OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core 5 221E review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£190PassMark multi-core score:32646N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:5.2 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

Intel Core 5 221E Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

40%

8.0

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 82% of processors
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

★Better than 93%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

60%

8.5

Performance

18%

7.4

Architecture

10%

8.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.8

Power & Thermal

4%

8.4

Platform

1%

7.9

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 86%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £190
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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    Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 5 221E

    Technical score
    Technical score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
    Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
    Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Score components:

    60%

    8.5

    Performance

    18%

    7.4

    Architecture

    10%

    8.0

    Memory & PCIe

    7%

    4.8

    Power & Thermal

    4%

    8.4

    Platform

    1%

    7.9

    Integrated graphics

    8.0
    Reviews score
    7.2
    List score
    ?
    Value for money
    Value for money
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters
    When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Score components:

    70%

    7.6

    Overall score

    30%

    9.5

    Price

    8.2
    Processor type
    embedded
    This processor belongs to the embedded processor class, which is less advanced than that of 93.1% of processors and equal to that of 6.9% of processors.
    industrial/edge
    CPU socket
    LGA1700
    This processor uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 8.4% of processors.
    Chipset
    H610, Q670, W680, R680E, Q670E, H610E
    This processor supports H610, Q670, W680, R680E, Q670E, H610E chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 83.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
    CPU architecture
    x86-64
    This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
    Instruction sets
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
    This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
    Show more
    N. of physical cores
    14
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 85.7% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
    CPU threads
    20
    Market range: <4 – >24
    This processor offers 20 CPU threads, which is more than 84.3% of processors and equal to 5% of processors.
    CPU boost clock speed
    5.2 GHz
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.2 GHz which is higher than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 3% of processors.
    CPU base clock speed
    8x 2.7 GHz & 6x 2.7 GHz
    This processor has a base clock of 8x2.7 GHz & 6x2.7 GHz which is higher than that of 90.3% of processors.
    PassMark multi-core score
    32,646
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor scores 32,646 in PassMark, which is higher than 88.4% of processors.
    Show more
    Semiconductor size
    10 nm
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
    Foundry
    Intel 7
    This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
    L3 cache
    24 MB
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 80.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
    L2 cache
    8 MB
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has an L2 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 72% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
    L1 cache
    768 KB
    Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
    This processor has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 77.6% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
    Show more
    DDR memory version
    DDR4/DDR5
    This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 77.1% of processors and equal to that of 10.7% of processors.
    Maximum memory speed
    5,600 MHz
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.9% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR5-5600 MHz
    This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.4% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
    Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
    ?
    Maximum memory capacity
    192 GB
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 82.2% of processors and equal to 6.8% of processors.
    Show more
    Integrated graphics
    yes
    This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
    Integrated GPU model
    Intel UHD Graphics 730
    This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 730 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 54.4% of processors and equal to that in 2.1% of processors.
    Integrated GPU execution units
    32
    Market range: <6 – >64
    This processor has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.1% of processors and equal to 10.1% of processors.
    Integrated GPU base frequency
    300 MHz
    Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
    This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
    This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 85.4% of processors and equal to 5.4% of processors.
    Show more
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    65 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 68% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
    Base power (PL1)
    65 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.4% of processors.
    Boost power (PL2)
    228 W
    Market range: <25 W – >150 W
    This processor has a boost power of 228 W which is higher than that of 95.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
    Tau (power duration limit)
    ?
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
    Show more

    Intel Core 5 221E vs the average processor

    246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
    • 2.85x higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (32,646 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      32,646 vs 11,469
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 8 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      14 vs 6
    • 59.2% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,072 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      4,072 vs 2,558
    • 12 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      20 vs 8
    • 18.2% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      5.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • Higher base clock
      This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x2.7 GHz & 6x2.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
      8x2.7 GHz & 6x2.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
    • 3x more memory capacity
      This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
      192 GB vs 64 GB
    • 12.1% better value for money
      Intel Core 5 221E has better value for money than the average processor (8.16 vs 7.3).
      8.16 vs 7.29
    • Modern CPU socket
      This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP5).
      LGA1700 vs FP5
    • 5 years newer release date
      This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2025 vs 2020).
      2025 vs 2020
    • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
      This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
    • 2.85x higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (32,646 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      32,646 vs 11,469
    • 8 more CPU cores
      This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
      14 vs 6
    • 59.2% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,072 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      4,072 vs 2,558
    • 12 more CPU threads
      This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
      20 vs 8
    • 18.2% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      5.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • Higher base clock
      This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x2.7 GHz & 6x2.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
      8x2.7 GHz & 6x2.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • Mixed big and small cores
      This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
      P-cores + E-cores
    • 2.67x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      8 MB vs 3 MB
    • 2.67x larger L3 cache
      This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
      24 MB vs 9 MB
    • 2x larger L1 cache
      This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
      768 KB vs 384 KB
    • More advanced foundry
      This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
      Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
    • 3x more memory capacity
      This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
      192 GB vs 64 GB
    • Newer DDR support
      This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
      DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
    • 75% higher memory speed
      This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
      5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
    • 4 more PCIe lanes
      This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
      20 vs 16
    • Supports ECC memory
      This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
    • Higher JEDEC memory speed
      This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR5-5600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
      DDR5-5,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
    • 1 more supported displays
      This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
      4 vs 3
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 3.56x higher boost power
      This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (228 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
      228 W vs 64 W
    • No configurable TDP
      This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
    • 45.2% larger die size
      This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
      257 mm² vs 177 mm²
    • 44.4% higher base power
      This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
      65 W vs 45 W
    • 44.4% higher TDP
      This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      65 W vs 45 W
    • Limited PCIe bifurcation
      This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
      x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
    • Narrower instruction support
      This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
      SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
    • 45.2% larger die size
      This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
      257 mm² vs 177 mm²
    • Limited PCIe bifurcation
      This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
      x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
    • 3.56x higher boost power
      This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (228 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
      228 W vs 64 W
    • No configurable TDP
      This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
    • 44.4% higher base power
      This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
      65 W vs 45 W
    • 44.4% higher TDP
      This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      65 W vs 45 W

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Intel Core 5 221E

    • High core count for its class, featuring 14 cores (6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores)
    • Strong multitasking capabilities with 20 threads and Intel Thread Director
    • High maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.2 GHz providing good single-thread responsiveness
    • Supports high-speed memory including DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s and large capacities up to 192 GB
    • Includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770, which supports multiple high-resolution displays
    • Optimized for security and manageability with Intel vPro and Hardware Shield eligibility

    What customers don't like about Intel Core 5 221E

    • Primarily designed for embedded and OEM systems, making it less accessible for individual retail DIY builders
    • Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking for enthusiasts seeking extra performance
    • A 65W base power draw may be higher than more energy-efficient mobile-focused 'Ultra' alternatives
    • Integrated graphics performance is modest compared to the newer Intel Arc architecture found in some Series 2 processors

    Verdict

    The Intel Core 5 Processor 221E is a high-performance 14-core embedded CPU featuring 6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores with a total of 20 threads. Operating on the FCLGA1700 socket with a 65W base power, it reaches a max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz and includes 24 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Its main characteristics include support for up to 192 GB of DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 memory, ECC support for data reliability, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770. The primary pros are its excellent multitasking capabilities, modern PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support, and robust security features like Intel vPro and Trusted Execution Technology. However, its main cons include a lack of an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and its specific optimization for embedded systems rather than enthusiast desktop platforms.

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