Intel Core 7 251TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX 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 Ultra 5 245HX has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Core 7 251TE offers 10 additional cores and 18 additional threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX's 5.10 GHz boost clock.

Q: Which processor uses a more advanced manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX uses a 3 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Core 7 251TE uses Intel's 10 nm process. The Ultra 5 245HX also has a transistor count of 17,800 million compared to no listed transistor count for the Core 7 251TE.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Intel Core 7 251TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX supports only DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: Which processor has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX has 102.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, while the Intel Core 7 251TE has 89.6 GB/s. The Ultra 5 245HX also supports ECC memory, while the Core 7 251TE does not.

Q: Which processor has better overall benchmark performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX has an average benchmark score of 48287, compared to 41650 for the Intel Core 7 251TE. The Ultra 5 245HX also sits in the 90th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 7 251TE sits in the 88th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different Intel designs. The Intel Core 7 251TE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 215 mm². It uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform and is classified as a desktop processor. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX uses the Arrow Lake architecture under the Arrow Lake-HX codename, built on TSMC's 3 nm process with a 243 mm² die size and 17,800 million transistors. It uses the Intel BGA 2114 socket and is classified as a mobile processor.

Cache structures differ significantly between the two. The Core 7 251TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The per-core cache allocations are larger on the Ultra 5 245HX, but the total L3 pool is larger on the Core 7 251TE.

Memory support also diverges. The Core 7 251TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and ECC memory support. The Core Ultra 5 245HX supports only DDR5 with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC support. PCIe connectivity differs as well, with the Core 7 251TE offering Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes and the Ultra 5 245HX offering Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ. The Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 245HX uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 7 251TE does not.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data shows a clear split between the two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, covering both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The Core 7 251TE wins only one comparison: PassMark integer math.

For single-threaded tasks, the Ultra 5 245HX is consistently ahead. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 4568 versus 3602 for the Core 7 251TE, a 21.1% advantage. The same pattern appears in PassMark single-thread tests, where the Ultra 5 245HX scores 4481 against 3568.

Multi-threaded workloads also favor the Ultra 5 245HX despite the Core 7 251TE having more cores and threads. The Ultra 5 245HX scores 32358 in Cinebench R23 multi-core versus 25518 for the Core 7 251TE. PassMark multithread scores show 38069 for the Ultra 5 245HX and 30022 for the Core 7 251TE.

The Core 7 251TE's sole win in PassMark integer math is substantial. It scores 125739 versus 92150 for the Ultra 5 245HX, a 36.5% advantage. This indicates the Core 7 251TE has a particular strength in integer-heavy workloads, likely benefiting from its higher core count and thread count in scenarios that scale well with parallelism.

Specialized workloads show mixed results. The Ultra 5 245HX leads heavily in PassMark extended instructions, scoring 31212 versus 16974, a 45.6% gap. It also leads in PassMark find prime numbers, scoring 359 versus 140, a 61% gap. The Ultra 5 245HX leads in floating-point math, data compression, data encryption, physics, and random string sorting as well.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification field.

Cores and Threads: The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Clock Speeds: The Core 7 251TE has a base clock of 1.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz.

Power: The Core 7 251TE has a TDP of 45 watts. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has a TDP of 55 watts.

Socket: The Core 7 251TE uses Intel Socket 1700. The Core Ultra 5 245HX uses Intel BGA 2114.

Process Node: The Core 7 251TE uses a 10 nm process from Intel. The Core Ultra 5 245HX uses a 3 nm process from TSMC.

Die Size: The Core 7 251TE has a die size of 215 mm². The Core Ultra 5 245HX has a die size of 243 mm².

Transistors: The Core 7 251TE has no listed transistor count. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has 17,800 million transistors.

Cache: The Core 7 251TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3.

Memory: The Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and ECC. The Core Ultra 5 245HX supports only DDR5 with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC.

PCIe: The Core 7 251TE offers Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The Core Ultra 5 245HX offers Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes.

