Intel Core 7 251TE vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Core 7 uses a higher core count, but the Core 9 has a higher base clock of 2.30 GHz compared to 1.40 GHz.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE records an average benchmark score of 49845, while the Intel Core 7 251TE records 41650. This places the Core 9 19.7% ahead in average scoring, and it sits at the 90th percentile versus the Core 7's 88th percentile.

Q: Which processor wins the single-core Cinebench R23 test?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE wins with a score of 4417, which is 18.5% higher than the Intel Core 7 251TE's 3602. The delta is consistent across all Cinebench versions, with R15 single-core showing 445 versus 362 and R20 showing 1855 versus 1512.

Q: Does the Intel Core 7 251TE win any benchmark in the head-to-head comparison?

A: No. The recorded data shows the Intel Core 9 273PE wins all 17 head-to-head benchmarks. The Core 7 does not record a single victory in any of the Cinebench or PassMark tests.

Q: What are the integrated graphics on each processor?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel memory bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: How does the PassMark physics test compare between the two?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE scores 3120 in PassMark physics, which is 37.9% higher than the Intel Core 7 251TE's 1938. This is the largest single-test delta in the head-to-head data.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear hierarchy. The Intel Core 9 273PE outperforms the Intel Core 7 251TE in every recorded benchmark, with an average score of 49845 versus 41650. The Core 9 sits at the 90th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 7 sits at the 88th. Its nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 (0.1% higher), the Intel Core i5-14600KF (0.9% higher), and the Intel Core i9-13980HX (1.1% lower). The Core 7's nearest rivals are the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H (0.1% higher), the Intel Core i7-14650HX (0.2% higher), and the Intel Core i7-12850HX (0.3% lower).

For workloads that stress a single core, such as lightly threaded applications or older software, the Core 9 273PE is the pick based on its single-thread PassMark score of 3650 versus 3568, a 2.2% margin. The Cinebench single-core tests show a much wider gap, with the Core 9 leading by 18.5% in R23 (4417 versus 3602).

For fully threaded workloads, the Core 9 273PE also takes the lead despite having 12 fewer cores. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 31288 versus 25518, an 18.4% advantage. The PassMark multi-thread test shows 36810 versus 30022, also an 18.4% delta. The Core 7's higher core count (24 versus 12) does not translate into a win because the Core 9's higher clocks and larger L2 cache compensate.

The Core 9 273PE is the choice for users who prioritize peak performance in both single-thread and multi-thread workloads. The Core 7 251TE remains a functional alternative for systems where the lower 45W TDP (versus 65W) and the higher core count are priorities, but the benchmark data shows it trails in every measured task.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data is one-sided: all 17 tests go to the Intel Core 9 273PE. The largest margin appears in PassMark physics, where the Core 9 scores 3120 versus the Core 7's 1938, a 37.9% advantage. This test stresses simulation and rigid-body calculations, and the result indicates a substantial performance gap in that specific workload.

PassMark extended instructions shows a 31.1% delta, with the Core 9 scoring 24630 versus 16974. The find prime numbers test shows a 31% delta (203 versus 140). These two tests highlight the Core 9's advantage in algorithm-heavy integer workloads.

Floating point math shows a 20.6% gap, with the Core 9 at 107884 and the Core 7 at 85607. Integer math is closer, at 9.8% (139410 versus 125739). Random string sorting shows a 12.1% delta (45098 versus 39643). Data compression shows a 17.6% delta (405885 versus 334399). Data encryption is the closest PassMark test, with the Core 9 ahead by just 2.4% (22719 versus 22176). Single-thread PassMark is also narrow, at 2.2% (3650 versus 3568).

The Cinebench family of tests shows a consistent pattern. R15 multi-core: 3153 versus 2572, an 18.4% delta. R15 single-core: 445 versus 362, an 18.7% delta. R20 multi-core: 13140 versus 10717, an 18.4% delta. R20 single-core: 1855 versus 1512, an 18.5% delta. R23 multi-core: 31288 versus 25518, an 18.4% delta. R23 single-core: 4417 versus 3602, an 18.5% delta. The uniformity of these deltas across different Cinebench versions indicates a stable per-core performance advantage for the Core 9, not a workload-specific anomaly.

PassMark multi-thread shows 36810 versus 30022, an 18.4% delta. This aligns closely with the Cinebench multi-core results, suggesting the Core 9's overall throughput advantage is consistent across rendering and general threaded workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several core specifications. The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The base clock is 1.40 GHz for the Core 7 and 2.30 GHz for the Core 9. The boost clock is 5.40 GHz for the Core 7 and 5.70 GHz for the Core 9. The TDP is 45W for the Core 7 and 65W for the Core 9.

Both use Intel Socket 1700, the Bartlett Lake codename, and the 10 nm process node from Intel. The die size is 215 mm² for the Core 7, while the Core 9 has no recorded die size. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. The L2 cache differs: 1.25 MB per core for the Core 7, 2 MB per core for the Core 9. The L3 cache is identical at 36 MB shared.

Memory support is the same for both: DDR4 and DDR5, dual-channel, with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported on both. PCIe is Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) on both. The integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7, UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 9. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 7 launched on 2025-01-12, while the Core 9 launched on 2026-03-08.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Bartlett Lake codename and the 10 nm Intel process node, but their internal configurations diverge significantly. The Intel Core 7 251TE packs 24 cores and 32 threads, suggesting a higher count of efficiency-oriented cores. The Intel Core 9 273PE uses 12 cores and 24 threads, with a 2 MB per-core L2 cache versus the Core 7's 1.25 MB per-core L2. The larger L2 cache on the Core 9 likely contributes to its higher single-thread performance, as evidenced by the 18.5% Cinebench R23 single-core lead.

The L3 cache is identical at 36 MB shared, so the difference in cache hierarchy is entirely in the L2. The Core 9's higher base clock (2.30 GHz versus 1.40 GHz) and higher boost clock (5.70 GHz versus 5.40 GHz) further explain its per-core advantage. The Core 7 compensates with more cores, but the benchmark data shows the Core 9's higher clocks and larger L2 cache deliver better results across all tests.

The integrated GPU differs: UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 versus UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 9. Both support the same memory types and bandwidth. The Core 9 has a higher TDP of 65W, while the Core 7 is rated at 45W, which aligns with the Core 9's higher clock speeds.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 9 273PE wins every recorded benchmark, so the use-case split is based on the degree of its advantage and the qualitative differences in the specifications.

The Core 9 273PE is the stronger choice for single-thread-bound tasks. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3650 versus 3568 is a modest 2.2% lead, but the Cinebench single-core tests show a much larger 18.5% gap. Applications that rely on one or two cores, such as older games or light productivity tools, will see a clear benefit from the Core 9's higher clocks and larger L2 cache.

For multi-threaded workloads, the Core 9 also takes the lead, with an 18.4% advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core and PassMark multi-thread. This is notable because the Core 7 has twice the core count (24 versus 12). The Core 9's per-core efficiency, driven by the 2.30 GHz base clock and 5.70 GHz boost clock, overcomes the Core 7's numerical core advantage. Workloads like video encoding, 3D rendering, or data compression will perform better on the Core 9, as shown by the 17.6% lead in PassMark data compression.

The Intel Core 7 251TE still has a role in systems where power draw is a primary constraint. Its 45W TDP is lower than the Core 9's 65W, and it offers 24 cores for parallel tasks that scale with core count. The benchmark data does not show a win for the Core 7 in any test, but the higher core count and lower TDP make it a candidate for power-conscious builds that do not require peak per-core performance. The Core 7 also uses UHD Graphics 770, which is a higher-tier integrated GPU than the Core 9's UHD Graphics 730, potentially benefiting lightly graphics-dependent workloads.

The Core 9 273PE is the clear performance leader, with its 90th percentile ranking versus the Core 7's 88th. The Core 7 remains a viable option for users who need many cores at a lower power envelope, but the recorded data shows no benchmark where it surpasses the Core 9.