Intel Core 3 305 vs Intel Core i9-14901KE Comparison

The Verdict

The database places these two processors in entirely different segments. The Intel Core 3 305 is a mobile-oriented, low-power part built on a modern 3 nm process with 6 cores and 6 threads. The Intel Core i9-14901KE is a desktop flagship-class chip with 8 cores, 16 threads, a 125 W TDP, and a 5.80 GHz boost clock. The recorded data shows the Core 3 305 has a measured average benchmark score of 18302 and sits at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs, while the i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, an average score of 0, and a 50th percentile placement. The absence of any head-to-head benchmark entries and zero wins on either side means the database cannot directly compare their compute performance. For any workload requiring heavy multi-threading, high sustained clocks, desktop expansion, or ECC memory, the data points to the i9-14901KE. For mobile systems, low power consumption, and modern integrated graphics, the Core 3 305 is the only one of the two that fits that use case. The i9-14901KE has no launch MSRP recorded, while the Core 3 305 carries a launch MSRP of $309.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 305 wins on portability and efficiency. Its 15 W TDP, BGA 1516 socket, and mobile market segment make it a processor for thin notebooks and compact systems. It supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory, uses a single-channel memory bus, and includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The i9-14901KE cannot be used in such systems because it requires Socket 1700 and draws 125 W. The i9-14901KE wins on connectivity and platform features. It offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes versus the Core 3 305's PCIe Gen 4 with 6 lanes. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, includes ECC memory support, and has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. The i9-14901KE's 36 MB shared L3 cache dwarfs the Core 3 305's 6 MB shared L3. Its 8 cores and 16 threads double the thread count of the 6-core, 6-thread Core 3 305. The i9-14901KE also has a far higher boost clock: 5.80 GHz versus 4.30 GHz, and a higher base clock of 3.80 GHz versus 1.50 GHz. The Core 3 305 uses a smaller 3 nm process node compared to the i9-14901KE's 10 nm node, and its 257 mm² die size is listed for the i9-14901KE while no die size is recorded for the Core 3 305. The i9-14901KE's integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770, a different configuration from the Core 3 305's Xe3 Graphics.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural families. The Core 3 305 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and is listed under the Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) generation. The i9-14901KE uses the Raptor Lake codename, specifically Raptor Lake-R, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series under the Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. The process nodes differ significantly: the Core 3 305 is built on a 3 nm process, while the i9-14901KE uses a 10 nm process. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the architecture differences change cache geometry. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The per-core L2 on the i9-14901KE is substantial, and the total L3 is six times larger than the Core 3 305's shared pool. The i9-14901KE reports a die size of 257 mm², while the Core 3 305 has no die size recorded. Transistor counts are not listed for either processor. The Core 3 305 supports only DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5. The Core 3 305's memory bus is single-channel with a measured memory bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s, while the i9-14901KE uses a dual-channel bus with no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory is supported on the i9-14901KE but not on the Core 3 305. PCIe capabilities differ as well: the Core 3 305 has PCIe Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the i9-14901KE has PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The multiplier is unlocked on the i9-14901KE but locked on the Core 3 305. Release dates differ by almost two years: the i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30, while the Core 3 305 is dated 2026-04-15. Both are listed as Active in production status.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel memory bus and no bandwidth figure recorded.

Q: Which processor has ECC memory support?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has ECC memory support. The Intel Core 3 305 does not.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The Core 3 305 boosts to 4.30 GHz from a 1.50 GHz base clock. The i9-14901KE boosts to 5.80 GHz from a 3.80 GHz base clock.

Q: Which processor is designed for desktop systems?

A: The i9-14901KE is listed with the Desktop market segment and uses Intel Socket 1700. The Core 3 305 is listed with the Mobile market segment and uses Intel BGA 1516.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database currently contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors. The wins count for each is zero, and the i9-14901KE has an empty benchmarks array. The Core 3 305, however, has a full set of recorded benchmark scores. Its average benchmark score is 18302, which places it at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i3-14100 with an average score of 18318 and a delta of -0.1%, the Intel Core 5 330 at 18345 with a delta of -0.2%, the Intel Core 7 360 at 18374 with a delta of -0.4%, and the AMD Ryzen 5 2600E at 18230 with a delta of 0.4%. These deltas are all within a fraction of a percent, meaning the Core 3 305's average score is statistically indistinguishable from those nearby parts. In Cinebench R23, the Core 3 305 scores 13123 in multi-core and 1852 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 5511 multi-core and 777 single-core. In Cinebench R15, it scores 1322 multi-core and 186 single-core. PassMark results show 15439 in multithread, 3977 in single-thread, 42284 in floating point math, 32295 in integer math, 146857 in data compression, 11019 in data encryption, 13543 in extended instructions, 17623 in random string sorting, and 115 in find prime numbers. Physics score is 1233. The i9-14901KE has none of these measurements recorded, so the database cannot confirm its performance in any of these tests. The percentile data, however, places the i9-14901KE at the 50th percentile of all CPUs, which is lower than the Core 3 305's 72nd percentile. This is an odd result given the i9-14901KE's higher core count, thread count, clock speeds, and cache. The likely explanation is that the 50th percentile is a default or placeholder value in the database, as the average score of 0 and the empty benchmarks array suggest no measured data exists. The Core 3 305's 72nd percentile is supported by actual benchmark runs. Without direct measurements for the i9-14901KE, any performance comparison between the two relies on specification differences rather than test results.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification field. The Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, while the i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 305 and 3.80 GHz for the i9-14901KE. Boost clocks are 4.30 GHz and 5.80 GHz respectively. TDP is 15 W for the Core 3 305 and 125 W for the i9-14901KE. The Core 3 305 uses Intel BGA 1516, while the i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700. The process node is 3 nm for the Core 3 305 and 10 nm for the i9-14901KE. The i9-14901KE has a recorded die size of 257 mm²; the Core 3 305 has no die size listed. Cache layouts differ completely: the Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3, while the i9-14901KE has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. Memory support differs: the Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, while the i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and no bandwidth figure. ECC memory is false for the Core 3 305 and true for the i9-14901KE. PCIe connectivity differs: Gen 4 with 6 lanes for the Core 3 305, Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the i9-14901KE. Integrated graphics are Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core on the Core 3 305, versus UHD Graphics 770 on the i9-14901KE. Market segments are Mobile and Desktop respectively. The Core 3 305 has a locked multiplier; the i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier. Release dates are 2026-04-15 for the Core 3 305 and 2024-06-30 for the i9-14901KE. The Core 3 305 has a launch MSRP of $309; the i9-14901KE has no launch MSRP recorded. Both are marked Active in production status, and both are manufactured by Intel. The Core 3 305 has the part number SAE3L, while the i9-14901KE has the part number Q49DSRNJC. The Core 3 305 belongs to the Wildcat Lake codename and Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) generation, while the i9-14901KE belongs to the Raptor Lake codename, Raptor Lake-R architecture, and Core 14th Gen series. The i9-14901KE has no nearest rivals listed in the database, while the Core 3 305 has four, all within 0.4% of its average score. The data confirms these are complementary products for different platforms, with no direct benchmark overlap recorded.