Intel Core 5 221TE vs Intel Core i9-14900KS Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a decisive and one-sided comparison. Across all 17 head-to-head benchmark entries, the Intel Core i9-14900KS records a win, with no victories for the Intel Core 5 221TE. The performance gap is consistently wide, ranging from roughly 64% to 81% depending on the workload.

Starting with the Cinebench suite, the multi-core results show the i9-14900KS at 5140 in Cinebench R15 multicore, compared to 1139 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of -77.8%. That pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the scores are 21417 versus 4748, and in Cinebench R23 multicore, where the i9-14900KS posts 50995 against 11305. In every one of these multi-core tests, the delta is exactly -77.8%, indicating a proportional and consistent advantage for the higher-end part.

Single-core performance follows the same trajectory. The i9-14900KS scores 725 in Cinebench R15 singlecore, while the Core 5 221TE manages 160, a -77.9% delta. In Cinebench R20 singlecore, the figures are 3023 versus 670, and in Cinebench R23 singlecore, the i9-14900KS reaches 7199 compared to 1596. Again, the delta holds steady at -77.8% for both R20 and R23 single-core tests.

The Passmark suite reveals where the largest gaps appear. Data compression favors the i9-14900KS by a -80.5% delta, with scores of 803368 versus 156682. Data encryption shows an even larger divide at -81.2%, with 47717 against 8963. Random string sorting records a -81.1% delta, 89789 versus 16929, and integer math shows -80.1%, with 212644 versus 42303. Floating point math comes in at -79.4%, with 153975 versus 31661.

Extended instructions show a -78.8% delta, with 45524 versus 9655. Find prime numbers records a -75.8% delta, with 244 versus 59. The Passmark multithread test shows 60012 for the i9-14900KS against 13301 for the Core 5 221TE, a -77.8% delta. Physics scores are 3381 versus 977, a -71.1% delta, which is the smallest relative gap in the multi-threaded tests.

The narrowest overall margin appears in the single-threaded Passmark tests. Both the passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread entries record identical scores of 4815 for the i9-14900KS and 1734 for the Core 5 221TE, a -64% delta. This indicates that while the single-core advantage is still substantial, it is less pronounced than the multi-core and specialized workload gaps.

The average benchmark score for the i9-14900KS is 81127, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 221TE averages 17860, putting it in the 71st percentile. The nearest rivals for each unit confirm their respective tiers: the Core 5 221TE sits within 0.7% of the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and within 0.2% of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, while the i9-14900KS sits within 0.5% of the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 and within 0.5% of the Intel Xeon 638.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core i9-14900KS is the dominant performer in every recorded benchmark. The 24-core, 32-thread configuration with a 6.20 boost clock delivers scores that are roughly four to five times higher than the Core 5 221TE across most workloads. The average benchmark score delta is substantial: 81127 versus 17860, a ratio of about 4.5 to 1.

For users whose workloads are heavily multi-threaded, the choice is unambiguous. The i9-14900KS delivers 50995 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is over 4.5 times the 11305 recorded for the Core 5 221TE. Similar ratios appear in data compression, integer math, and floating point math. The i9-14900KS also holds a clear edge in single-threaded tasks, with 7199 in Cinebench R23 singlecore versus 1596, and 4815 in Passmark single-thread versus 1734.

The Core 5 221TE remains a functional desktop processor, but its recorded performance profile places it in a different class. Its 71st percentile ranking versus the 96th percentile of the i9-14900KS shows that it competes with older or lower-tier parts like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U, not with flagship 14th Gen silicon. The data shows no scenario where the Core 5 221TE closes the gap to within even 60% of the i9-14900KS, and most deltas fall between 75% and 81%.

The only caveat in the data is power consumption, but the numbers speak clearly. The i9-14900KS has a 150 TDP rating versus 45 for the Core 5 221TE. That threefold power envelope explains, in part, the performance differential. The i9-14900KS also carries an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking, while the Core 5 221TE is locked. For workloads that can use the additional cores and threads, the i9-14900KS is the only rational choice based on the benchmark evidence.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and the same 10 nm process node, but their underlying designs diverge significantly. The Core 5 221TE is built on Bartlett Lake, a codename that represents a distinct architectural lineage from the Raptor Lake-R design used in the Core i9-14900KS. The i9-14900KS belongs to the Core 14th Gen series with a Raptor Lake architecture, while the Core 5 221TE is listed under the Core 5 generation with Bartlett Lake.

Core counts differ sharply. The i9-14900KS uses 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core 5 221TE uses 10 cores and 16 threads. The die size also differs, with the i9-14900KS measuring 257 mm² versus 215 mm² for the Core 5 221TE. Both are manufactured by Intel on a 10 nm node.

Cache hierarchies show notable differences. L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core for both. L2 cache differs, with the i9-14900KS providing 2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core for the Core 5 221TE. The shared L3 cache is larger on the i9-14900KS at 36 MB versus 24 MB for the Core 5 221TE.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i9-14900KS uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Core 5 221TE uses UHD Graphics 730. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is identical: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Release dates show a roughly nine-month gap. The i9-14900KS was released on March 13, 2024, while the Core 5 221TE came later on January 12, 2025. The i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, confirmed by its part number SRN7R, while the Core 5 221TE is locked, with part number SRVQS.

Specification Differences

The recorded specification sheet highlights several distinct differences between the two units. The most obvious is core and thread count: 24 cores and 32 threads for the i9-14900KS, versus 10 cores and 16 threads for the Core 5 221TE. Base clocks differ at 3.20 GHz versus 1.80 GHz, and boost clocks differ at 6.20 GHz versus 5.00 GHz.

TDP ratings show a 105-watt gap, with the i9-14900KS rated at 150 and the Core 5 221TE at 45. The i9-14900KS has a larger die at 257 mm², while the Core 5 221TE is 215 mm². L2 cache per core is 2 MB versus 1.25 MB, and L3 cache is 36 MB versus 24 MB.

Memory bandwidth is only listed for the Core 5 221TE at 76.8 GB/s; the i9-14900KS has no recorded memory bandwidth figure. The integrated graphics differ, with UHD Graphics 770 on the i9-14900KS and UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 5 221TE. The launch MSRP for the i9-14900KS is $689, while the Core 5 221TE launches at $232. The i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier; the Core 5 221TE does not.

Both processors share the same socket, process node, manufacturer, foundry, memory support types, memory bus width, ECC support, PCIe generation and lane count, and production status of Active. The release dates differ, with the i9-14900KS launching March 13, 2024, and the Core 5 221TE launching January 12, 2025.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS has a boost clock of 6.20 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The i9-14900KS scores 50995, while the Core 5 221TE scores 11305. The delta is -77.8% in favor of the i9-14900KS.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i9-14900KS have ECC memory support recorded as true.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i9-14900KS has a TDP of 150, while the Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The i9-14900KS has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Are both processors on the same socket?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 5 221TE and the Intel Core i9-14900KS use Intel Socket 1700.

Q: Which processor has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core 5 221TE does not.