TurboVS
Intel Core 5 221E specifications and in-depth review

Intel Core 5 221E

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core 5 221E is a versatile CPU offering efficient performance with a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz across 6 cores and a turbo boost up to 5.2 GHz. It supports integrated graphics via the UHD Graphics 770 GPU, making it a solid choice for users needing balanced computing power without a discrete graphics card. With 20 threads, the CPU is capable of handling multitasking and demanding workloads efficiently.

This processor features a 65W thermal design power (TDP) and supports a wide range of memory options, including a maximum RAM size of 192GB with DDR5 at speeds up to 5600 MHz. It also supports ECC memory for enhanced data reliability, making it suitable for tasks where memory integrity is critical. The Core 5 221E utilizes PCIe 5.0 for faster data throughput and integrates several advanced instruction sets, including AVX2 and AES.

Pros
  • Supports multithreading, allowing for improved performance in multi-tasking and parallel workloads.
  • Equipped with integrated UHD Graphics 770 that provides basic graphical capabilities for non-gaming tasks.
  • Supports up to 192GB of RAM, offering ample memory for demanding applications and multitasking.
  • Compatible with DDR5 memory at speeds up to 5600 MHz, ensuring fast data access and efficient processing.
  • Supports ECC memory for increased reliability, making it a good option for systems requiring data integrity.
Cons
  • Lacks an unlocked multiplier, preventing overclocking and limiting the ability to push performance beyond default speeds.
  • Base clock speeds of 2.7 GHz (6 cores) and 2.1 GHz (8 cores) may not offer the same level of performance as higher-clocked processors in single-threaded applications.
  • Integrated GPU may not meet the demands of more graphically intensive tasks like gaming or high-end video editing.
Who is this for?

The Intel Core 5 221E is well-suited for users requiring a balanced CPU with efficient multitasking capabilities. With its 20 threads and support for multithreading, it can handle a variety of workloads, from general computing tasks to moderate multi-tasking. Its integrated UHD Graphics 770 also makes it a good option for users who need basic graphical performance without the need for a discrete GPU. Additionally, the processor's support for ECC memory ensures data integrity, making it suitable for applications that demand reliability, such as small servers or workstations.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor may not be ideal for users engaged in high-performance gaming, video editing, or other graphically intensive tasks due to the limitations of the integrated UHD Graphics 770. While it supports multithreading, the clock speeds of 2.7 GHz (6 cores) and 2.1 GHz (8 cores) may also hinder performance in single-threaded, high-frequency applications. Additionally, its lack of an unlocked multiplier means it is not suitable for users who wish to overclock for additional performance gains.

General info:

chipset H610
Has integrated graphics ✓
release date January 2025
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 65W
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit ✓

The Intel Core 5 221E is compatible with the H610 chipset and supports integrated graphics, featuring the UHD Graphics 770 for basic graphical tasks. With a 65W thermal design power (TDP), this processor offers a balance of performance and efficiency. It also supports PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer and is fully 64-bit compatible, ensuring compatibility with modern software and operating systems.

Performance:

CPU speed 6 x 2.7 & 8 x 2.1 GHz
CPU threads 20 threads
turbo clock speed 5.2GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier ✕
L3 cache 24 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology ✓
clock multiplier 27
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Core 5 221E features a combination of 6 cores running at 2.7 GHz and 8 cores at 2.1 GHz, with a total of 20 threads for multitasking and parallel processing. It boasts a turbo clock speed of 5.2 GHz, offering extra performance when needed. The processor includes 24 MB of L3 cache, supports big.LITTLE technology for efficient power usage, and utilizes a clock multiplier of 27 for better control over performance. However, it does not have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 32388
PassMark result (single) 4186

The Intel Core 5 221E achieves a PassMark result of 32388, indicating strong overall performance for various tasks. Its single-threaded PassMark score of 4186 further highlights its capability for applications that rely on single-core speed, making it a solid choice for both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads.

Integrated graphics:

GPU clock speed 300 MHz
GPU name UHD Graphics 770
GPU turbo 1550 MHz
GPU execution units 32
DirectX version DirectX 12
supported displays 4
OpenGL version 4.5
OpenCL version 3
texture mapping units (TMUs) 16
render output units (ROPs) 8
shading units 256

The Intel Core 5 221E features integrated UHD Graphics 770, capable of a base GPU clock speed of 300 MHz and a turbo boost of 1550 MHz for improved graphical performance. It includes 32 GPU execution units, offering efficient rendering, and supports up to four displays. This GPU also supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 3.0 for modern graphical and compute tasks.

Memory:

RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
maximum memory amount 192GB
Supports ECC memory ✓

The Intel Core 5 221E supports DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz and operates with two memory channels. It can handle up to 192GB of total memory, providing ample capacity for demanding tasks. Additionally, the processor is compatible with ECC memory, ensuring enhanced data reliability for critical workloads.

Features:

instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
uses multithreading ✓
Has NX bit ✓

The Intel Core 5 221E supports a variety of instruction sets, including MMX, AES, AVX, and SSE 4.2, allowing it to handle a broad range of applications. It also utilizes multithreading to enhance performance in parallel tasks. Additionally, the processor includes the NX bit for improved security by preventing certain types of attacks.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core 5 221E is a reliable CPU suited for users who require efficient multitasking and solid overall performance. With its 20 threads and support for ECC memory, it excels in general computing tasks, light multitasking, and applications where data integrity is important. While its integrated UHD Graphics 770 offers decent graphical performance for non-demanding workloads, it may not be ideal for more graphically intensive tasks. Overall, it’s a capable choice for workstations or everyday computing, though users seeking high-frequency performance or gaming power may need to look elsewhere.

Popular Comparisons

Intel Core 5 221E
Intel Core 5 221E
VS
Intel Core 5 221TE
Intel Core 5 221TE