Intel Core 5 120U vs Intel Core i5-14501E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a clear split between the two processors, but the comparison is heavily one-sided because the Intel Core i5-14501E has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. The Intel Core 5 120U holds all recorded performance data, with an average benchmark score of 17,898 and a percentile ranking of 72 among all CPUs. The Intel Core i5-14501E has an average benchmark score of 0 and a percentile ranking of 50, which indicates that no direct head-to-head measurements exist for the desktop part.

Because the head-to-head benchmark field is empty, the analysis relies on the Core 5 120U's standalone results and its nearest rival comparisons. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core 5 120U scores 6,659 points, while its single-core result is 1,756.5. In Geekbench, the mobile chip records 5,888 multi-core and 1,727 single-core. The Passmark suite shows a multi-thread score of 15,042 and a single-thread score of 3,479, with integer math at 52,280 and floating point math at 36,026.

The Core 5 120U's nearest rival data places it in a competitive position among similar processors. It sits within 0.7% of the Intel Core 7 350 (which scores 17,779), and it is essentially tied with the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (17,891, 0% delta). The Core 5 120U is 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core 5 221TE (17,860) and 0.5% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (17,994). These narrow margins show that the Core 5 120U delivers performance in line with established mid-range desktop and mobile parts from both Intel and AMD.

The i5-14501E, by contrast, has no benchmark entries, no nearest rivals, and no average score. The database cannot produce any comparative figures for it. This absence means the only measurable performance data in this comparison belongs entirely to the Core 5 120U, which demonstrates solid multi-threaded capability for a 15-watt mobile processor.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 120U wins every recorded benchmark category because it is the only chip with data. Its Passmark results highlight strengths in specific workloads: data compression scores 166,432, data encryption scores 10,453, extended instructions score 9,299, and prime number finding scores 53. Random string sorting reaches 19,060, and physics simulation scores 937. These numbers indicate a processor that handles compression, encryption, and sorting tasks efficiently, likely due to its hybrid core configuration.

The Core 5 120U also shows competitive single-thread performance. Its Cinebench R15 single-core score of 245 and R20 single-core score of 755, combined with a Geekbench single-core score of 1,727, place it in the range of capable modern processors. The Passmark single-thread score of 3,479 reinforces this, suggesting that the 5.00 GHz boost clock contributes to responsive workloads.

The Intel Core i5-14501E has no recorded wins in any category. The database contains zero benchmark scores for it, so there is no evidence of it outperforming the Core 5 120U in any test. The i5-14501E does offer a higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz and a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz, but without recorded results, these specifications cannot be translated into measured performance advantages.

For use-case analysis, the recorded data indicates the Core 5 120U is suited for tasks that benefit from multi-threading, such as data compression and encryption, where its Passmark scores are substantial. Its 12 threads across 10 cores provide parallel processing headroom. The i5-14501E, with 6 cores and 12 threads, would theoretically handle similar workloads, but the absence of measurements leaves this unverified.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has an average benchmark score of 17,898, while the Intel Core i5-14501E has an average benchmark score of 0 because no benchmark results are recorded for it.

Q: How does the Core 5 120U compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 5 120U is tied with the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (0% delta), 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core 5 221TE, 0.7% ahead of the Intel Core 7 350, and 0.5% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 1600.

Q: What is the percentile ranking for each processor?

A: The Core 5 120U ranks in the 72nd percentile among all CPUs, while the i5-14501E ranks in the 50th percentile.

Q: Does the i5-14501E have any recorded benchmark scores?

A: No, the database lists no benchmark entries for the i5-14501E, meaning no cinebench, geekbench, or passmark scores are available for it.

Q: What is the multi-core performance of the Core 5 120U in Cinebench R23?

A: The Core 5 120U scores 6,659 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 1,756.5 in single-core.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i5-14501E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 5 120U does not.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Core 5 120U has 10 cores and 12 threads, whereas the i5-14501E has 6 cores and 12 threads. The base clock of the Core 5 120U is 1.40 GHz, while the i5-14501E runs at 3.30 GHz. Boost clocks also differ: 5.00 GHz for the Core 5 120U versus 5.20 GHz for the i5-14501E.

Thermal design power shows a major gap: the Core 5 120U is rated at 15 watts, while the i5-14501E is rated at 65 watts. The socket types are different, with the Core 5 120U using Intel BGA 1744 and the i5-14501E using Intel Socket 1700. The mobile chip has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the desktop chip has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The die size of the i5-14501E is 215 mm², but no die size is recorded for the Core 5 120U.

The i5-14501E supports ECC memory, which the Core 5 120U does not. PCIe configurations differ: the Core 5 120U uses Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-14501E uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 5 120U featuring Iris Xe Graphics 80EU and the i5-14501E featuring UHD Graphics 770. The release dates are different as well: the Core 5 120U launched in 2024-01-07, and the i5-14501E launched in 2024-06-30.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same Raptor Lake architecture and are built on Intel's 10 nm process node, with the same foundry (Intel). The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core, and the L2 cache is also identical at 1.25 MB per core. The codenames differ, however: the Core 5 120U uses Raptor Lake-U, while the i5-14501E uses Raptor Lake-R. The generations reflect this split, with the Core 5 120U designated as Core 5 (Raptor Lake-U) and the i5-14501E as Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh).

The core count difference (10 vs 6) suggests the Core 5 120U uses a hybrid arrangement with efficiency cores, while the i5-14501E likely relies on a more uniform configuration. The larger L3 cache on the i5-14501E (24 MB vs 12 MB) indicates a different caching strategy for desktop workloads. The integrated graphics solutions are distinct, with Iris Xe Graphics 80EU on the mobile part and UHD Graphics 770 on the desktop part. The market segments differ fundamentally: the Core 5 120U is a mobile processor, while the i5-14501E is a desktop processor.

PCIe generation is a notable architectural difference: Gen 4 on the Core 5 120U versus Gen 5 on the i5-14501E, with 8 lanes versus 16 lanes. ECC memory support on the i5-14501E adds a server-oriented feature absent from the Core 5 120U. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses, and both have locked multipliers.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to the Intel Core 5 120U as the only processor with measurable performance in this comparison. Its average benchmark score of 17,898, 72nd percentile ranking, and competitive standings against established rivals like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 7 350 indicate a capable mobile processor. The 10-core, 12-thread configuration with a 5.00 GHz boost clock delivers strong multi-threaded results, particularly in Passmark compression and encryption tests.

The Intel Core i5-14501E, with no benchmark scores, cannot be assessed for performance from the database. Its specifications suggest a different purpose: a desktop processor with a 65-watt TDP, 6 cores, 12 threads, a 5.20 GHz boost clock, 24 MB of L3 cache, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and ECC memory support. These features point toward workstation or server-adjacent use cases, but the lack of recorded measurements means no performance verdict can be issued.

For users selecting between these two based on available data, the Core 5 120U is the only option with proven benchmark results. Its mobile design suits portable systems, and its performance aligns with mid-range desktop chips from prior generations. The i5-14501E remains a specification sheet without empirical validation in the database, so any performance claims for it would lack support. The data-driven choice is the Core 5 120U, unless ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, or a desktop form factor are mandatory requirements, in which case the i5-14501E has the relevant specifications but no measured proof of performance.