Intel Core 5 120U vs Intel Core i3-14100T Comparison

The Intel Core 5 120U and Intel Core i3-14100T are both Raptor Lake parts from Intel, but they target fundamentally different segments. The 120U is a mobile-first processor with a 10-core hybrid layout, while the 14100T is a desktop chip built around four high-performance cores. Their benchmark results show a clear split: the 120U dominates in productivity and encryption workloads, while the 14100T pulls ahead in sustained multi-threaded rendering. The data reveals that the 120U wins 10 of the 17 head-to-head tests, yet the 14100T claims the most decisive victory in the most demanding workload.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 120U is the clear leader in general-purpose and data-centric tasks. Its 10-core design delivers a 29.8% advantage in PassMark integer math and a 14.8% edge in floating-point math. Encryption is a standout: the 120U scores 10,453 in PassMark data encryption, a 32.6% jump over the 14100T’s 7,881. Data compression also favors the mobile chip, with a 9% lead (166,432 vs 152,636). Random string sorting tilts heavily toward the 120U, which posts 19,060 against 15,579, a 22.3% gap. The 120U also wins the PassMark multithread test, scoring 15,042 versus 13,662, a 10.1% margin.

The Intel Core i3-14100T takes the crown in pure rendering workloads, specifically Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here, the desktop part scores 11,612 against the 120U’s 6,659, a massive 42.7% advantage. This is the single largest delta in the entire comparison. The 14100T also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core, though narrowly, by 1.7% (1,170 vs 1,150.5). In PassMark extended instructions, the 14100T leads by 10.7% (10,414 vs 9,299), and it edges out the 120U in find prime numbers (56 vs 53, a 5.4% lead) and physics (973 vs 937, a 3.7% lead). The single-thread PassMark test is essentially a tie, with the 14100T ahead by just 0.5%.

The split is clear: for office-style multitasking, data handling, and encryption, the 120U is the stronger choice. For sustained rendering and instruction-heavy code, the 14100T is decisively ahead. The 120U’s wins are numerous but moderate in size, while the 14100T’s one major win is overwhelming.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and are built on Intel’s 10 nm process node, but they diverge sharply in core configuration. The Core 5 120U packs 10 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i3-14100T offers only 4 cores and 8 threads. The 120U’s core count is its key asset, allowing it to spread workloads across more execution units. The 14100T compensates with a higher base clock of 2.70 GHz versus the 120U’s 1.40 GHz, though the 120U boosts higher at 5.00 GHz compared to 4.40 GHz.

Cache hierarchies are identical at the per-core level: both have 80 KB of L1 and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, with 12 MB of shared L3. The die size differs, with the 14100T measuring 163 mm², while the 120U’s die size is not listed. Power envelopes are a major differentiator: the 120U has a TDP of 15 watts, while the 14100T draws up to 35 watts. This explains why the desktop part can sustain higher multi-core performance despite fewer cores.

Platform support is another split. The 120U uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket and is classified as a mobile part, while the 14100T uses Intel Socket 1700 and is a desktop processor. PCIe connectivity differs significantly: the 120U offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), whereas the 14100T provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: the 120U features Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while the 14100T ships with UHD Graphics 730. Memory support is the same (DDR4 and DDR5, dual-channel), but the 14100T adds ECC memory support, which the 120U lacks. Both parts were released on the same date and remain active in production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench R23 multi-core result is the defining moment of this comparison. The 14100T scores 11,612, which is 42.7% higher than the 120U’s 6,659. This is a massive gap that highlights the 14100T’s ability to sustain high clocks across all four cores under load. The 120U’s 15-watt TDP likely limits its sustained performance, causing a severe drop-off in this long-running render test.

Single-core performance tells a different story. The 120U wins Cinebench R23 single-core by 7.2% (1,756.5 vs 1,639) and Cinebench R20 single-core by 9.7% (755 vs 688). The most extreme single-core result is in Cinebench R15, where the 120U scores 245 against the 14100T’s 165, a 48.5% blowout. This suggests the 120U’s higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz gives it a decisive edge in short, lightly threaded bursts.

In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the 120U flips the script, winning by 9.7% (5,349 vs 4,877). This contrasts sharply with the R23 result, indicating that the 120U performs better in shorter multi-core workloads before thermal or power limits kick in. The PassMark suite reinforces the 120U’s data-handling strengths: integer math (29.8% lead), encryption (32.6%), and random string sorting (22.3%) are all comfortable wins. The 14100T’s only substantial PassMark win is extended instructions, where it leads by 10.7%.

The single-thread PassMark scores are nearly identical (3,479 vs 3,498, a 0.5% delta), showing that the two chips are parity for basic single-threaded tasks. However, the Cinebench single-core results favor the 120U heavily, suggesting its boost behavior is more aggressive in short workloads. Overall, the data shows a chip that wins on core count and burst performance (the 120U) versus a chip that wins on sustained multi-core power (the 14100T).

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i3-14100T has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the largest performance difference between the two?

A: The largest gap is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core i3-14100T scores 11,612 versus the Intel Core 5 120U’s 6,659, a 42.7% advantage for the desktop part.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 120U win any multi-core benchmarks?

A: Yes, the 120U wins Cinebench R20 multi-core by 9.7% (5,349 vs 4,877) and PassMark multithread by 10.1% (15,042 vs 13,662).

Q: Which chip supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i3-14100T supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 5 120U does not.

Q: What are the boost clock differences?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i3-14100T boosts to 4.40 GHz. The 14100T has a higher base clock at 2.70 GHz versus 1.40 GHz.

Q: How do they compare in encryption performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U is significantly ahead, scoring 10,453 in PassMark data encryption versus the 14100T’s 7,881, a 32.6% lead.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 5 120U | Intel Core i3-14100T |

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

| Cores | 10 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 1.40 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-U | Raptor Lake-R |

| Generation | Core 5 (Raptor Lake-U) | Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh) |

| Die Size | Not listed | 163 mm² |

| 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 | Mobile | Desktop |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $134 |