Integrated Graphics: The Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 5 245HX uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 48EU.

Multiplier: The Core 7 251TE is locked. The Core Ultra 5 245HX is unlocked.

Market Segment: The Core 7 251TE is a desktop processor. The Core Ultra 5 245HX is a mobile processor.

Launch MSRP: The Core 7 251TE has a launch MSRP of $384. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has no listed launch MSRP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data shows a near-total dominance by the Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX. Across all Cinebench tests, the Ultra 5 245HX leads by roughly 21%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ultra 5 245HX scores 3261 against 2572, a 21.1% advantage. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 460 against 362, a 21.3% advantage. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 13590 versus 10717, a 21.1% gap, and R20 single-core shows 1918 versus 1512, a 21.2% gap. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 32358 versus 25518, and R23 single-core shows 4568 versus 3602, both with 21.1% deltas.

The PassMark suite shows wider variations. The largest gap appears in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Ultra 5 245HX scores 359 versus 140, a 61% difference. PassMark extended instructions shows a 45.6% gap, with scores of 31212 and 16974. PassMark floating-point math favors the Ultra 5 245HX by 29.1%, with scores of 120735 and 85607. PassMark data encryption shows a 26.1% gap, with scores of 30022 and 22176. PassMark physics favors the Ultra 5 245HX by 23.3%, with scores of 2526 and 1938.

Smaller gaps appear in other PassMark tests. PassMark multithread shows a 21.1% gap, with scores of 38069 and 30022. PassMark single-thread shows a 20.4% gap, with scores of 4481 and 3568. PassMark data compression shows a 14.9% gap, with scores of 393071 and 334399. PassMark random string sorting shows a 16.7% gap, with scores of 47616 and 39643.

The single exception is PassMark integer math. The Core 7 251TE scores 125739, while the Ultra 5 245HX scores 92150. This gives the Core 7 251TE a 36.5% advantage, its only head-to-head win.

The overall benchmark scores reflect this pattern. The Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41650 and sits in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. The Core Ultra 5 245HX has an average benchmark score of 48287 and sits in the 90th percentile. The nearest rival to the Core 7 251TE is the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H with an average score of 41621 and a delta of 0.1%. The nearest rival to the Core Ultra 5 245HX is the Intel Core Ultra 5 235A with an average score of 48201 and a delta of 0.2%.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear picture. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX is the faster processor in nearly every measured workload. It wins 16 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, including all Cinebench tests and nearly all PassMark tests. Its advantages range from 14.9% in data compression to 61% in find prime numbers. The average benchmark score gap of 48287 versus 41650 confirms the Ultra 5 245HX as the higher-performing part overall.

The Core 7 251TE does have specific strengths. Its 36.5% lead in PassMark integer math shows that certain integer-heavy workloads benefit from its 24-core, 32-thread configuration. Its larger 36 MB L3 cache and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory give it flexibility for desktop builds. Its launch MSRP of $384 provides a reference point for comparison.

For users building a desktop system with a Socket 1700 motherboard, the Core 7 251TE is the compatible choice. Its 24 cores and 32 threads provide substantial parallel processing capability, and its 5.40 GHz boost clock is higher than the Ultra 5 245HX's 5.10 GHz. The ECC memory support may also matter for specific workstation use cases.

For users prioritizing raw performance, the Core Ultra 5 245HX is the stronger option. Its 3 nm process, higher memory bandwidth, and superior single-threaded performance make it the better choice for most workloads. The unlocked multiplier adds overclocking flexibility. Its mobile form factor with BGA 2114 socket targets laptop and compact systems.

The data does not support a balanced recommendation. The Ultra 5 245HX dominates the benchmark suite, and the Core 7 251TE's single win in integer math does not offset losses elsewhere. The choice comes down to platform compatibility and specific workload requirements. Desktop builders on Socket 1700 should consider the Core 7 251TE. Mobile users and those seeking maximum benchmark performance should choose the Core Ultra 5 245HX.