while the 250K Plus has 20 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ: the 251E uses UHD Graphics 770, and the 250K Plus uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The 251E has a locked multiplier; the 250K Plus is unlocked. The 251E has a launch MSRP of $384; the 250K Plus has a launch MSRP of $199.
Architecture Differences
The Intel Core 7 251E is based on Bartlett Lake, part of the Core 7 generation. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is based on Arrow Lake Refresh, part of the Core Ultra Series 2. The 251E uses a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. The 250K Plus uses a 3 nm process node fabricated by TSMC. The 250K Plus has 17,800 million transistors; the 251E has no recorded transistor count.
The 251E has a die size of 257 mm². The 250K Plus has a die size of 243 mm². Cache configurations differ: the 251E has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. The 250K Plus has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. The 251E supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory; the 250K Plus supports DDR5 only. The 250K Plus has a higher memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s.
The 251E integrates UHD Graphics 770. The 250K Plus integrates Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The 251E is a desktop part with a release date of 2025-01-12. The 250K Plus is a desktop part with a release date of 2026-03-10. Both are active production parts.
Where Each One Wins
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus wins on every measurable performance metric. It has recorded benchmark scores across Cinebench and PassMark suites, including a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 30867 and a PassMark multithread score of 51596. Its average benchmark score of 66855 places it at the 93rd percentile. No benchmark data exists for the Intel Core 7 251E, so it cannot claim any performance win.
The Core 7 251E wins on core count and thread count. It offers 24 cores and 32 threads versus 18 cores and 18 threads. It also has a higher boost clock at 5.60 GHz versus 5.30 GHz. Its TDP is lower at 65W versus 125W, which indicates lower power draw. It supports DDR4 in addition to DDR5, which may be relevant for older memory platforms. Its L3 cache is larger at 36 MB versus 30 MB.
The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus wins on memory bandwidth, offering 115.2 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. It has more PCIe lanes at 20 versus 16. It has a smaller process node at 3 nm versus 10 nm, and a smaller die at 243 mm² versus 257 mm². Its L1 and L2 caches are larger per core. It has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. It has a higher base clock at 4.20 GHz versus 2.10 GHz. Its integrated graphics use a newer Arc architecture.
The data shows the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is the only chip with verified performance. For workloads like rendering, compression, encryption, and math, the 250K Plus provides measurable results. The Core 7 251E offers more cores and threads, a higher boost clock, and lower TDP, but without benchmark data, its real-world performance cannot be confirmed. Builders needing verified performance should rely on the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus.