Intel Core 9 273PE

Intel Core 9 273PE sits in a tight cluster at the top of the desktop performance tier, with an average benchmark score of 49845 placing it in the 90th percentile of all CPUs. It is effectively tied with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388, which scores 49796 for a delta of just 0.1%, and it edges out the Intel Core i5-14600KF by 0.9%. However, it trails the Intel Core i9-13980HX by 1.1% and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 by 1.2%, making this a processor that trades blows with the best rather than dominating them. The 12-core, 24-thread configuration with a 5.70 GHz boost clock delivers exceptional single-thread performance, while the 36 MB of shared L3 cache and 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth support demanding multi-threaded workloads. This is a desktop part with a 65W TDP, a 10nm process node, and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, making it a flexible but power-conscious choice for high-end builds.

How It Compares

Against the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388, the Core 9 273PE is statistically indistinguishable in overall performance, with a 0.1% delta favoring the Intel part. Both processors land within a hair of each other on average benchmark scores, meaning real-world differences will come down to platform features and workload-specific optimizations rather than raw compute. The Intel chip’s higher boost clock of 5.70 GHz likely gives it an edge in lightly threaded tasks, while the AMD part’s integrated AI capabilities may appeal to users leveraging those specific instructions.

The Intel Core i5-14600KF is the closest rival in this group by delta, with the Core 9 273PE leading by 0.9%. This is a meaningful but narrow margin—the i5-14600KF is a strong performer in its own right, but the Core 9 273PE’s additional cores and threads (12/24 vs the i5’s configuration) provide a measurable advantage in heavily parallel workloads. The gap is small enough that thermal and power characteristics could tip the balance in specific systems, but the data consistently favors the Core 9 273PE.

Versus the Intel Core i9-13980HX, the Core 9 273PE is 1.1% slower on average. The i9-13980HX is a mobile flagship with a higher TDP class, which explains its slight edge in sustained multi-threaded performance. However, the Core 9 273PE delivers comparable results in a desktop socket with a much lower 65W TDP, suggesting better efficiency per watt. For users prioritizing power consumption or quieter cooling, the Core 9 273PE is the more practical choice despite the small performance deficit.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 leads the Core 9 273PE by 1.2%, the largest gap in this rival set. This AMD part is another mobile-focused processor with a strong multi-threaded showing, but the Core 9 273PE’s 5.70 GHz boost clock gives it a clear advantage in single-threaded responsiveness. The delta is under 2%, so neither chip will feel decisively faster in general use, but the Intel part’s desktop-oriented design offers more consistent performance across diverse workloads.

Power and Thermals

The Core 9 273PE carries a 65W TDP, which places it in the mainstream power class for desktop processors. This is a modest power envelope for a 12-core, 24-thread chip, especially given its 5.70 GHz boost clock. The data implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient for stock operation, as the 65W figure is well within the range of standard tower coolers. Enthusiasts seeking to push the chip harder may find headroom for overclocking, but the multiplier is locked, so any gains would come from BCLK adjustments or enhanced cooling for sustained boost behavior.

The 10nm process node and Intel foundry production contribute to this efficiency profile. With a 65W TDP, the Core 9 273PE generates less heat than higher-TDP rivals like the Core i9-13980HX, which typically demand more robust cooling solutions. Benchmark results show the chip sustaining strong multi-threaded scores—31288 in Cinebench R23 multi-core—without requiring exotic cooling, making it a viable option for compact builds or systems where noise is a concern. The trade-off is that the 65W envelope may limit all-core boost clocks under sustained loads, but the single-thread performance remains excellent due to the high 5.70 GHz ceiling.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Core 9 273PE exhibits a pronounced strength in single-threaded workloads, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4417 and a Passmark single-thread score of 3650. These numbers are among the highest in its class, reflecting the 5.70 GHz boost clock and efficient core design. For everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and light productivity, this chip will feel exceptionally responsive, with minimal latency in user-facing operations. The single-thread performance also benefits gaming, where many titles rely on one or two cores for physics, AI, and frame pacing.

Multi-threaded performance is strong but not class-leading, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 and a Passmark multithread score of 36810. The 12 cores and 24 threads provide ample parallelism for video encoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation, but the 65W TDP caps sustained all-core output. This creates a split personality: the chip excels at bursty, latency-sensitive tasks but falls slightly behind higher-TDP rivals in long-running multi-threaded jobs. The Passmark data illustrates this, with integer math scoring 139410 and floating point at 107884, both solid but not record-breaking.

For real-world use, this means the Core 9 273PE is best suited for users who prioritize snappy single-thread performance but still need capable multi-core throughput. Creative professionals working with 4K video or complex 3D scenes will see good results, but those who render for hours on end may prefer a chip with a higher TDP. The balanced profile makes it a versatile choice for mixed workloads, where the high boost clock accelerates interactive tasks and the 24 threads handle background processing efficiently.

Who Should Consider It

Gamers will find the Core 9 273PE compelling due to its exceptional single-thread scores. The Passmark single-thread result of 3650 and Cinebench R23 single-core of 4417 indicate fast frame rates in CPU-bound titles, and the 5.70 GHz boost clock ensures minimal bottlenecks even with high-end graphics cards. The 36 MB L3 cache also helps with game data streaming, while the 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth supports fast asset loading. For esports or competitive gaming at high refresh rates, this chip is a strong candidate.

Content creators who split time between editing and rendering will benefit from the multi-threaded capability. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 13140 and R15 multi-core of 3153 show solid throughput for video export and 3D rendering, though not at the level of higher-TDP workstation chips. The 24 threads handle simultaneous tasks like preview rendering and background exports without stuttering, and the 65W TDP keeps system noise manageable during long sessions. For photographers using Lightroom or Photoshop, the single-thread strength accelerates filter application and export operations.

Office and productivity users will appreciate the responsiveness and efficiency. The 65W TDP means lower electricity costs and easier cooling in office PCs, while the 12 cores handle multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, spreadsheets, and communication apps. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 provides basic display output without a dedicated GPU, making it a viable option for business systems, though gaming or heavy graphics work would require a discrete card. The dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory support offers flexibility for upgrades, and ECC memory support adds reliability for data-sensitive workloads.

Benchmark Performance

In Cinebench R15, the Core 9 273PE scores 3153 multi-core and 445 single-core. The multi-core result is competitive with the rival set, though the i9-13980HX’s higher TDP likely pushes it ahead in sustained runs. The single-core score of 445 is excellent, reflecting the 5.70 GHz boost clock, and should outperform the mobile rivals in this test. The R15 multi-core to single-core ratio of about 7.1 indicates strong scaling across the 12 cores.

Cinebench R20 shows a multi-core score of 13140 and single-core of 1855. The multi-core figure places it within 1-2% of its nearest rivals, consistent with the average benchmark delta of -1.1% against the i9-13980HX. The single-core score of 1855 is a standout, likely leading the AMD parts in this metric. The R20 results reinforce the pattern of excellent single-thread performance with good but not dominant multi-thread scaling.

Cinebench R23 delivers 31288 multi-core and 4417 single-core. The multi-core score is strong for a 65W part, but the i9-13980HX’s 1.1% lead in average benchmarks suggests it pulls ahead in this longer test. The single-core score of 4417 is exceptional, and the near-5.70 GHz boost clock makes it one of the fastest single-thread results in this class. For users running short multi-threaded tasks, the R23 multi-core performance will feel very responsive.

Passmark results show a multithread score of 36810 and single-thread of 3650. The multithread score is solid, with integer math at 139410 and floating point at 107884. Data compression scores 405885, indicating strong performance in file archiving and compression workloads. Data encryption at 22719 and extended instructions at 24630 show capable cryptographic and SIMD performance. The physics score of 3120 is moderate, while find prime numbers at 203 and random string sorting at 45098 round out the suite. These results position the chip as a balanced performer, with particular strengths in integer and floating-point math.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core 9 273PE uses the Intel Socket 1700, which is a mature desktop platform with broad motherboard availability. This socket supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, giving users the choice between cost-effective DDR4 or higher-bandwidth DDR5, with dual-channel operation and a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The chip also supports ECC memory, a feature typically reserved for workstation-class parts, which appeals to users running critical workloads or servers.

PCIe support includes Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, providing high-bandwidth connectivity for the latest GPUs and NVMe SSDs. This ensures the Core 9 273PE can fully utilize modern graphics cards and storage devices without bottlenecking. The integrated UHD Graphics 730 offers basic display capabilities, useful for troubleshooting or office builds, but discrete graphics are recommended for gaming or content creation.

The 65W TDP means the chip is compatible with a wide range of coolers and power supplies, making system integration straightforward. The production status is active, and the release date is March 2026, indicating a current-generation product. The launch MSRP is $549. The locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking, but the high 5.70 GHz boost clock already provides excellent stock performance. The part number is SA4QD, and the codename Bartlett Lake reflects its position in Intel’s desktop lineup.

FAQ

Q: How does the Core 9 273PE compare to the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388?

A: The two processors are effectively tied, with the Intel chip leading by 0.1% in average benchmark scores. The Core 9 273PE has a higher boost clock at 5.70 GHz, while the AMD part may offer better integrated AI performance, but raw compute is nearly identical.

Q: Is the 65W TDP sufficient for sustained multi-threaded workloads?

A: Yes, the chip achieves a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 31288 within this power envelope. However, higher-TDP rivals like the Core i9-13980HX outperform it by 1.1% in average benchmarks, suggesting that sustained all-core loads may be slightly limited by the 65W limit.

Q: Does the Core 9 273PE support DDR4 and DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, it supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. It also supports ECC memory, which is uncommon for desktop processors.

Q: What is the single-thread performance like for gaming?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4417 and Passmark single-thread score of 3650 are excellent, indicating fast frame rates in CPU-bound games. The 5.70 GHz boost clock provides low latency and high responsiveness.

Q: Can the Core 9 273PE be overclocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so traditional overclocking is not supported. However, the stock boost clock of 5.70 GHz already delivers near-top-tier single-thread performance, so overclocking gains would be minimal.

Q: What cooling solution is needed for this processor?

A: The 65W TDP means a capable air cooler is sufficient for stock operation. No liquid cooling is required, making it suitable for compact or quiet builds, though higher-end coolers may help maintain boost clocks under sustained loads.