Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF Comparison
Intel Core 5 221E
Core Ultra 5 245KF
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
FAQ
Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF records an average benchmark score of 55093, while the Intel Core 5 221E scores 40144. The 245KF also holds a higher percentile rank among all CPUs at 91, compared to the 221E's 87.
Q: How do the two processors compare in memory bandwidth?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF delivers 102.4 GB/s of memory bandwidth, while the Intel Core 5 221E provides 89.6 GB/s. The 245KF also supports DDR5 memory exclusively, whereas the 221E supports both DDR4 and DDR5.
Q: Which processor has more threads?
A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 20 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 threads. Both processors have 14 cores, but the 221E supports simultaneous multithreading, giving it six additional threads.
Q: What is the difference in process node technology?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF is built on a 3 nm process by TSMC, while the Intel Core 5 221E uses Intel's 10 nm process. The 245KF also features 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, compared to the 221E's 257 mm² die size.
Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?
A: No. The Intel Core 5 221E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF does not.
Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?
A: The Intel Core 5 221E includes UHD Graphics 730, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has no integrated graphics (N/A).
The Verdict
The recorded data points to a clear performance hierarchy between these two desktop processors. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with the Intel Core 5 221E taking only one. The 245KF's average benchmark score of 55093 places it 37.2% above the 221E's 40144, and its 91st percentile rank versus the 87th percentile of the 221E confirms the gap is consistent across the broader CPU landscape.
Systems requiring maximum compute throughput should select the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF. Its Cinebench results are substantially higher across every version tested, and its PassMark scores dominate in data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating-point math, multithreaded workloads, physics, and random string sorting. The 245KF also carries a launch MSRP of $294 and an unlocked multiplier, making it the more capable part for demanding workloads.
The Intel Core 5 221E still has a defined role. It wins the PassMark integer math test by 19.2%, a notable result for workloads that rely on integer arithmetic. It also offers ECC memory support, integrated UHD Graphics 730, DDR4 compatibility, and a 65 W TDP, which the 245KF cannot match. For applications that need error-correcting memory, an integrated display output, or lower thermal design power, the 221E is the appropriate choice despite its lower raw performance.
The data does not support the 221E as a general performance pick. Its 20 threads do not translate into a multithreaded advantage; the 245KF leads the PassMark multithread test with 43110 versus 30510, a 29.2% margin. The 221E is best suited for specialized use cases where its unique features outweigh its benchmark deficit.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF dominates the Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 3693 against the 221E's 2613, a 29.2% advantage. The single-core R15 result shows 521 versus 368, also a 29.4% lead. The pattern holds in R20 multicore (15391 vs 10891) and R20 single-core (2172 vs 1537), both at 29.2% deltas. Cinebench R23 multicore delivers 36647 versus 25933, and R23 single-core delivers 5173 versus 3661, again both at 29.2% margins. These results indicate the 245KF's performance advantage is uniform across both single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering workloads.
The PassMark suite reveals even larger gaps in several specialized tests. The 245KF scores 37912 in extended instructions, a 52% advantage over the 221E's 18216. In prime number finding, the 245KF scores 416 versus 173, a 58.4% lead, the largest delta in the entire comparison. Data encryption shows 33381 versus 19205, a 42.5% margin, and floating-point math shows 131546 versus 79028, a 39.9% gap. Random string sorting favors the 245KF at 55206 versus 37686, a 31.7% lead. Data compression results in 460123 versus 324285, a 29.5% difference.
The multithread and physics tests continue the trend. PassMark multithread scores 43110 for the 245KF and 30510 for the 221E, a 29.2% margin. PassMark physics scores 2998 versus 2230, a 25.6% lead. The single-thread results are closer: 4715 versus 4147, a 12% advantage for the 245KF, the smallest margin among its wins.
The Intel Core 5 221E claims one victory. In PassMark integer math, it scores 117813 against the 245KF's 98854, a 19.2% lead. This is the only benchmark where the 221E outperforms the 245KF, and it stands in contrast to the 245KF's floating-point dominance. The data indicates the 221E has a specific strength in integer operations while trailing in every other measured category.
Specification Differences
The two processors differ in several fundamental specifications. The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads. The 221E's base clock is 2.70 GHz, while the 245KF's base clock is 4.20 GHz. Both processors share a 5.20 GHz boost clock.
The 221E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the 245KF uses Intel Socket 1851. The 221E has a 65 W TDP, while the 245KF has a 125 W TDP. The 221E supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the 245KF supports only DDR5. Memory bandwidth differs as well: 89.6 GB/s for the 221E and 102.4 GB/s for the 245KF. ECC memory is supported by the 221E but not the 245KF.
PCIe connectivity differs: the 221E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 245KF provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The 221E includes UHD Graphics 730 integrated graphics, while the 245KF has none. The multiplier is locked on the 221E but unlocked on the 245KF. The 221E launched on 2025-01-12 with a launch MSRP of $232, while the 245KF launched on 2024-10-23 with a launch MSRP of $294. The 221E's part number is SRQDVQ659, and the 245KF's is SRQCY.
Architecture Differences
The architectural split between these two processors is substantial. The Intel Core 5 221E is based on the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2, Ultra 5 (Arrow Lake) generation.
The manufacturing process differs fundamentally. The 221E is built on Intel's 10 nm process, while the 245KF is built on TSMC's 3 nm process. The 245KF contains 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the 221E's transistor count is not recorded but its die size is 257 mm². The smaller process node and die size for the 245KF, combined with a higher transistor count, indicate a denser, more advanced design.
Cache hierarchies differ as well. The 221E features 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, while the 245KF features 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 3 MB of L2 cache per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches on the 245KF contribute to its single-thread performance advantage, which the benchmark data confirms at 12% in PassMark single-thread and 29.2% to 29.4% in Cinebench single-core tests.
The 245KF's 3 nm TSMC process, larger caches, and higher base clock of 4.20 GHz versus 2.70 GHz align with its benchmark dominance. The 221E compensates with simultaneous multithreading, giving it 20 threads to the 245KF's 14, yet this does not overcome the 245KF's architectural advantages in the recorded tests. The 221E's support for DDR4 and ECC memory, along with integrated graphics, makes it the more feature-diverse part for specific embedded or reliability-focused scenarios, while the 245KF's architecture is clearly optimized for raw performance.