Intel Core 5 120 vs Intel Core i9-14901TE Comparison

The Verdict

The database contains a complete benchmark profile for the Intel Core 5 120, while the Intel Core i9-14901TE has no recorded benchmark scores, an average benchmark score of 0, and no rival entries. This asymmetry defines the entire comparison. The Core 5 120 sits at the 77th percentile among all CPUs tracked, with an average benchmark score of 25,362. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D at 25,365 (0% delta), the Intel Core i7-11700KF at 25,423 (-0.2% delta), the Intel Core i5-13400F at 25,292 (0.3% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U at 25,432 (-0.3% delta). These numbers show the Core 5 120 is effectively tied with four very different processors, all within a 0.6% spread. The Core i9-14901TE, by contrast, has no measurable data, so no verdict can be drawn from direct performance evidence.

For users selecting between these two parts strictly from the recorded data, only the Core 5 120 has a verified performance footprint. It delivers a multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 18,255 and a single-core R23 score of 2,577. The i9-14901TE offers a higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz versus 4.50 GHz, more cores (8 versus 6), more threads (16 versus 12), and double the L3 cache (36 MB versus 18 MB), but none of that translates into measured scores in the database. The i9-14901TE also carries a 50th percentile ranking, which is lower than the Core 5 120's 77th percentile, though that percentile likely reflects missing data rather than a tested performance level. The Core 5 120 is the only part here with actual benchmark results, and it stands as a solid mid-pack performer. The i9-14901TE must be considered an untested entry, with its architectural advantages remaining theoretical until benchmark data exists.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and the Raptor Lake-R codename, with a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. Both use the Intel Socket 1700. The Core 5 120 belongs to the Core 5 generation described as Raptor Lake Refresh, while the i9-14901TE belongs to the Core 14th Gen series, also described as Raptor Lake Refresh. The die sizes differ substantially: the Core 5 120 measures 163 mm², while the i9-14901TE measures 257 mm². That larger die accommodates additional cores and cache. The Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the i9-14901TE has 8 cores and 16 threads. Both use the same per-core L1 cache of 80 KB, but L2 cache differs: 1.25 MB per core for the Core 5 120 versus 2 MB per core for the i9-14901TE. L3 cache jumps from 18 MB shared on the Core 5 120 to 36 MB shared on the i9-14901TE. The i9-14901TE supports ECC memory, while the Core 5 120 does not. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode. Both use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics differ: the Core 5 120 carries UHD Graphics 730, while the i9-14901TE carries UHD Graphics 770. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not enabled on either part. The production status for both is Active.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table in the database is empty, with zero wins recorded for either processor. Consequently, a direct comparison of test results cannot be performed. The Core 5 120 has a full suite of 17 benchmark scores, while the i9-14901TE has none. The Core 5 120's Cinebench R15 multi-core score is 1,840, and its single-core score is 259. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 7,667 and single-core is 1,082. The R23 results show 18,255 multi-core and 2,577 single-core. Passmark tests for the Core 5 120 include data compression at 219,535, data encryption at 11,131, extended instructions at 14,264, prime numbers at 77, floating point math at 45,383, integer math at 60,462, multithread at 18,597, physics at 1,333, random string sorting at 21,499, and single thread at 3,595. The average benchmark score of 25,362 places it near the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D (25,365, 0% delta) and the Intel Core i5-13400F (25,292, 0.3% delta). It trails the Intel Core i7-11700KF by 0.2% and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U by 0.3%. These deltas are negligible, meaning the Core 5 120's performance profile is statistically indistinguishable from those four rivals. Without i9-14901TE scores, the only conclusion is that the Core 5 120 has a verified, competitive mid-range profile, while the i9-14901TE remains unmeasured.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields. The Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the i9-14901TE has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clock speeds are 2.50 GHz for the Core 5 120 and 2.30 GHz for the i9-14901TE, a 0.20 GHz difference in favor of the Core 5 120 at idle or low load. Boost clocks reverse the situation: 4.50 GHz for the Core 5 120 versus 5.50 GHz for the i9-14901TE, a 1.00 GHz advantage for the i9-14901TE under load. Thermal design power also differs: 65 W for the Core 5 120 versus 45 W for the i9-14901TE, meaning the i9-14901TE is rated for lower power consumption despite having more cores and a higher boost clock. Die size is larger on the i9-14901TE at 257 mm² compared to 163 mm². L2 cache per core is 1.25 MB on the Core 5 120 versus 2 MB on the i9-14901TE. L3 cache is 18 MB shared versus 36 MB shared. ECC memory support is absent on the Core 5 120 and present on the i9-14901TE. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 730 versus UHD Graphics 770. The Core 5 120 has a launch MSRP of $211; the i9-14901TE has no recorded launch MSRP. Release dates differ: the Core 5 120 launched on 2025-07-30, while the i9-14901TE launched on 2024-06-30. The part numbers also differ: SA35V for the Core 5 120 and Q49CSRNJJ for the i9-14901TE. Both share the same socket, architecture, process node, foundry, memory support, memory bus, PCIe configuration, market segment (Desktop), and production status (Active).

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120 has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

Q: How do the core counts compare?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 5 120 does not.

Q: What is the L3 cache size difference?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 18 MB shared L3 cache on the Intel Core 5 120.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 has an average benchmark score of 25,362, with a 77th percentile ranking among all CPUs. The Intel Core i9-14901TE has an average benchmark score of 0 and a 50th percentile ranking, indicating no recorded benchmark data.

Q: Which processor has a lower thermal design power?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE has a thermal design power of 45 W, while the Intel Core 5 120 has a thermal design power of 65 W.