Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core i5-14400T Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data delivers an unambiguous outcome: the Intel Core i5-14400T wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, taking all 17 tests. The Core 5 221TE does not secure a single victory in any measured workload. The average benchmark score for the i5-14400T is 27166, while the Core 5 221TE sits at 17860, a gap of roughly 52 percent. The i5-14400T also holds a higher percentile ranking versus all CPUs at 79, compared to 71 for the Core 5 221TE. For anyone selecting between these two desktop processors, the data points exclusively toward the i5-14400T. It delivers higher scores in every category, from single-threaded tasks to multi-core rendering workloads. The Core 5 221TE, while a functional processor, appears positioned as the weaker option in this pairing, with no benchmark evidence suggesting any scenario where it takes the lead.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share a common foundation in several respects. They are manufactured on the same 10 nm process node at Intel, and both use the Intel Socket 1700 platform. The die size is identical at 215 mm², and each chip features 10 cores and 16 threads. The L1 cache is listed as 80 KB per core, and the L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core for both. They also share dual-channel memory support for DDR4 and DDR5, and both support ECC memory. The PCIe configuration is the same: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are identical as well, with both featuring UHD Graphics 730.

The differences begin with architecture and codename. The Core 5 221TE belongs to the Bartlett Lake codename and is part of the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. The i5-14400T uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-R codename, belonging to the Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. The L3 cache differs, with the Core 5 221TE offering 24 MB shared, while the i5-14400T provides 20 MB shared. The base clock rates diverge: the Core 5 221TE runs at 1.80 GHz, while the i5-14400T runs lower at 1.50 GHz. However, the boost clock tells a different story, with the Core 5 221TE reaching 5.00 GHz versus the i5-14400T's 4.50 GHz. The thermal design power also differs, with the Core 5 221TE rated at 45 W and the i5-14400T at 35 W. The release dates show the Core 5 221TE arriving later, with a release date in January 2025, while the i5-14400T was released in January 2024. The launch MSRP for the Core 5 221TE is $232, and for the i5-14400T it is $221. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results show a consistent pattern of i5-14400T dominance, but the magnitude varies across different tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-14400T scores 1732 against 1139 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -34.2 percent. The single-core R15 test shows a similar gap: 244 versus 160, also -34.4 percent. Cinebench R20 multi-core follows with 7219 versus 4748, and R20 single-core shows 1018 versus 670, both at -34.2 percent. Cinebench R23 multi-core continues the trend with 17189 versus 11305, and R23 single-core with 2426 versus 1596, again both at -34.2 percent.

The PassMark suite reveals where the largest margins appear. The single-thread test shows the biggest delta at -50.6 percent, with the i5-14400T scoring 3512 versus 1734 for the Core 5 221TE. The singlethread test (a separate entry in the data) shows the identical scores, also at -50.6 percent. Floating point math and integer math both show a -35.6 percent delta, with the i5-14400T scoring 49139 versus 31661 in floating point, and 65667 versus 42303 in integer math. Data compression shows a -33.5 percent delta, with 235636 versus 156682. Data encryption shows -32.3 percent, with 13244 versus 8963. Extended instructions show -33.7 percent, with 14562 versus 9655.

The smallest gaps appear in specific workloads. Find prime numbers shows a -19.2 percent delta, with the i5-14400T scoring 73 against 59. Physics shows -21.5 percent, with 1244 versus 977. Random string sorting shows -32.8 percent, with 25181 versus 16929. Multithread performance shows -34.2 percent, with 20223 versus 13301. Across all 17 tests, the i5-14400T never dips below a 19.2 percent advantage, and in several tests it exceeds a 35 percent lead. The data indicates a processor that is broadly faster across every measured workload class.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-14400T has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. Despite this higher boost clock, the Core 5 221TE still loses every benchmark.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i5-14400T has an average benchmark score of 27166, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has an average score of 17860. The i5-14400T also ranks higher in percentile versus all CPUs at 79, compared to 71 for the Core 5 221TE.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i5-14400T support ECC memory. They also both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

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

A: The largest delta appears in the PassMark single-thread test, where the Intel Core i5-14400T scores 3512 versus 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a difference of -50.6 percent. The same delta applies to the PassMark singlethread test.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-14400T has 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 221TE also has a higher thermal design power at 45 W versus 35 W.

Q: Do both processors have the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i5-14400T feature UHD Graphics 730. They also share the same PCIe configuration with Gen 5 and 16 lanes from the CPU.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data leaves no room for a use-case split based on wins, because the Intel Core i5-14400T wins all 17 recorded tests. The Core 5 221TE has zero wins in the head-to-head comparison. For multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-14400T delivers 17189 points versus 11305, a margin that indicates substantially better rendering and productivity performance. In single-threaded tasks, the i5-14400T's PassMark single-thread score of 3512 versus 1734 shows a massive advantage that would benefit everyday responsiveness and lightly threaded applications. Even in the workloads where the Core 5 221TE comes closest, such as PassMark find prime numbers with a -19.2 percent delta, the i5-14400T still takes the win. The physics test shows a -21.5 percent delta, and data encryption shows -32.3 percent, but none of these approach parity.

The Core 5 221TE does carry a higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz and a larger L3 cache of 24 MB, yet these advantages do not translate into any benchmark victory. Its higher 45 W thermal design power also does not help it overcome the i5-14400T's lower 35 W rating. The i5-14400T, with its older release date and lower launch MSRP of $221, outperforms the later-released Core 5 221TE with a launch MSRP of $232. For any workload where benchmark scores matter, the i5-14400T is the only choice supported by the data. The Core 5 221TE may find a place in systems where its specific configuration is required, but the measured performance provides no evidence of a workload where it excels over the i5-14400T.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields, while sharing many others. The series designation is null for the Core 5 221TE, while the i5-14400T is part of the Core 14th Gen series. The architecture is null for the Core 5 221TE, but the i5-14400T uses Raptor Lake. The codename differs: Bartlett Lake for the Core 5 221TE versus Raptor Lake-R for the i5-14400T. The generation also differs, with the Core 5 221TE listed as Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) and the i5-14400T as Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh).

The base clocks are 1.80 GHz for the Core 5 221TE and 1.50 GHz for the i5-14400T. Boost clocks are 5.00 GHz and 4.50 GHz, respectively. The thermal design power is 45 W for the Core 5 221TE and 35 W for the i5-14400T. L3 cache is 24 MB shared versus 20 MB shared. Memory bandwidth is listed as 76.8 GB/s for the Core 5 221TE, while the i5-14400T has no listed memory bandwidth. Release dates differ, with the Core 5 221TE released in January 2025 and the i5-14400T in January 2024. Launch MSRP values are $232 and $221, respectively. Part numbers are SRVQS for the Core 5 221TE and SRN3N for the i5-14400T. All other major specifications, including cores, threads, L1 cache, L2 cache, socket, process node, foundry, die size, memory support, memory bus, ECC support, PCIe, integrated graphics, market segment, production status, and multiplier unlock status, are identical between the two.