Intel Core 9 273PE vs Intel Processor U301L Comparison

Intel Core 9 273PE and Intel Processor U301L occupy opposite ends of Intel’s desktop and mobile spectrum. The database shows a clear performance gulf, but the two chips serve entirely different tasks. The Core 9 273PE is a 12-core, 24-thread desktop processor with a 65 W TDP, while the U301L is a 5-core, 6-thread mobile part rated at 15 W. Benchmark data exists only for the Core 9 273PE; the U301L has no recorded benchmark scores, making direct numerical comparisons impossible. Instead, the analysis relies on architecture, specifications, and the Core 9’s percentile ranking.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 9 273PE wins every scenario where raw compute throughput matters. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 31,288 points places it at the 90th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 49,845. The nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 (average score 49,796, within 0.1% of the Core 9), the Intel Core i5-14600KF (49,394, 0.9% lower), the Intel Core i9-13980HX (50,398, 1.1% higher), and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (50,448, 1.2% higher). This clustering indicates the Core 9 273PE sits in a competitive band where no single rival dominates by more than a couple of percentage points. For multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, software compilation, or scientific simulation, the Core 9 273PE delivers scores that place it among the top 10% of all recorded CPUs. Its PassMark multithread score of 36,810 and integer math score of 139,410 reinforce this position.

The U301L wins the efficiency argument. With a 15 W TDP versus 65 W, it draws far less power in mobile deployments. Its 5 cores and 6 threads are enough for basic productivity, web browsing, and light office tasks. The absence of benchmark data means the database cannot quantify its performance, but its 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs suggests mid-pack capability. The U301L also wins on platform cost, though pricing is not discussed here. Its integrated graphics, UHD Graphics 64EU, provides more execution units than the Core 9’s UHD Graphics 730, which may benefit basic media playback or display output in thin-and-light systems.

For single-threaded tasks, the Core 9 273PE again leads. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4,417 and PassMark single-thread score of 3,650 indicate strong per-core performance. The U301L’s 2.20 GHz boost clock cannot match the Core 9’s 5.70 GHz boost. The Core 9 also wins on memory bandwidth, with 89.6 GB/s versus no recorded figure for the U301L, and on PCIe connectivity, offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes compared to Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the U301L.

The Verdict

The data indicates the Core 9 273PE is the choice for desktop users who run demanding multi-threaded applications. Its 12 cores, 24 threads, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache provide substantial parallel processing headroom. The 90th percentile ranking and the narrow deltas against high-end rivals show it competes directly with flagship mobile and desktop parts. Users who need sustained multicore performance for rendering, encoding, or data analysis should select the Core 9 273PE.

The U301L suits mobile devices where power draw and thermal limits are primary constraints. Its 15 W TDP enables fanless or low-noise designs. The 5-core, 6-thread configuration handles everyday workloads without excessive energy consumption. The database records no benchmark scores for the U301L, so its absolute performance remains unquantified, but the 50th percentile placement suggests adequate mainstream capability. Users who prioritize battery life and portability over peak compute should choose the U301L.

Neither chip supports unlocked multipliers, as both are locked parts. The Core 9 273PE supports ECC memory, while the U301L does not, which matters for reliability-sensitive systems. The Core 9 targets desktop socket 1700, while the U301L uses the same socket but is classified as mobile. The Core 9 273PE launched in March 2026 with a launch MSRP of $549. The U301L launched in April 2024 with a launch MSRP of $107.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors. The Core 9 273PE has 17 individual benchmark scores, while the U301L has none. The largest recorded wins for the Core 9 come from its multicore tests. Cinebench R23 multicore scored 31,288, which is more than double its single-core score of 4,417, indicating strong scaling across cores. PassMark data compression scored 405,885, the highest single metric in its benchmark set. PassMark floating point math scored 107,884, and integer math scored 139,410. These numbers illustrate the Core 9’s capability in both integer and floating-point workloads.

