Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core i3-14100 Comparison

Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core i3-14100

The Intel Core 7 251E and Intel Core i3-14100 are both desktop processors from Intel, sharing the same Socket 1700 platform, but they occupy very different positions in the product stack. The Core i3-14100 is a 4-core, 8-thread part based on Raptor Lake Refresh, while the Core 7 251E is a 24-core, 32-thread processor built on Bartlett Lake architecture. Benchmark data for the Core i3-14100 is extensive, while the Core 7 251E has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, which makes direct numeric comparison impossible. The analysis below relies on the recorded measurements for the Core i3-14100 and the architectural specifications for both processors.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results between these two processors. The Core 7 251E has no entries in any benchmark test, meaning its average benchmark score is zero and its percentile rank among all CPUs is 50. The Core i3-14100, however, has a full set of measurements across Cinebench, Geekbench, and PassMark tests. Its average benchmark score is 18318, and it sits at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. This percentile figure indicates that the Core i3-14100 outperforms roughly 72% of the processors in the database, a solid result for a budget-oriented part.

Looking at the Core i3-14100’s recorded scores, the Cinebench R23 multi-core test shows a score of 12820, while the single-core test shows 1809. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 5384 and the single-core score is 759. The R15 results are 1292 for multi-core and 182 for single-core. Geekbench results show 7231 for multi-core and 2133 for single-core. PassMark tests reveal a multi-thread score of 15095 and a single-thread score of 3759. Other PassMark measurements include integer math at 45329, floating point math at 35266, extended instructions at 11865, data compression at 174115, data encryption at 8838, find prime numbers at 55, physics at 958, and random string sorting at 17397.

The nearest rivals for the Core i3-14100 provide context for its performance. The Intel Core 3 305 has an average score of 18302, which is 0.1% higher than the Core i3-14100’s 18318. The Intel Core 5 330 scores 18345, which is 0.1% lower. The Intel Core 7 360 scores 18374, 0.3% lower, and the Intel Core i3-13100 scores 18380, also 0.3% lower. These delta percentages are tiny, showing that the Core i3-14100 performs nearly identically to these adjacent processors. The Core 7 251E does not appear in this rival list, and with no benchmark scores, its relative performance cannot be quantified.

Since the Core 7 251E lacks recorded scores, the head-to-head comparison is one-sided. The data shows that the Core i3-14100 is a capable performer for its core count, but the Core 7 251E’s specifications suggest a much higher multi-threaded capability, given its 24 cores and 32 threads versus the 4 cores and 8 threads of the Core i3-14100. Without measured numbers, any claim about the Core 7 251E’s wins would be speculative.

Architecture Differences

The two processors differ fundamentally in architecture. The Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, while the Core i3-14100 uses Raptor Lake-R. The Core 7 251E is listed as generation "Core 7 (Bartlett Lake)", whereas the Core i3-14100 is generation "Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh)". Both are built on a 10 nm process node by Intel, and both use the Intel Socket 1700. The die size differs significantly: the Core 7 251E measures 257 mm², while the Core i3-14100 measures 163 mm². This larger die for the Core 7 251E aligns with its higher core count.

Core counts are the most stark difference. The Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. This is a 6x difference in cores and a 4x difference in threads. Cache configurations also diverge. The Core 7 251E has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core i3-14100 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The L3 cache difference is 3x in favor of the Core 7 251E.

Clock speeds show different tradeoffs. The Core 7 251E has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Core i3-14100 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The Core i3-14100 starts at a higher base frequency, but the Core 7 251E can boost higher. Thermal design power (TDP) is 65 watts for the Core 7 251E and 60 watts for the Core i3-14100, a modest difference given the core count disparity.

Memory support is identical in type: both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 7 251E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Core i3-14100 has no memory bandwidth figure in the database. Both support ECC memory, which is notable for workstation or server use cases. PCIe support is also the same: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ, with the Core 7 251E featuring UHD Graphics 770 and the Core i3-14100 featuring UHD Graphics 730.

Release dates and pricing are recorded. The Core 7 251E was released on January 12, 2025, with a launch MSRP of $384. The Core i3-14100 was released on January 7, 2024, with a launch MSRP of $134. Both processors are marked as Active in production status. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported on either part. The part numbers are SRQDUQ657 for the Core 7 251E and SRMX1 for the Core i3-14100.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Core i3-14100 is a fully measured processor with a clear performance profile, ranking at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. Its benchmark scores across Cinebench, Geekbench, and PassMark show solid single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for a 4-core part. The Core 7 251E, by contrast, has no recorded benchmarks, so its actual performance is unknown from the database. However, its specifications point to a much higher multi-threaded ceiling: 24 cores, 32 threads, 36 MB of L3 cache, and a 5.60 GHz boost clock. The Core i3-14100’s 4 cores and 8 threads limit its multi-threaded throughput, even with a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz.

