Intel Core 7 251E vs Intel Core i7-14700 Comparison

FAQ

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare between the Intel Core 7 251E and the Intel Core i7-14700?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i7-14700 has 20 cores and 28 threads. Both processors share the same 10 nm process node and a die size of 257 mm².

Q: What are the clock speed differences between the two processors?

A: Both chips have a base clock of 2.10 GHz. The Intel Core 7 251E boosts up to 5.60 GHz, which is 0.20 GHz higher than the Intel Core i7-14700's boost clock of 5.40 GHz.

Q: Do these CPUs support the same memory types and PCIe lanes?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. Both also provide PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 7 251E has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while no memory bandwidth figure is recorded for the Intel Core i7-14700 in the database.

Q: Which processor has the larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, compared to 33 MB on the Intel Core i7-14700. Both have identical L1 cache at 80 KB per core and L2 cache at 2 MB per core.

Q: How do the processors compare in overall benchmark standing?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 sits at the 91st percentile among all CPUs in the database, while the Intel Core 7 251E sits at the 50th percentile. The i7-14700 has an average benchmark score of 52301, while no benchmark scores are recorded for the 251E.

Q: Do both processors share the same integrated graphics and ECC support?

A: Yes, both feature Intel UHD Graphics 770 and support ECC memory. Both also carry the same launch MSRP of $384.

The Verdict

The recorded data places the Intel Core i7-14700 firmly ahead of the Intel Core 7 251E in overall standing. The i7-14700 ranks at the 91st percentile among all CPUs, while the 251E ranks at the 50th percentile. The i7-14700's average benchmark score of 52301 positions it near the Intel Xeon Gold 5320H (52431, -0.2% delta), the AMD EPYC 8124P (52121, +0.3% delta), the Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX (52073, +0.4% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (51947, +0.7% delta). This grouping shows the i7-14700 competing with high-end server and enthusiast desktop parts.

The Intel Core 7 251E, by contrast, has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. Its 50th percentile ranking places it in the middle of the CPU distribution. Despite having more cores (24 vs 20), more threads (32 vs 28), a higher boost clock (5.60 GHz vs 5.40 GHz), and a larger L3 cache (36 MB vs 33 MB), the 251E lacks any measured performance data to confirm whether those specifications translate into real-world wins.

For users selecting between these two, the data points clearly to the Intel Core i7-14700. It has verified benchmark results across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, Geekbench, and Passmark tests. The 251E, while newer in release date (January 2025 vs January 2024), has no benchmark evidence in the database to support its performance claims. The i7-14700's 91st percentile ranking and substantial average score make it the only choice supported by measurable data.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table between these two processors is empty in the database. This means there are no direct comparative scores recorded for the Intel Core 7 251E against the Intel Core i7-14700. The 251E has zero recorded benchmarks across all test suites, while the i7-14700 has 19 recorded benchmark scores.

The Intel Core i7-14700's multi-core Cinebench results show consistent strength. It scores 4061 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 14388 in R20 multi-core, and 28398 in R23 multi-core. Single-core results across the same suites are 299, 2031, and 2080 respectively. Geekbench results for the i7-14700 are 17087 multi-core and 2409 single-core.

In Passmark testing, the i7-14700 delivers 40318 in multi-thread performance and 4236 in single-thread performance. Specific Passmark workloads include integer math at 154535, floating point math at 106716, extended instructions at 28388, and data encryption at 29601. The processor also scores 498198 in data compression, 54340 in random string sorting, 2226 in physics, and 164 in find prime numbers.

Without any recorded benchmarks for the 251E, a direct numerical comparison is impossible. The database shows zero wins for the 251E and zero wins for the i7-14700 in the head-to-head table. The only comparative signal available is the percentile ranking: 91st for the i7-14700 versus 50th for the 251E.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields. The Intel Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename with a generation label of "Core 7 (Bartlett Lake)". The Intel Core i7-14700 uses the Raptor Lake-R codename under the "Core 14th Gen" series, with a generation label of "Core i7 (Raptor Lake Refresh)".

Core counts differ: the 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the i7-14700 has 20 cores and 28 threads. Boost clocks differ by 0.20 GHz, with the 251E reaching 5.60 GHz versus 5.40 GHz for the i7-14700. L3 cache differs by 3 MB, with 36 MB on the 251E and 33 MB on the i7-14700.

Memory bandwidth is recorded for the 251E at 89.6 GB/s, while no memory bandwidth figure exists for the i7-14700. Release dates differ by approximately one year: the 251E released on January 12, 2025, and the i7-14700 released on January 7, 2024. Part numbers differ as well: SRQDUQ657 for the 251E and SRN40 for the i7-14700.

Both processors share identical specifications in several areas: base clock of 2.10 GHz, TDP of 65 watts, Intel Socket 1700, 10 nm process node, Intel foundry, 257 mm² die size, 80 KB L1 cache per core, 2 MB L2 cache per core, DDR4/DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, ECC support, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 770, desktop market segment, active production status, and a launch MSRP of $384. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 7 251E is built on the Bartlett Lake architecture, which represents a distinct codename from the Raptor Lake family. The Intel Core i7-14700 uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh variant. Both are fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process node at the same 257 mm² die size, and both are produced by Intel's own foundry.

Cache architecture differs in the L3 tier. The 251E provides 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-14700 provides 33 MB. The L1 and L2 cache structures are identical at 80 KB per core and 2 MB per core respectively. This means the 251E's additional 3 MB of L3 cache is its primary architectural advantage at the cache level.

Core organization differs due to the core and thread counts. The 251E's 24 cores and 32 threads suggest a hybrid configuration with more total execution units than the i7-14700's 20 cores and 28 threads. The 251E also has a higher boost ceiling at 5.60 GHz, which could benefit lightly threaded workloads if the architecture can sustain that frequency.

Both processors integrate the same UHD Graphics 770, provide ECC memory support, and offer identical PCIe Gen 5 connectivity with 16 CPU lanes. The 251E adds a recorded memory bandwidth specification of 89.6 GB/s, which the i7-14700 lacks in the database. The architecture lineage separates them: Bartlett Lake is a newer design from the 2025 release, while Raptor Lake Refresh is the 2024 iteration of the Raptor Lake family.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-14700 wins in every measurable category because it is the only processor with recorded benchmark data. Its 91st percentile ranking versus the 50th percentile for the 251E gives it a decisive standing in the database's overall distribution. The i7-14700's average benchmark score of 52301 places it in the same performance tier as the Intel Xeon Gold 5320H, AMD EPYC 8124P, Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX, and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, all within a 0.7% score range.

For multi-threaded workloads, the i7-14700 demonstrates strong Cinebench performance with scores of 4061 in R15, 14388 in R20, and 28398 in R23. Passmark multi-thread testing shows 40318, and Geekbench multi-core shows 17087. These results indicate solid capability across rendering, encoding, and general parallel computation.

For single-threaded workloads, the i7-14700 scores 299 in Cinebench R15, 2031 in R20, 2080 in R23, 2409 in Geekbench, and 4236 in Passmark single-thread. These figures provide a baseline for applications that rely on fewer cores.

In specialized Passmark workloads, the i7-14700 shows particular strength in integer math (154535) and floating point math (106716), followed by data compression (498198) and random string sorting (54340). Data encryption scores 29601, extended instructions score 28388, and physics scores 2226. The find prime numbers test yields 164.

The Intel Core 7 251E wins only in theoretical specification comparisons. It offers 4 additional cores, 4 additional threads, a 0.20 GHz higher boost clock, and 3 MB more L3 cache. It also has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. These specifications suggest potential capability, but the database contains no benchmark results to confirm actual performance. Users requiring verified performance data should rely on the i7-14700's extensive benchmark record. The 251E's specifications might appeal to those prioritizing core count and cache size on paper, but without measurements, any performance advantage remains unconfirmed.