Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core i5-14401E Comparison

Intel Core 5 120HL and Intel Core i5-14401E are both active desktop processors from Intel, sharing the Raptor Lake architecture and the Intel Socket 1700 platform. The data shows two distinct design approaches: the Core 5 120HL packs 12 cores and 16 threads with a 45 W TDP, while the Core i5-14401E uses 6 cores and 12 threads with a 65 W TDP. Benchmark results for the Core i5-14401E provide a clear reference point, while the Core 5 120HL has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, making the comparison primarily structural and architectural.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core 5 120HL and the Intel Core i5-14401E. For the Core i5-14401E, six Cinebench scores are recorded: R15 multi-core at 1830, R15 single-core at 258, R20 multi-core at 7627, R20 single-core at 1076, R23 multi-core at 18161, and R23 single-core at 2564. These results place the Core i5-14401E at the 60th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 5253.

Since the Core 5 120HL lacks any benchmark entries, the data cannot quantify its performance relative to the Core i5-14401E. The Core 5 120HL does hold a 50th percentile ranking, which sits below the Core i5-14401E’s 60th percentile, but this ranking is derived from all CPUs and does not imply a direct comparison. The absence of scores for the Core 5 120HL means that no exact percentage differences, no multi-core deltas, and no single-core deltas can be stated from the recorded data.

For context on the Core i5-14401E’s position, the nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Xeon E5-2699A v4 with an average score of 5259, the Intel Core i7-11700B at 5241, the Intel Core i9-10850K at 5240, and the Intel Core i5-13400T at 5210. The performance gaps are narrow: the Xeon E5-2699A v4 is 0.1 percent higher, the Core i7-11700B is 0.2 percent lower, the Core i9-10850K is 0.2 percent lower, and the Core i5-13400T is 0.8 percent lower. These numbers indicate that the Core i5-14401E sits in a tightly packed performance band, with its average score of 5253 falling just 6 points below the Xeon and 12 points above the Core i7-11700B. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 18161 is the strongest recorded result, while the R15 single-core score of 258 is the weakest relative to other records.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use the Raptor Lake architecture, but they belong to different codename families. The Core 5 120HL is based on Raptor Lake-PS, while the Core i5-14401E uses Raptor Lake-R, part of the Core 14th Gen series and the Raptor Lake Refresh generation. The process node is identical at 10 nm, and the foundry is Intel for both. The die size is recorded only for the Core i5-14401E at 215 mm²; no die size is listed for the Core 5 120HL.

The core and thread counts differ substantially. The Core 5 120HL provides 12 cores and 16 threads, which suggests a configuration with a mix of performance and efficiency cores, though the database does not specify the exact core composition. The Core i5-14401E provides 6 cores and 12 threads, indicating a smaller core count with hyper-threading support. This structural difference means the Core 5 120HL offers 6 additional cores and 4 additional threads compared to the Core i5-14401E, a gap that could influence multi-threaded workloads, though no benchmark data confirms this.

Cache layouts also diverge. The Core 5 120HL has L1 cache of 80 KB per core, L2 cache of 2 MB per core, and L3 cache of 18 MB shared. The Core i5-14401E has the same L1 cache of 80 KB per core, a smaller L2 cache of 1.25 MB per core, and a larger L3 cache of 20 MB shared. The L2 difference is notable: the Core 5 120HL allocates 2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core for the Core i5-14401E, which could affect per-core data locality. The L3 cache favors the Core i5-14401E by 2 MB, but the Core 5 120HL’s larger core count means its 18 MB is distributed across more cores.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Core i5-14401E uses UHD Graphics 730. The database does not provide performance metrics for either GPU, so the comparison is limited to naming differences. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel memory bus, but the Core i5-14401E adds ECC memory support, which the Core 5 120HL does not have.

PCIe connectivity shows a clear split. The Core 5 120HL offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the Core i5-14401E offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This gives the Core i5-14401E a bandwidth advantage for discrete GPUs or NVMe drives, with double the lane count and a newer generation.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded data, the Core i5-14401E has a clear advantage in measured performance, since it is the only one of the two with benchmark scores. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 18161 and R20 multi-core score of 7627 indicate strong sustained multi-threaded capability for a 6-core processor. The single-core scores, R23 at 2564 and R20 at 1076, are also recorded, providing a baseline for lightly threaded tasks. The Core i5-14401E’s 60th percentile ranking and average score of 5253 place it above the Core 5 120HL’s 50th percentile, though this ranking gap is not a direct benchmark comparison.

The Core 5 120HL wins on paper in core and thread counts, offering 12 cores and 16 threads versus 6 cores and 12 threads. This likely translates to better parallel processing potential for heavily threaded applications, but the database provides no scores to confirm this. The Core 5 120HL also has a lower TDP of 45 W versus 65 W for the Core i5-14401E, which could indicate lower power consumption, but the database does not include power measurements. The larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) is another potential advantage for the Core 5 120HL in workloads that benefit from per-core cache.