For users choosing between these two, the Core i3-14100 is the only one with measured data showing it handles typical workloads. Its nearest rivals, all within 0.3% of its average score, confirm that it is competitive with similar processors like the Core 3 305 and Core 5 330. The Core 7 251E offers more cores, more cache, and a higher boost clock, but those advantages are unverified in the database. The launch MSRP of $384 for the Core 7 251E is higher than the $134 for the Core i3-14100, but pricing is not the focus here. The Core 7 251E’s 65 watt TDP is only 5 watts above the Core i3-14100’s 60 watt TDP, suggesting efficient operation despite the core count.

The verdict from the recorded data is that the Core i3-14100 is a proven performer with a percentile rank of 72 and an average score of 18318. The Core 7 251E is a specification-rich processor that lacks benchmark validation. The data does not support a claim that one is definitively faster, since no head-to-head results exist. What the data does show is that the Core i3-14100 delivers measurable performance, while the Core 7 251E’s capabilities remain theoretical.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core i3-14100?

A: The average benchmark score is 18318, and it ranks at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Q: Does the Intel Core 7 251E have any benchmark scores?

A: No, the Core 7 251E has no recorded benchmark scores, so its average benchmark score is zero and its percentile is 50.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the L3 cache size for each processor?

A: The Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, and the Core i3-14100 has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The Core 7 251E boosts to 5.60 GHz, and the Core i3-14100 boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 7 251E and the Core i3-14100 support ECC memory, and both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i3-14100 wins in terms of measured performance data. It has a complete set of benchmark results, including a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12820 and a single-core score of 1809. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3759 indicates strong single-threaded execution. The Core i3-14100 also has a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz, which can benefit lightly threaded tasks that rely on sustained frequency rather than boost states. Its smaller die size of 163 mm² may also translate to lower manufacturing complexity, though that is not a performance metric.

The Core 7 251E wins on raw specification counts. With 24 cores versus 4, 32 threads versus 8, and 36 MB of L3 cache versus 12 MB, the Core 7 251E is designed for heavily parallel workloads. Its boost clock of 5.60 GHz exceeds the Core i3-14100’s 4.70 GHz, which could help in single-threaded scenarios if thermal headroom allows. The memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s for the Core 7 251E suggests better memory throughput, though the Core i3-14100 has no recorded bandwidth figure for comparison. The integrated graphics differ, with UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251E versus UHD Graphics 730 on the Core i3-14100, which may offer better display or media capabilities.

In terms of efficiency, the TDP figures are close: 65 watts for the Core 7 251E and 60 watts for the Core i3-14100. The Core 7 251E delivers 24 cores within a similar power envelope, which indicates superior per-core efficiency on paper. The Core i3-14100, however, has a higher base clock and a proven track record from benchmark scores. Workloads that scale with core count, such as rendering or compilation, would favor the Core 7 251E’s specifications. Workloads that rely on measured single-thread performance, such as the Core i3-14100’s Geekbench single-core score of 2133, would favor the smaller part, though the Core 7 251E’s higher boost clock could challenge that.

The database shows the Core i3-14100’s nearest rivals are all within 0.3% of its average score, meaning it sits in a tightly contested performance band. The Core 7 251E has no such data, so its position is unknown. For users who prioritize confirmed results, the Core i3-14100 is the clear choice. For users who prioritize core count and cache, the Core 7 251E is the specification leader.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clock is 2.10 GHz for the Core 7 251E and 3.50 GHz for the Core i3-14100. Boost clock is 5.60 GHz for the Core 7 251E and 4.70 GHz for the Core i3-14100. TDP is 65 watts for the Core 7 251E and 60 watts for the Core i3-14100.

Cache differs: L2 cache per core is 2 MB for the Core 7 251E and 1.25 MB for the Core i3-14100. L3 cache is 36 MB shared for the Core 7 251E and 12 MB shared for the Core i3-14100. Die size is 257 mm² for the Core 7 251E and 163 mm² for the Core i3-14100. Memory bandwidth is 89.6 GB/s for the Core 7 251E, with no figure recorded for the Core i3-14100. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770 for the Core 7 251E and UHD Graphics 730 for the Core i3-14100.

Release dates differ: January 12, 2025 for the Core 7 251E and January 7, 2024 for the Core i3-14100. Launch MSRP is $384 for the Core 7 251E and $134 for the Core i3-14100. The codename is Bartlett Lake for the Core 7 251E and Raptor Lake-R for the Core i3-14100. The series is listed as null for the Core 7 251E and Core 14th Gen for the Core i3-14100. The architecture field is null for the Core 7 251E and Raptor Lake for the Core i3-14100. The part numbers are SRQDUQ657 for the Core 7 251E and SRMX1 for the Core i3-14100.