The Core 9’s Cinebench R20 multicore score of 13,140 and R15 multicore score of 3,153 show consistent performance across Cinebench versions. Its PassMark physics score of 3,120 and random string sorting score of 45,098 add further evidence of strong multi-threaded throughput. The single-core scores, including Cinebench R23 single-core 4,417 and PassMark single-thread 3,650, are respectable but not class-leading, given that the average benchmark score of 49,845 is driven largely by multicore results.

Since the U301L has no benchmark scores, no direct numerical comparison is possible. The only quantifiable differences come from specifications: the Core 9 has 12 cores versus 5, 24 threads versus 6, a boost clock of 5.70 GHz versus 2.20 GHz, 36 MB shared L3 versus 8 MB, and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth versus no recorded value. These gaps suggest the Core 9 outperforms the U301L by a wide margin in any compute-intensive task, but the database does not provide a percentage for that difference.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core 9 273PE support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Core 9 273PE supports ECC memory. The Intel Processor U301L does not support ECC memory.

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

A: The Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Processor U301L has 5 cores and 6 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core 9 273PE has a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The U301L has a boost clock of 2.20 GHz.

Q: What PCIe generations do the two processors support?

A: The Core 9 273PE supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The U301L supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Q: Which processor is designed for mobile devices?

A: The Intel Processor U301L is classified as a mobile processor with a 15 W TDP. The Core 9 273PE is classified as a desktop processor with a 65 W TDP.

Q: Are there any benchmark scores recorded for the Intel Processor U301L?

A: No, the database contains no benchmark scores for the U301L. The Core 9 273PE has 17 recorded benchmark scores, including Cinebench R23 multicore at 31,288 and PassMark multithread at 36,810.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and the same 10 nm process node, but they diverge in architecture and design goals. The Core 9 273PE uses the Bartlett Lake codename, while the U301L uses Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS variant. Bartlett Lake represents a newer desktop-oriented design, while Raptor Lake-PS targets mobile platforms. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the Core 9 273PE has no recorded architecture field beyond its codename, whereas the U301L explicitly lists Raptor Lake as its architecture.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Core 9 273PE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The U301L also has 80 KB of L1 cache per core but only 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3. The Core 9’s larger L3 cache benefits multi-threaded workloads that frequently access shared data. The U301L’s smaller cache aligns with its lower core count and power envelope.

Memory support is similar: both support DDR4 and DDR5, both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core 9 273PE has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the U301L has no bandwidth figure. The Core 9 supports ECC memory, the U301L does not. The Core 9 offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the U301L offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. These differences make the Core 9 more suitable for high-throughput storage and GPU configurations.

Integrated graphics differ in execution unit count. The Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the U301L uses UHD Graphics 64EU, which has 64 execution units. The U301L’s integrated graphics may deliver better basic display performance, though no benchmark scores confirm this. The Core 9’s integrated graphics are sufficient for basic output, but the processor is intended for systems with discrete GPUs.

The Core 9 273PE has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The U301L has a base clock of 1.20 GHz and a boost clock of 2.20 GHz. The Core 9’s higher clocks, combined with more cores and threads, explain its dominant benchmark scores. The U301L’s low clocks and 15 W TDP prioritize energy efficiency over performance.

Production status for both is active. The Core 9 273PE was released in March 2026, while the U301L was released in April 2024. The Core 9 273PE has a launch MSRP of $549, and the U301L has a launch MSRP of $107. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 9’s part number is SA4QD, and the U301L’s part number is SRPKFQ5CW.

The Core 9 273PE’s average benchmark score of 49,845 places it at the 90th percentile of all CPUs. The U301L sits at the 50th percentile with an average score of 0, reflecting the lack of benchmark data. The Core 9’s nearest rivals, including the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and Intel Core i9-13980HX, show deltas of 0.1% and 1.1%, respectively, indicating the Core 9 performs within a tight competitive band. The architecture differences, particularly core count, cache size, and power target, define the separation between these two processors.