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 221TE review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£190PassMark multi-core score:19513N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:5.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):45 W

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

7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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 80% of models
Score components

40%

7.9

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 80% of processors
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

★Better than 90%
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 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 84% of models
Score components

60%

8.1

Performance

18%

7.9

Architecture

10%

8.2

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.0

Power & Thermal

4%

8.4

Platform

1%

7.4

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 84%
?

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 221TE

    Technical score
    Technical score
    7.9/ 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 84% of models
    Score components:

    60%

    8.1

    Performance

    18%

    7.9

    Architecture

    10%

    8.2

    Memory & PCIe

    7%

    5.0

    Power & Thermal

    4%

    8.4

    Platform

    1%

    7.4

    Integrated graphics

    7.9
    Reviews score
    7.2
    List score
    ?
    Value for money
    Value for money
    8.1/ 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 90% of models
    Score components:

    70%

    7.5

    Overall score

    30%

    9.5

    Price

    8.1
    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 GHz
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor reaches a boost clock of 5 GHz which is higher than that of 78.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
    CPU base clock speed
    4x 3 GHz & 6x 3 GHz
    This processor has a base clock of 4x3 GHz & 6x3 GHz which is higher than that of 83.7% of processors.
    PassMark multi-core score
    19,513
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor scores 19,513 in PassMark, which is higher than 68% 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
    11.5 MB
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has an L2 cache of 11.5 MB which is larger than that of 80.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
    L1 cache
    ?
    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
    4,800 MHz
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 64.6% of processors and equal to 6% of processors.
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    ?
    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
    AV1 (HW decode)
    This processor supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 61.3% of processors and equal to 10.3% of processors.
    Show more
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    45 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 41.9% of processors and equal to that of 10.8% of processors.
    Base power (PL1)
    45 W
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 41.9% of processors and equal to that of 11% 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)
    28 seconds
    Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
    This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
    Show more

    Intel Core 5 221TE vs the average processor

    246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
    • 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
    • 2.88x better multi-core performance
      This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,076 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
      8,076 vs 2,804.5
    • 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
    • Newer PCIe version
      This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
      5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
    • 70.1% higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,513 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      19,513 vs 11,469
    • 3.83x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (11.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      11.5 MB vs 3 MB
    • 36% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,480 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      3,480 vs 2,558
    • 11.5% better value for money
      Intel Core 5 221TE has better value for money than the average processor (8.12 vs 7.3).
      8.12 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.
    • 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
    • 2.88x better multi-core performance
      This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,076 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
      8,076 vs 2,804.5
    • 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
    • 70.1% higher PassMark score
      This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,513 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
      19,513 vs 11,469
    • 36% better single-core performance
      This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,480 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
      3,480 vs 2,558
    • 13.6% higher boost clock
      This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
      5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
    • Higher base clock
      This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x3 GHz & 6x3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
      4x3 GHz & 6x3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
    • 2 wider front-end design
      This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
      6 vs 4
    • 2x higher bus transfer rate
      This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
      16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake).
      Bartlett Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 3.83x larger L2 cache
      This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (11.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
      11.5 MB vs 3 MB
    • 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 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
    • 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
    • Newer PCIe version
      This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
      5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
    • 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
    • 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.
    • 50% higher memory speed
      This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
      4,800 MHz vs 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.
    • Narrower media codec support
      This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
      AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
    • 10 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (18 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      18 vs 28
    • 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
    • 10 lower clock multiplier
      This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (18 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
      18 vs 28
    • Narrower media codec support
      This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
      AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
    • 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.

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Intel Core 5 221TE

    • High thread count (20 threads) for an entry-to-mid range chip, aiding in multitasking
    • Support for up to 192GB of DDR5 memory and ECC (Error-Correcting Code) support, which is rare for this class
    • Low base power (45W TDP), making it suitable for thermally constrained or energy-efficient embedded systems
    • Good connectivity options, including support for PCIe 5.0 and modern integrated Intel UHD 730 graphics

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

    • Relatively low base clock speeds (1.8 GHz for P-cores) compared to standard desktop counterparts
    • The 'Core 5' branding is perceived by some reviewers as a 'budget' shift from the traditional 'i5' mid-range legacy
    • Integrated graphics (UHD 730) are noted as insufficient for modern, demanding gaming
    • Limited overclocking potential due to a locked multiplier

    Verdict

    The Intel Core 5 221TE is a high-efficiency Series 2 processor built on the FCLGA1700 socket, featuring a 14-core architecture with 6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores supporting 20 threads. It operates at a base clock of 1.8 GHz for P-cores and 1.3 GHz for E-cores, with a maximum turbo frequency reaching up to 5 GHz and 24 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Its main pros include a relatively low 45W thermal design power (TDP) for its core count, support for up to 192 GB of high-speed DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 memory with ECC, and PCIe 5.0/4.0 compatibility. However, its lower base frequencies may limit performance in sustained non-turbo workloads, it lacks an unlocked multiplier for traditional overclocking, and its integrated UHD Graphics 730 is modest for modern gaming.

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