Intel Core 7 251TE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 266V Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE scores 25518 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V scores 16544 points. The 251TE leads by 54.2% in this test.

Q: How does the single-thread PassMark score compare between the two?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V wins the single-thread PassMark test with a score of 3943, which is 9.5% higher than the Intel Core 7 251TE's score of 3568.

Q: What is the difference in core counts?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V does not.

Q: What is the process node difference?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE is built on a 10 nm process node, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41650, placing it in the 88th percentile, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V has an average score of 23297, placing it in the 76th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 7 251TE and the Intel Core Ultra 7 266V represent two fundamentally different design approaches from Intel. The 251TE, codenamed Bartlett Lake, uses a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel, while the 266V, codenamed Lunar Lake, uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC. This process difference is substantial, with the 266V using a more advanced node.

The core configurations diverge sharply. The 251TE offers 24 cores and 32 threads, indicating a hybrid design with performance and efficiency cores. The 266V provides only 8 cores and 8 threads, a leaner configuration. The cache hierarchy reflects this: the 251TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The 266V has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The 266V has larger per-core caches, but the 251TE has a larger total L3 pool.

Memory support differs as well. The 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration with a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The 266V supports LPDDR5X, also dual-channel, but with a higher memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s. The 266V also lacks ECC support, which the 251TE includes.

The integrated graphics differ: the 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the 266V uses Arc 140V. The 251TE is a desktop processor on Intel Socket 1700, whereas the 266V is a mobile processor on Intel BGA 2833. The 251TE has a TDP of 45 watts, while the 266V has a TDP of 17 watts. PCIe lanes also differ, with the 251TE offering Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes versus the 266V's Gen 5 with 4 CPU lanes.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a dominant performance profile for the Intel Core 7 251TE across most tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 251TE scores 2572 versus 1667 for the 266V, a 54.3% advantage. The single-core R15 test follows the same pattern: 362 versus 235, a 54% delta. The R20 versions show 10717 versus 6948 (54.2% delta) for multi-core and 1512 versus 980 (54.3% delta) for single-core. R23 multi-core confirms the trend at 25518 versus 16544 (54.2% delta), and R23 single-core shows 3602 versus 2335 (54.3% delta).

The PassMark suite reveals even larger gaps in some areas. Data compression scores 334399 for the 251TE versus 187050 for the 266V, a 78.8% delta. Data encryption shows a 60.4% delta (22176 versus 13822). Floating point math gives the 251TE a 50.4% advantage (85607 versus 56923). Integer math is the largest disparity: 125739 versus 41558, a 202.6% delta. Multithread testing shows 30022 versus 19461, a 54.3% delta. Physics scores 1938 versus 1608, a 20.5% delta. Random string sorting shows 39643 versus 22905, a 73.1% delta.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V wins three tests. In PassMark find prime numbers, the 266V scores 191 versus 140 for the 251TE, a 26.7% advantage. The single-thread PassMark test gives the 266V a 3943 score versus 3568, a 9.5% delta. The extended instructions test is close, with the 251TE winning narrowly at 16974 versus 15928, only a 6.6% delta.

The overall win count is 14 for the 251TE and 3 for the 266V. The data indicates that the 251TE's multi-core architecture dominates, while the 266V's efficiency-focused design delivers better results in prime number finding and single-thread workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification field. The 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the 266V has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are 1.40 GHz for the 251TE and 2.20 GHz for the 266V. Boost clocks are 5.40 GHz for the 251TE and 5.00 GHz for the 266V. TDP is 45 watts versus 17 watts. Sockets are Intel Socket 1700 versus Intel BGA 2833.

Process nodes are 10 nm (Intel) versus 3 nm (TSMC). The 251TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the 266V has no recorded die size. L1 cache is 80 KB per core versus 192 KB per core. L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core versus 2.5 MB per core. L3 cache is 36 MB shared versus 12 MB shared. Memory support is DDR4/DDR5 versus LPDDR5X. Memory bandwidth is 89.6 GB/s versus 136.5 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the 251TE but not on the 266V. PCIe lanes are 16 versus 4. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770 versus Arc 140V. The market segment is Desktop versus Mobile. Release dates are 2025-01-12 for the 251TE and 2024-09-23 for the 266V. The 251TE has a launch MSRP of $384, while the 266V has no recorded MSRP. The 251TE has a part number of SRQAXQ5ZG, and the 266V has SRPMMSRPMY.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to the Intel Core 7 251TE as the stronger performer in the majority of workloads. It wins 14 out of 17 recorded tests and holds a 78.8% average benchmark score advantage (41650 versus 23297). The 251TE's 24 cores and 32 threads provide a substantial multi-threaded capability, reflected in the 54.3% delta in Cinebench R15 multi-core and the 202.6% delta in integer math.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V, however, demonstrates superiority in specific areas. Its 3 nm process and 17 watt TDP suggest efficiency advantages, and its wins in single-thread PassMark (3943 versus 3568) and prime number finding (191 versus 140) indicate strengths in certain single-thread and algorithmic tasks. The 266V also has higher memory bandwidth (136.5 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s), which could benefit memory-intensive applications.

For users prioritizing multi-core throughput, the 251TE is the clear choice. For those needing a mobile processor with lower power consumption and better single-thread PassMark performance, the 266V has its place. The 251TE's 88th percentile ranking versus the 266V's 76th percentile reinforces the overall performance gap.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins in all Cinebench tests, all multi-threaded PassMark workloads, data compression, data encryption, floating point math, integer math, physics, and random string sorting. It is the appropriate choice for desktop builds where maximum core count and thread throughput are required. The 36 MB of shared L3 cache and 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes support heavy workloads like content creation, compilation, and data processing. Its ECC memory support adds reliability for server-like use cases.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 266V wins in PassMark find prime numbers, single-thread PassMark, and narrowly loses the extended instructions test (6.6% delta). Its strengths lie in efficiency-focused tasks within a 17 watt envelope. The higher memory bandwidth (136.5 GB/s) and larger per-core L1/L2 caches (192 KB and 2.5 MB) support latency-sensitive single-thread operations. The Arc 140V integrated graphics and mobile BGA 2833 socket position it for thin-and-light laptops where battery life and thermal constraints matter more than raw multi-core scores.

The data does not support a single universal winner. The 251TE delivers dominant multi-core performance, while the 266V offers specific single-thread wins and a more advanced process node. Users should select based on the workload profile: heavy parallel processing favors the 251TE, while efficiency and single-thread responsiveness favor the 266V.