Intel Core 7 250H vs Intel Core i9-14901E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results present a clear split between the two processors. The Intel Core i9-14901E wins 14 of the 17 head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core 7 250H takes only 3. The most dramatic separation occurs in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the i9-14901E scores 3635 against 1931 for the Core 7 250H, a 46.9% advantage. That is the largest delta in the entire comparison. Cinebench R23 multi-core also heavily favors the i9-14901E, with 25753 versus 16561, a 35.7% gap. These two results alone establish the i9-14901E as the stronger processor for sustained rendering workloads.

The Core 7 250H does claim the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, scoring 3147 against 2595, a 21.3% win. This is a significant anomaly, given that the i9-14901E wins R20 and R23 multi-core by 10.3% and 35.7% respectively. The R15 result may reflect differences in how the older benchmark scales with thread counts and hybrid architectures. The Core 7 250H also edges out the i9-14901E in PassMark data compression, 303269 versus 288777, a 5% margin, and in extended instructions, 17318 versus 17249, a narrow 0.4% lead.

The i9-14901E dominates the PassMark suite. Floating point math shows 81089 against 65094, a 19.7% lead. Integer math follows with 112736 versus 99100, a 12.1% gap. Physics simulation favors the i9-14901E strongly, 3041 versus 1824, a 40% difference. Prime number finding shows 189 versus 106, a 43.9% margin. Random string sorting goes to the i9-14901E at 39138 versus 34136, a 12.8% difference. Multithread performance in PassMark also favors the i9-14901E, 30298 versus 27030, a 10.8% lead. Single-thread scores are closer, with 4354 versus 4148, a 4.7% gap. Data encryption is nearly even at 18571 versus 18206, a 2% edge for the i9-14901E.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and the 10 nm process node from Intel. The Core 7 250H uses the Raptor Lake-H codename with the Raptor Lake Refresh generation label, while the i9-14901E carries the Raptor Lake-R codename and also belongs to the Raptor Lake Refresh generation. The core configurations differ substantially. The Core 7 250H has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core 7 250H achieves its thread count through a hybrid core layout typical of mobile H-series parts, whereas the i9-14901E relies on fewer cores with higher clock speeds.

Clock speeds favor the i9-14901E. Its base clock is 2.80 GHz and boost clock is 5.60 GHz, compared to 2.50 GHz base and 5.40 GHz boost for the Core 7 250H. The i9-14901E operates at a 65 W TDP, while the Core 7 250H is rated at 45 W. This power difference reflects the desktop versus mobile market segmentation. The i9-14901E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core 7 250H uses Intel BGA 1744, confirming that one is a socketed desktop part and the other is a mobile soldered part.

Cache allocation shows a notable difference in L3. The i9-14901E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 7 250H has 24 MB. Both have 80 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core. The die size for the i9-14901E is recorded at 257 mm², while no die size is listed for the Core 7 250H. The i9-14901E supports ECC memory, while the Core 7 250H does not. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus. PCIe lanes differ: the i9-14901E offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Core 7 250H offers Gen 5 with 8 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 7 250H using Iris Xe Graphics 96EU and the i9-14901E using UHD Graphics 770.

Where Each One Wins

The i9-14901E is the clear winner for single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R20 single-core score of 1526 versus 1368, a 10.4% lead, and its PassMark single-thread score of 4354 versus 4148, a 4.7% lead, indicate an advantage in applications that rely on one or two cores. The massive Cinebench R23 single-core margin of 46.9% suggests the i9-14901E has a substantial clock-for-clock and frequency advantage in the newest rendering workloads. Physics simulation, where the i9-14901E leads by 40%, points to an edge in simulation and gaming physics calculations. The prime number finding test, a 43.9% win, indicates stronger performance in integer-heavy algorithmic tasks.

The i9-14901E also wins in most multi-threaded benchmarks despite having fewer cores. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a 35.7% lead, and PassMark multithread shows a 10.8% lead. The only multi-threaded exceptions are Cinebench R15 multi-core and PassMark data compression, where the Core 7 250H wins. The Core 7 250H's 14 cores and 20 threads may provide an advantage in legacy multi-threaded tests that scale differently with the hybrid architecture. Data compression favors the Core 7 250H by 5%, suggesting its core layout handles compression workloads efficiently. The extended instructions test is essentially tied, with the Core 7 250H ahead by only 0.4%.

The percentile rankings are close. The i9-14901E sits at the 86th percentile against all CPUs, while the Core 7 250H sits at the 85th percentile. The average benchmark score for the i9-14901E is 37911, compared to 35728 for the Core 7 250H, a difference of about 6.1%. The nearest rival for the i9-14901E is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with a delta of 0%, while the Core 7 250H's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 also at 0% delta.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core i9-14901E is the superior processor for most computational tasks. It wins 14 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, including all Cinebench R20 and R23 tests, all PassMark single-thread tests, and the majority of PassMark multi-threaded tests. Its 36 MB of L3 cache, higher clock speeds, and 65 W power envelope allow it to outperform the Core 7 250H despite having 6 fewer cores and 4 fewer threads. The i9-14901E also holds a higher percentile ranking at 86 versus 85, and a higher average benchmark score at 37911 versus 35728.

The Core 7 250H wins specifically in Cinebench R15 multi-core, PassMark data compression, and PassMark extended instructions. These three wins suggest it has niche strengths in legacy rendering benchmarks and compression workloads. Its mobile design, 45 W TDP, and BGA 1744 socket make it suitable for laptops, while the i9-14901E's desktop Socket 1700 design targets stationary systems. The i9-14901E also supports ECC memory, which the Core 7 250H lacks, making it more appropriate for memory-error-sensitive environments.

For users prioritizing single-thread performance, rendering in modern Cinebench versions, or physics simulation, the i9-14901E is the clear choice. For users who need data compression throughput or who are constrained to a mobile platform, the Core 7 250H offers specific advantages. The i9-14901E launched on 2024-06-30, while the Core 7 250H launched on 2024-12-17, so the i9-14901E has been available longer. The Core 7 250H has a launch MSRP of $502, while no launch MSRP is recorded for the i9-14901E.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, while the Intel Core 7 250H has a boost clock of 5.40 GHz.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i9-14901E scores 25753, which is 35.7% higher than the Core 7 250H's 16561.

Q: Does the Core 7 250H win any multi-threaded benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R15 multi-core with 3147 versus 2595, a 21.3% lead, and PassMark data compression with 303269 versus 288777, a 5% lead.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 7 250H does not.

Q: What is the L3 cache difference between the two?

A: The i9-14901E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core 7 250H has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: How close are their overall benchmark averages?

A: The i9-14901E has an average benchmark score of 37911, while the Core 7 250H has an average of 35728, a difference of about 6.1%.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Core 7 250H has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 250H | Intel Core i9-14901E |

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

| Cores | 14 | 8 |

| Threads | 20 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-H | Raptor Lake-R |

| Generation | Core 7 (Raptor Lake Refresh) | Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh) |

| Die Size | Not listed | 257 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 24 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2024-12-17 | 2024-06-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $502 | Not listed |

| Part Number | SRQ6UQ5MK | Q49ESRNJH |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |