Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core Ultra 9 288V Comparison

Intel Core 7 251E is a desktop processor with 24 cores and 32 threads, built on an Intel 10 nm process. Intel Core Ultra 9 288V is a mobile processor with 8 cores and 8 threads, built on a TSMC 3 nm process. The recorded data shows a clear split: the Core 7 251E targets high-throughput desktop workloads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V is engineered for mobile efficiency with a 30 W TDP. The Core 7 251E has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, while the Core Ultra 9 288V operates at 3.30 GHz base and 5.10 GHz boost.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 7 251E wins on raw core count and thread capacity. It delivers 24 cores and 32 threads against the Core Ultra 9 288V's 8 cores and 8 threads. This threefold difference in core count and fourfold difference in thread count positions the desktop part for heavily parallel workloads. The 251E also offers a larger shared L3 cache at 36 MB versus 12 MB on the 288V. The desktop chip supports ECC memory, which the mobile chip does not. The 251E uses a Socket 1700 platform with 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, while the 288V is a BGA 2833 soldered part with 4 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.

The Core Ultra 9 288V wins on memory bandwidth and process efficiency. The database lists 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth for the 288V against 89.6 GB/s for the 251E. The mobile chip uses LPDDR5X memory, while the desktop part supports DDR4 and DDR5. The 288V has a smaller process node, 3 nm from TSMC, compared to the 10 nm Intel process of the 251E. The 288V also carries a stronger integrated GPU, the Arc 140V, versus the UHD Graphics 770 on the 251E. The 288V posts a higher percentile ranking at 76 against all CPUs, while the 251E sits at the 50th percentile.

Benchmark results in the database cover the Core Ultra 9 288V across Cinebench and Passmark tests. The 251E has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, so all quantitative performance comparisons rely on the 288V's data and its nearest rivals. The 288V's average benchmark score is 23219, which places it within 0.3% of the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V, 0.2% below the AMD EPYC 4124P, and 0.2% above the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H.

Architecture Differences

The Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 7 generation. The Core Ultra 9 288V uses the Lunar Lake codename and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 generation. The 251E is fabricated on an Intel 10 nm node, while the 288V uses a TSMC 3 nm node. The foundry difference is significant: Intel for the 251E, TSMC for the 288V.

Cache organization differs substantially. The 251E has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The 288V has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. Per-core L1 and L2 are larger on the 288V, but the 251E provides triple the L3 capacity. Die size is recorded only for the 251E at 257 mm².

Memory support separates the two clearly. The 251E accepts DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and ECC support. The 288V accepts only LPDDR5X in a dual-channel configuration with 136.5 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC. The 288V's higher bandwidth comes despite its lower power envelope.

PCIe connectivity differs by platform. The 251E offers 16 Gen 5 lanes from the CPU, while the 288V offers 4 Gen 5 lanes. The 251E fits a Socket 1700 desktop board, the 288V is soldered to a BGA 2833 mobile package. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The 251E has a launch MSRP of $384. The 288V has no recorded launch MSRP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Core 7 251E and the Core Ultra 9 288V. The 251E has an empty benchmark array, so no Cinebench or Passmark scores exist for it. All performance interpretation for the 288V comes from its own recorded scores and nearest rival comparisons.

The Core Ultra 9 288V scores 1583 in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 301.5 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 7069 multi-core and 997 single-core. In Cinebench R23, it scores 10178 multi-core and 1950 single-core. These scores show a consistent pattern: the 288V's single-core performance scales from 301.5 in R15 to 997 in R20 to 1950 in R23.

Passmark results for the 288V show its strongest areas. The data compression test returns 186521, the highest single score in its suite. Integer math scores 44019, floating point math scores 59536, and extended instructions score 15613. The multithread score is 19810, and the single-thread score is 4274. Physics scores 1637, and find prime numbers scores 195. Random string sorting scores 22622, and data encryption scores 14141.

The nearest rivals for the 288V provide context. The Intel Core i9-11900F has an average score of 23254, which is 0.2% higher than the 288V's 23219. The AMD EPYC 4124P scores 23167, 0.2% lower. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H scores 23277, 0.2% higher. The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V scores 23297, 0.3% higher. The 288V sits in a tight cluster, with all four rivals within 0.3% of its average score.

In the absence of 251E benchmark data, the database cannot quantify its performance against the 288V. The architectural differences, however, outline the expected behavior: the 251E should favor multi-threaded desktop workloads, while the 288V's higher memory bandwidth and smaller process node favor mobile efficiency and single-thread responsiveness.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Core Ultra 9 288V has 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Core 7 251E has 89.6 GB/s.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The Core 7 251E supports ECC memory. The Core Ultra 9 288V does not.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Core 7 251E uses a 10 nm Intel process. The Core Ultra 9 288V uses a 3 nm TSMC process.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The Core 7 251E has a TDP of 65 watts. The Core Ultra 9 288V has a TDP of 30 watts.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor use?

A: The Core 7 251E uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 9 288V uses Arc 140V.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear choice based on workload and platform. The Core 7 251E is the desktop part for users who need many cores. Its 24 cores, 32 threads, 36 MB L3 cache, and ECC support make it suitable for multi-threaded desktop applications. The 65 W TDP and Socket 1700 compatibility indicate a traditional desktop build. The 251E also has a recorded die size of 257 mm² and a launch MSRP of $384.

The Core Ultra 9 288V is the mobile part for users who need efficiency and bandwidth. Its 8 cores, 8 threads, 30 W TDP, and 136.5 GB/s LPDDR5X bandwidth show a design focused on low power with high memory throughput. The 3 nm TSMC process and Arc 140V integrated graphics make it a compact, capable mobile package. Its 76th percentile ranking against all CPUs indicates strong overall standing, and its average benchmark score of 23219 sits within 0.3% of four nearest rivals.

For a desktop system requiring maximum parallel throughput, the 251E's core advantage is decisive. For a mobile system prioritizing bandwidth efficiency, the 288V's data is the only one with recorded performance scores. The database currently holds no benchmark results for the 251E, so direct performance comparisons cannot be made from measurements.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 251E | Intel Core Ultra 9 288V |

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

| Cores | 24 | 8 |

| Threads | 32 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.10 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 30 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 2833 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Lunar Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

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

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | 136.5 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Arc 140V |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-09-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | None recorded |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |