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

The Verdict

The Intel Core 5 120HL and Intel Core i5-14401TE are both 45 W desktop parts on Intel Socket 1700, but they target different workloads. The Core 5 120HL holds the advantage in heavily threaded tasks due to its 12 cores and 16 threads, while the Core i5-14401TE counters with a superior memory controller feature set and a higher boost clock efficiency per core. The data indicates the Core 5 120HL is the pick for parallel processing, content creation, and virtualization, where its core count directly translates to throughput. The Core i5-14401TE is the pick for single-thread-sensitive applications, ECC memory environments, and users prioritizing PCIe Gen 5 connectivity. Both chips occupy the same 50th percentile in the database, meaning neither is an outlier in overall performance ranking, but their architectural differences create clear separation in specific use cases.

Architecture Differences

The Core 5 120HL uses the Raptor Lake-PS codename, which is a processor line designed for desktop platforms with a focus on hybrid core configurations. It implements 12 cores and 16 threads, indicating a mix of performance and efficient cores. Its base clock is 2.60 GHz and boost clock reaches 4.70 GHz. The Core i5-14401TE belongs to the Raptor Lake-R family, a refresh of the Raptor Lake architecture. It uses 6 cores and 12 threads, all presumably performance cores, with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. Both are fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process node, and both are produced by Intel foundry.

The cache layouts differ significantly. The Core 5 120HL has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB shared L3. The Core i5-14401TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 20 MB shared L3. The Core 5 120HL provides more L2 per core, which benefits repeated data access patterns, while the Core i5-14401TE offers a larger total L3 pool, which helps when the working set fits into shared cache. The Core i5-14401TE also has a die size of 215 mm², a figure not recorded for the Core 5 120HL.

Memory support is identical in type: both support DDR4 and DDR5 across a dual-channel bus. The Core i5-14401TE includes ECC memory support, a feature absent on the Core 5 120HL. PCIe capability differs: the Core 5 120HL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU, while the Core i5-14401TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: the Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Core i5-14401TE uses UHD Graphics 730. The Core 5 120HL launched on 2024-04-07, and the Core i5-14401TE launched on 2024-06-30. The Core 5 120HL has a recorded launch MSRP of $279, while the Core i5-14401TE has no launch MSRP in the database.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no recorded head-to-head benchmark scores for these two processors. However, the available architectural data allows for direct comparisons of capability. The Core 5 120HL has 100% more cores than the Core i5-14401TE (12 versus 6) and 33% more threads (16 versus 12). In multi-threaded workloads that scale with core count, the Core 5 120HL should deliver roughly double the parallel throughput, assuming similar per-core efficiency. The Core 5 120HL also has a higher base clock (2.60 GHz versus 2.00 GHz), a 30% increase, and a higher boost clock (4.70 GHz versus 4.50 GHz), a 4.4% increase. These clock advantages give the Core 5 120HL a lead in both sustained and peak single-thread performance.

The Core i5-14401TE counters with a larger shared L3 cache (20 MB versus 18 MB), a 11.1% advantage. This can reduce memory latency in workloads with moderate cache footprints. The Core i5-14401TE also supports ECC memory, which is absent on the Core 5 120HL, and offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes. For storage and GPU connectivity, the Core i5-14401TE provides double the CPU-attached PCIe lanes and a newer generation, enabling faster data transfer to compatible devices. The Core 5 120HL's integrated graphics, Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, is a more capable iGPU than UHD Graphics 730, which means the Core 5 120HL is better suited for systems without a discrete GPU.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

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

Q: Do both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 5 120HL and the Core i5-14401TE support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus.

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

A: Yes, the Core i5-14401TE has ECC memory support enabled, while the Core 5 120HL does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in PCIe connectivity?

A: The Core 5 120HL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU, whereas the Core i5-14401TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core 5 120HL has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, which is 0.20 GHz higher than the Core i5-14401TE's 4.50 GHz boost clock.

Q: What are the integrated graphics on each processor?

A: The Core 5 120HL uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the Core i5-14401TE uses UHD Graphics 730.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 5 120HL wins in multi-threaded compute. Its 12 cores and 16 threads provide a substantial advantage over the Core i5-14401TE's 6 cores and 12 threads. The higher base clock (2.60 GHz versus 2.00 GHz) also means the Core 5 120HL maintains better performance in all-core sustained workloads. The larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1.25 MB) reduces latency for per-core data streams, which helps in scientific simulations, video encoding, and software compilation. The Iris Xe Graphics 80EU is a stronger integrated GPU, giving the Core 5 120HL an edge in systems that rely on iGPU for display output or light media acceleration. The Core 5 120HL is the stronger choice for CPU-bound multitasking and parallel workloads where thread count is the limiting factor.

The Core i5-14401TE wins in platform flexibility and single-thread-critical applications. Its ECC memory support makes it suitable for error-sensitive workloads like data processing and financial modeling. PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes gives it double the CPU-attached lane count and a newer generation, which is relevant for users planning to install high-bandwidth NVMe storage or the latest GPUs. The larger shared L3 cache (20 MB versus 18 MB) provides a slight edge in workloads that benefit from a larger cache pool, such as certain database queries and latency-sensitive loops. The 4.50 GHz boost clock is only 0.20 GHz lower than the Core 5 120HL, so single-thread performance remains competitive, and the i5-14401TE's lower base clock (2.00 GHz) is less relevant when boost behavior dominates in short bursts. The Core i5-14401TE is the better fit for ECC-required systems, PCIe Gen 5 expansion, and workloads that are sensitive to shared cache capacity.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120HL | Intel Core i5-14401TE |

|----------------|---------------------|------------------------|

| Cores | 12 | 6 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 2.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | Raptor Lake-R |

| Generation | Core 5 (Raptor Lake-PS) | Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | Intel |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 215 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 20 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 80EU | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | Active |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07 | 2024-06-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $279 | Not recorded |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

| Part Number | SRPFR | Q4T4SRNJP |