Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core i5-14400 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 7 251E and Intel Core i5-14400 present a stark contrast in raw thread count versus per-thread efficiency. The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors, but the recorded data for the Core i5-14400 provides the only available score baseline. The Core 7 251E has no benchmark entries in the database, meaning quantitative comparison must rely on architectural specifications and the i5-14400's measured results.

The Core i5-14400 delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 21,315 and a single-core score of 3,009. Its Geekbench scores are 9,807 multicore and 1,905 single-core. PassMark results include multithread performance at 25,080, single-thread at 3,741, integer math at 82,017, and floating-point math at 61,549. Data compression in PassMark reaches 314,995, while encryption scores 16,731. The i5-14400 also records 19,816 in extended instructions, 80 in find prime numbers, 1,396 in physics, and 32,346 in random string sorting.

The Core 7 251E doubles the core count to 24 versus 10, and threads to 32 versus 16. It boosts to 5.60 GHz compared to the i5-14400's 4.70 GHz. The 251E also carries 36 MB of shared L3 cache versus 20 MB on the i5-14400. These specifications indicate the 251E should substantially outperform the i5-14400 in heavily threaded workloads, though the absence of benchmark data for the 251E prevents exact delta calculations.

Where Each One Wins

For multithreaded productivity, the Core 7 251E is the clear choice based on its 24 cores and 32 threads. The i5-14400 manages 10 cores and 16 threads, a 14-core and 16-thread disadvantage. The 251E's larger 36 MB L3 cache provides better data locality for parallel workloads that repeatedly access shared data structures. Its higher 5.60 GHz boost clock also benefits lightly threaded tasks, though the i5-14400's 2.50 GHz base clock versus 2.10 GHz gives it a higher guaranteed frequency floor.

The Core i5-14400 wins on its proven benchmark record. With an average benchmark score of 32,115 and the 82nd percentile among all CPUs, it has verified performance across Cinebench, Geekbench, and PassMark suites. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-12800H at 32,121 average score (0% delta), Core i7-13705H at 32,076 (0.1% ahead), Core i5-14450HX at 32,040 (0.2% ahead), and Core i9-11900 at 32,226 (0.3% behind). These tight margins show the i5-14400 sits in a well-established performance tier.

For single-thread responsiveness, the i5-14400's measured 3,741 PassMark single-thread score and 3,009 Cinebench R23 single-core score provide concrete data. The 251E's higher boost clock suggests it could exceed these, but no measurements confirm that. The 251E also has a smaller die at 257 mm² versus 215 mm² for the i5-14400, which may affect thermal density.

Architecture Differences

The Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, while the Core i5-14400 uses Raptor Lake-R. Both are built on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry, but they represent different architectural generations. The 251E's generation is listed as "Core 7 (Bartlett Lake)", and the i5-14400's is "Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh)". The i5-14400 explicitly belongs to the Core 14th Gen series and Raptor Lake architecture; the 251E has no series or architecture field populated.

Cache layouts differ significantly. Both use 80 KB L1 per core, but the i5-14400 has 1.25 MB L2 per core versus 2 MB per core on the 251E. Shared L3 cache is 20 MB on the i5-14400 and 36 MB on the 251E. Die size differs: 215 mm² for the i5-14400, 257 mm² for the 251E.

Memory support is identical: both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode with ECC memory enabled. The 251E lists memory bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s, while the i5-14400 has no bandwidth figure recorded. PCIe support matches at Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics differ: the 251E includes UHD Graphics 770, while the i5-14400 has UHD Graphics 730. Both use Intel Socket 1700 and have a 65 W TDP.

Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The 251E's part number is SRQDUQ657, the i5-14400's is SRN3QSRN46. Both are currently active in production. The 251E launched on January 12, 2025, with a launch MSRP of $384. The i5-14400 launched on January 7, 2024, with a launch MSRP of $221.

The Verdict

The data supports choosing the Core 7 251E for workloads that scale with core count and cache capacity. Its 24 cores, 32 threads, and 36 MB L3 cache provide a structural advantage for rendering, compilation, virtualization, and data processing. The higher 5.60 GHz boost clock also positions it well for bursty single-thread tasks, though this remains unverified by benchmarks.

The Core i5-14400 is the proven option for users who need validated performance today. Its 82nd percentile ranking and average score of 32,115 across all CPUs place it among capable desktop processors. The recorded Cinebench R23 multicore score of 21,315 and Geekbench multicore of 9,807 demonstrate solid throughput from 10 cores and 16 threads.

The 251E's 50th percentile ranking (versus all CPUs) is not a performance measurement, as it has no benchmark scores; it is a neutral placeholder. The i5-14400's 82nd percentile reflects actual measured results. The 251E's 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth versus the i5-14400's unlisted figure suggests better memory throughput for memory-bound applications.

For users prioritizing raw multithreading capacity and larger cache, the Core 7 251E is the data-driven selection. For those needing verified benchmark results and a lower launch MSRP ($221 versus $384), the Core i5-14400 remains a sound choice. The 251E targets a future-proofing use case with its 2025 release date, while the i5-14400's 2024 release has accumulated a substantial benchmark history.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core i5-14400 has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The Core 7 251E boosts to 5.60 GHz, while the Core i5-14400 boosts to 4.70 GHz. The i5-14400 has a higher base clock at 2.50 GHz versus 2.10 GHz.

Q: How does L3 cache compare?

A: The Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core i5-14400 has 20 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 7 251E and Core i5-14400 support ECC memory. Both also support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode.

Q: What integrated graphics do they use?

A: The Core 7 251E uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core i5-14400 uses UHD Graphics 730.

Q: What are the launch MSRP values?

A: The Core 7 251E has a launch MSRP of $384. The Core i5-14400 has a launch MSRP of $221.

Specification Differences

| Attribute | Intel Core 7 251E | Intel Core i5-14400 |

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

| Cores | 24 | 10 |

| Threads | 32 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Raptor Lake-R |

| Architecture | Not specified | Raptor Lake |

| Generation | Core 7 (Bartlett Lake) | Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh) |

| Series | Not specified | Core 14th Gen |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 20 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | Not specified |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Release Date | 2025-01-12 | 2024-01-07 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | $221 |

| Part Number | SRQDUQ657 | SRN3QSRN46 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 50 | 82 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 0 (no data) | 32,115 |