The Core i5-14401E wins on PCIe capability with Gen 5 and 16 lanes, which is a significant I/O advantage for systems using high-bandwidth peripherals. It also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Core 5 120HL, making it more suitable for error-sensitive computing environments. The larger L3 cache of 20 MB versus 18 MB is a minor advantage in shared cache capacity.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between the two processors are as follows:

• Cores: Core 5 120HL has 12, Core i5-14401E has 6.
• Threads: Core 5 120HL has 16, Core i5-14401E has 12.
• Base clock: Core 5 120HL at 2.60 GHz, Core i5-14401E at 2.50 GHz.
• Boost clock: both at 4.70 GHz.
• TDP: Core 5 120HL at 45 W, Core i5-14401E at 65 W.
• L2 cache: Core 5 120HL at 2 MB per core, Core i5-14401E at 1.25 MB per core.
• L3 cache: Core 5 120HL at 18 MB shared, Core i5-14401E at 20 MB shared.
• ECC memory: Core 5 120HL does not support, Core i5-14401E supports.
• PCIe: Core 5 120HL has Gen 4 with 8 lanes, Core i5-14401E has Gen 5 with 16 lanes.
• Integrated graphics: Core 5 120HL has Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, Core i5-14401E has UHD Graphics 730.
• Die size: Core 5 120HL has no recorded die size, Core i5-14401E has 215 mm².
• Release date: Core 5 120HL released 2024-04-07, Core i5-14401E released 2024-06-30.
• Part number: Core 5 120HL is SRPFR, Core i5-14401E is Q49JSRNJS.
• Launch MSRP: Core 5 120HL has a launch MSRP of $279, Core i5-14401E has no recorded launch MSRP.

Both share the same socket, architecture, process node, foundry, L1 cache (80 KB per core), memory support (DDR4 and DDR5), memory bus (dual-channel), market segment (desktop), production status (active), and multiplier status (locked, not unlocked). Neither has a recorded transistor count or total L3 cache figure.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core 5 120HL provides 6 additional cores and 4 additional threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of both processors?

A: Both the Intel Core 5 120HL and the Intel Core i5-14401E have a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The base clocks differ: the Core 5 120HL runs at 2.60 GHz, and the Core i5-14401E runs at 2.50 GHz.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-14401E support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i5-14401E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120HL does not support ECC memory, according to the database.

Q: Which processor has faster PCIe connectivity?

A: The Intel Core i5-14401E offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 5 120HL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The Core i5-14401E has a newer generation and double the lane count.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core i5-14401E has 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core i5-14401E has 2 MB more L3 cache.

Q: What are the recorded benchmark scores for the Intel Core i5-14401E?

A: The database lists Cinebench R15 multi-core at 1830, R15 single-core at 258, R20 multi-core at 7627, R20 single-core at 1076, R23 multi-core at 18161, and R23 single-core at 2564. The average benchmark score is 5253, with a percentile ranking of 60 among all CPUs.

The Verdict

The data supports different selections depending on the workload and system requirements. For measured performance, the Intel Core i5-14401E is the only option with benchmark evidence. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 18161 and R23 single-core score of 2564 establish a concrete performance baseline, and its 60th percentile ranking places it above the Core 5 120HL’s 50th percentile. The Core i5-14401E also brings PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, ECC memory support, and a larger 20 MB L3 cache, which are tangible advantages for systems needing high I/O bandwidth or data integrity features.

For raw core count and thread capacity, the Intel Core 5 120HL is the stronger choice on paper. Its 12 cores and 16 threads double the core count of the Core i5-14401E, and the lower 45 W TDP suggests a more power-efficient design. The larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) could benefit certain cache-sensitive workloads. However, the absence of any benchmark scores for the Core 5 120HL means its actual performance cannot be verified from the database, and its PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes is less capable than the Core i5-14401E’s PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes.

The Core i5-14401E also has a later release date (2024-06-30 versus 2024-04-07) and a recorded die size of 215 mm², while the Core 5 120HL has no die size data. The Core 5 120HL carries a launch MSRP of $279, but pricing is not part of this analysis. Both processors share the same socket, architecture, process node, and memory support, so platform compatibility is identical.

Users prioritizing verified multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth, and ECC memory should select the Intel Core i5-14401E, based on the recorded scores and feature set. Users prioritizing core count, thread count, and lower TDP, with no benchmark data to contradict those structural advantages, may consider the Intel Core 5 120HL, but the lack of measured results leaves its performance unconfirmed. The database favors the Core i5-14401E in measured outcomes, while the Core 5 120HL offers a higher core count with no empirical evidence to justify its selection.