Intel Core 5 221E vs Intel Core i9-14901KE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows an unusual comparison scenario. The Intel Core 5 221E has a complete set of benchmark results across Cinebench and Passmark test suites, while the Intel Core i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. The head-to-head benchmark table is empty, and the wins counter shows zero for both processors. This means a direct numeric comparison of test results cannot be constructed from the available facts.

What the database does provide is a set of reference points for the Core 5 221E. In Cinebench R23, the Core 5 221E scores 25,933 in multi-core and 3,661 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 10,891 multi-core and 1,537 single-core. In the older Cinebench R15 test, it delivers 2,613 multi-core and 368 single-core. These scores place the Core 5 221E at the 87th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 40,144.

The nearest rivals for the Core 5 221E provide context for that average score. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 averages 40,081, a delta of 0.2 percent ahead. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 averages 40,048, also 0.2 percent ahead. The AMD Ryzen 9 270 averages 40,246, which is 0.3 percent behind the Core 5 221E. The Intel Core i9-13905H averages 40,313, 0.4 percent behind. These deltas are remarkably tight, with all four rivals falling within less than one percentage point of the Core 5 221E's average score.

For the Core i9-14901KE, the database lists no benchmark scores, an average benchmark score of zero, and a percentile rank of 50. The nearest rivals array is empty. The absence of measurement data for this processor means the head-to-head analysis must rely on architectural and specification differences rather than recorded performance results.

The Passmark suite for the Core 5 221E shows strengths in specific workloads. Integer math scores 117,813, floating point math scores 79,028, and extended instructions score 18,216. Data encryption scores 19,205, data compression scores 324,285, and random string sorting scores 37,686. Find prime numbers scores 173, physics scores 2,230, and multithread scores 30,510. Single-thread performance scores 4,147.

The data indicates the Core 5 221E delivers competitive performance against its named rivals, with all deltas under one percent. However, the Core i9-14901KE cannot be compared on the same basis because no benchmark results exist for it in the database.

The Verdict

The database presents a clear asymmetry. The Intel Core 5 221E has full benchmark coverage, a percentile rank of 87, and an average score of 40,144. The Intel Core i9-14901KE has no benchmark results, a percentile rank of 50, and an average score of zero. Any verdict based strictly on measured performance must favor the Core 5 221E, simply because it has measurable results while the i9-14901KE does not.

The Core 5 221E sits at the 87th percentile of all CPUs, indicating it outperforms the large majority of processors in the database. Its average score of 40,144 places it within 0.4 percent of four rival processors, all of which are within a tight competitive band. The i9-14901KE, with no recorded scores, cannot be ranked against these same rivals.

The data suggests the Core 5 221E is a validated, measured performer. The i9-14901KE is an active production part with specifications listed, but no performance evidence in the database. For anyone relying on measured benchmark data, the Core 5 221E is the only one of these two with demonstrated results.

The i9-14901KE does carry higher clock specifications, with a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, compared to the Core 5 221E's 2.70 GHz base and 5.20 GHz boost. It also has a higher TDP of 125 watts versus 65 watts. These specifications suggest potential for higher peak performance, but the database contains no measurements to confirm that potential.

Where Each One Wins

From the recorded data, the Core 5 221E wins in every category where measurements exist. It has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core 5 221E supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The i9-14901KE also supports DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel bus, but its memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database.

The Core 5 221E delivers 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i9-14901KE delivers 36 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The larger L3 cache on the i9-14901KE is a specification advantage, but without benchmark results, its impact on real workloads remains unmeasured.

The integrated graphics differ between the two. The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730, while the i9-14901KE uses UHD Graphics 770. Both processors support ECC memory and use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Both use Intel Socket 1700 and have a die size of 257 mm².

The Core 5 221E has a launch MSRP of $232. The i9-14901KE has no launch MSRP recorded in the database.

The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, which allows overclocking. The Core 5 221E has a locked multiplier. This is a feature difference that could matter for users seeking manual tuning, though the database does not include overclocking benchmark data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better recorded benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has complete benchmark results across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and the Passmark suite. The Intel Core i9-14901KE has no benchmark scores recorded in the database.

Q: How does the Core 5 221E compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 5 221E has an average benchmark score of 40,144. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 is 0.2 percent ahead at 40,081, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 is 0.2 percent ahead at 40,048, the AMD Ryzen 9 270 is 0.3 percent behind at 40,246, and the Intel Core i9-13905H is 0.4 percent behind at 40,313.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference?

A: The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the clock speed differences?

A: The Core 5 221E has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The i9-14901KE has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel bus. The Core 5 221E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i9-14901KE has no memory bandwidth figure in the database.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The i9-14901KE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 221E has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural lineages. The Core 5 221E is part of the Bartlett Lake codename family, listed as generation "Core 5 (Bartlett Lake)". The i9-14901KE belongs to the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically codename Raptor Lake-R, and its generation is listed as "Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh)". The i9-14901KE is part of the Core 14th Gen series, while the Core 5 221E has no series designation in the database.

Both processors are built on a 10 nm process node and fabricated by Intel. Both have a die size of 257 mm². Neither has a recorded transistor count.

The core configurations differ significantly. The Core 5 221E uses a 14-core, 20-thread arrangement. The i9-14901KE uses an 8-core, 16-thread arrangement. Both have the same per-core cache hierarchy: 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache differs, with the Core 5 221E holding 24 MB and the i9-14901KE holding 36 MB.

Both processors support ECC memory and use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Both are desktop market segment parts. Both use Intel Socket 1700. Both are currently in active production status.

The release dates differ. The Core 5 221E was released on January 12, 2025, while the i9-14901KE was released on June 30, 2024. The i9-14901KE predates the Core 5 221E by roughly six months.

The integrated graphics differ. The Core 5 221E ships with UHD Graphics 730, while the i9-14901KE ships with UHD Graphics 770. This could affect display and media capabilities, though the database does not include iGPU benchmark results.

The multiplier status differs. The Core 5 221E has a locked multiplier, while the i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, enabling user-controlled overclocking on the latter.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several specification fields in the database.

Cores and threads: The Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Clock speeds: The Core 5 221E runs at 2.70 GHz base and 5.20 GHz boost. The i9-14901KE runs at 3.80 GHz base and 5.80 GHz boost.

TDP: The Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 watts. The i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 watts.

L3 cache: The Core 5 221E has 24 MB shared L3 cache. The i9-14901KE has 36 MB shared L3 cache.

Memory bandwidth: The Core 5 221E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The i9-14901KE has no memory bandwidth figure in the database.

Integrated graphics: The Core 5 221E uses UHD Graphics 730. The i9-14901KE uses UHD Graphics 770.

Release date: The Core 5 221E was released January 12, 2025. The i9-14901KE was released June 30, 2024.

Launch MSRP: The Core 5 221E has a launch MSRP of $232. The i9-14901KE has no launch MSRP recorded.

Multiplier: The Core 5 221E has a locked multiplier. The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier.

Part number: The Core 5 221E has part number SRQDVQ659. The i9-14901KE has part number Q49DSRNJC.

Architecture and codename: The Core 5 221E is Bartlett Lake, listed as generation "Core 5 (Bartlett Lake)". The i9-14901KE is Raptor Lake-R, listed as generation "Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh)", with the series designation "Core 14th Gen".

Percentile and average score: The Core 5 221E is at the 87th percentile with an average benchmark score of 40,144. The i9-14901KE is at the 50th percentile with an average benchmark score of zero.

Shared specifications include Intel Socket 1700, 10 nm process node, Intel as foundry, 257 mm² die size, 80 KB L1 cache per core, 2 MB L2 cache per core, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), desktop market segment, and active production status.