CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 210H vs Intel Core i7-13620H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 210H is a mobile processor for performance laptops with an 8-core hybrid design (4 P-cores + 4 E-cores), 12 threads, and up to 4.80 GHz boost, built on Intel’s 10 nm process. It targets mainstream users who need snappy everyday performance and capable integrated graphics without stepping up to power-hungry HX parts.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Everyday productivity and light creative work feel responsive thanks to the 4.8 GHz P-core boost and 12 MB L3 cache.
10 cores handle standard productivity easily, though slower in heavy rendering.
Gaming
With the 48 EU Iris Xe iGPU, expect playable 1080p frame rates in esports titles at medium settings; AAA games will generally need low settings or a discrete GPU.
Performs well in gaming scenarios where single-core speed matters most.
Virtualization
Reasonable for a few light VMs or containers; for sustained heavy virtualization workloads, more cores and higher sustained power would help.
Adequate for basic VMs but limited by 16 threads.
Efficiency
Configurable TDPs allow OEMs to prioritize battery life or performance; long-ramp PL2 (115 W, ~28 s) can cause brief heat spikes in thin chassis if not tuned.
Fewer cores allow for slightly better power efficiency under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU; AI inference runs on CPU or iGPU.
- AVX2/AVX and DL Boost (VNNI) provide some acceleration for compatible workloads.
- For serious or sustained AI workloads, a dedicated GPU or newer Core Ultra parts are better suited.
- AVX2 supported but fewer cores limit multi-threaded AI throughput.
- Basic iGPU offers minimal AI acceleration.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 48 EU Iris Xe provides playable 1080p esports performance.
- AAA titles typically require low settings or external GPU.
- Discrete GPUs in laptops will outpace the iGPU significantly.
- Excellent match for RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 mobile GPUs.
- Lacks the high 5.0GHz+ boost of premium models.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Balanced 4P+4E layout with 12 threads suits everyday and light multi-threaded work.
- 12 MB L3 cache and up to 4.8 GHz boost keep single-thread performance competitive.
- PCIe 5.0 from CPU enables one high-speed NVMe SSD at full bandwidth.
- Flexible memory support (DDR4/DDR5 and LPDDR variants) for OEMs.
- Integrated Iris Xe 48 EU iGPU handles 1080p esports and display tasks well.
Cons
- No unlocked multiplier; performance tuning is OEM-dependent.
- High PL2 (115 W) can cause brief throttling on thermally constrained laptops if OEM power profiles are aggressive.
- No dedicated NPU for emerging on-device AI workloads.
- For heavy workloads, HX or newer Core Ultra parts provide more cores and better efficiency.
Pros
- Strong single-core performance for the price
- Full 24MB L3 cache
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Fits budget laptop thermal envelopes well
Cons
- Only 10 cores (reduced E-Cores)
- Uses basic UHD Graphics 770 instead of Iris Xe
- Max turbo is capped at 4.9 GHz
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 5 210H
- AMD Ryzen 5 7535HSRival
Mobile (6C/12T, Zen 3+, 35 W HS-series)
- AMD Ryzen 5 8540URival
Mobile (6C/12T, Zen 4, 28 W U-series)
- Intel Core 7 155HRival
Mobile (6P+8E, Meteor Lake, Core Ultra 7, with NPU)
- Intel Core 5 220HAlt
Higher base and boost clocks and more cache (18 MB L3) if you need stronger multi-thread performance within the same platform.
- Intel Core 7 150HXAlt
More cores and higher sustained power for heavier creator/gaming workloads, at the cost of power draw.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSAlt
Zen 4 with RDNA 3 iGPU and stronger integrated graphics if you prefer AMD’s mobile ecosystem.
Meteor Lake with a dedicated NPU and modern iGPU if you prioritize AI features and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-13500HAlt
13th-gen H-series with more cores (12C/16T) if you find a good deal on a prior-generation laptop.
Intel Core i7-13620H
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640HSRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735HSRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-13500HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-13700HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7535HSRival
Mobile
An even cheaper option for strictly budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The Core 5 210H offers a sensible mid-range mix of P-cores and E-cores with 12 MB of shared L3, PCIe 5.0 from the CPU, and modern memory support. It isn’t a halo part, but for everyday work, light creation, and esports-class gaming on the iGPU, it delivers strong value.
Best for: Mid-range laptops used for everyday work, study, light content creation, and casual/esports gaming; choose models with good cooling and dual-channel memory enabled.
Read the full reviewA cleverly cut-down i7 that retains strong single-core speeds while reducing core counts, making it a value champion for entry-level gaming laptops.
Best for: Buying a budget gaming laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 210H or Intel Core i7-13620H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-13620H comes out ahead with a score of 8.3/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 5 210H or Intel Core i7-13620H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-13620H leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core 5 210H and Intel Core i7-13620H.
Do Intel Core 5 210H and Intel Core i7-13620H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 5 210H: BGA 1744, Intel Core i7-13620H: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-13620H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 5 210H (8 cores), Intel Core i7-13620H (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-13620H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-13620H (24,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.