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

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Core i7-14700HX is the only processor in this comparison with recorded benchmark data, while the Core 7 251E has no benchmark entries in the database. This asymmetry shapes the entire analysis. The i7-14700HX delivers a multi-core score of 24,595 in Cinebench R23 and a single-core score of 2,103 in the same test. These figures place it at the 89th percentile among all CPUs, indicating strong performance relative to the broader processor landscape.

The i7-14700HX shows particularly impressive scaling in threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score reaches 13,059, while the R15 multi-core result hits 3,812. The single-core progression across these Cinebench versions is equally consistent: 296 in R15, 1,843 in R20, and 2,103 in R23. This pattern suggests a well-balanced architecture that maintains efficiency as workload intensity increases.

Geekbench results reinforce this picture. The i7-14700HX posts a multi-core score of 14,390 and a single-core score of 2,116. The delta between these two figures, roughly 6.8x, indicates that the processor's 20 cores and 28 threads are being utilized effectively in parallel tasks without sacrificing single-thread responsiveness.

PassMark results reveal specialized strengths. The data compression score of 438,539 is the standout figure, demonstrating exceptional throughput in compression algorithms. Integer math reaches 131,296, while floating-point math hits 93,836. These numbers suggest the i7-14700HX excels in computational workloads that rely on arithmetic operations. The extended instructions score of 25,718 and encryption score of 26,092 show balanced performance in SIMD and security-related tasks.

The Core 7 251E, with its 24 cores and 32 threads, would theoretically challenge the i7-14700HX in multi-threaded scenarios based on core count alone. However, no benchmark data exists to confirm this hypothesis. The database records zero wins for either processor in head-to-head comparisons, leaving the performance relationship between these two SKUs undefined.

Where Each One Wins

Without benchmark results for the Core 7 251E, the i7-14700HX holds all recorded wins by default. The data shows its strengths concentrated in multi-threaded productivity and content creation tasks. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24,595 and Geekbench multi-core score of 14,390 position it well for video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation workloads that scale across cores.

The i7-14700HX also demonstrates capability in single-threaded applications. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,103 and PassMark single-thread score of 3,947 indicate strong performance in legacy software, web browsing, and office applications that rely on fewer threads. The PassMark physics score of 2,252 suggests adequate performance for simulation and physics-based workloads.

Data-centric tasks show particular promise. The data compression score of 438,539, when compared against the random string sorting score of 48,544, indicates the processor handles structured data manipulation more efficiently than chaotic sorting operations. The find prime numbers score of 165 is notably lower than other integer operations, suggesting some workloads may not fully utilize the available core resources.

The Core 7 251E, being a desktop processor with more cores, would likely excel in heavily parallelized workloads if benchmark data existed. Its 24 cores versus 20, and 32 threads versus 28, provide a theoretical advantage in scenarios like video encoding, scientific simulations, and database processing. However, the absence of measured results prevents any definitive claims about its actual performance.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge significantly in their architectural foundations. The Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename and belongs to the Core 7 generation, while the i7-14700HX employs the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-HX codename. Both use a 10 nm process node from Intel, but their generation lineages differ substantially.

Core configuration presents the most obvious distinction. The Core 7 251E features 24 cores and 32 threads, while the i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads. This four-core and four-thread difference suggests the 251E targets high-throughput desktop scenarios where additional parallel execution units matter. Both processors share identical L1 cache of 80 KB per core and L2 cache of 2 MB per core, but L3 cache differs: 36 MB shared on the 251E versus 33 MB shared on the i7-14700HX.

Clock speeds show subtle variations. Both processors have a base clock of 2.10 GHz, but the boost clock reaches 5.60 GHz on the 251E versus 5.50 GHz on the i7-14700HX. The 251E's higher boost clock could provide marginal advantages in burst workloads, though the 0.10 GHz difference is minimal in practical terms.

Thermal design power differs by 10 watts. The Core 7 251E has a TDP of 65 watts, while the i7-14700HX operates at 55 watts. This difference reflects their intended market segments: the 251E is a desktop processor designed for systems with more robust cooling, while the i7-14700HX is a mobile processor optimized for laptops where thermal constraints are tighter.

Socket compatibility reinforces this market separation. The Core 7 251E uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop platform, while the i7-14700HX uses Intel BGA 1964, a mobile package. The 251E's multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking, whereas the i7-14700HX has an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast tuning.

Memory and I/O capabilities show both similarities and differences. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel configurations. The Core 7 251E specifies a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i7-14700HX does not have a recorded bandwidth figure. Both processors support ECC memory and offer PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics are identical: UHD Graphics 770 on both.

The Verdict

The recorded data provides a clear picture for the i7-14700HX but leaves the Core 7 251E as an unknown quantity. The i7-14700HX's 89th percentile ranking among all CPUs, backed by consistent multi-core and single-core scores across multiple benchmark suites, establishes it as a capable mobile processor. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24,595 and Geekbench multi-core score of 14,390 indicate strong performance in demanding parallel workloads.

The nearest rivals to the i7-14700HX in the database include AMD EPYC 7303 with an average score of 45,960, AMD EPYC 4364P at 45,970, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 at 46,030, and Intel Core Ultra 5 235 at 46,062. The i7-14700HX's average benchmark score of 45,953 places it within 0.2% of these competitors, showing tight competition at this performance level.

For users selecting between these two processors, the decision hinges on platform requirements. The Core 7 251E offers more cores, more threads, larger L3 cache, higher boost clock, and desktop socket compatibility. The i7-14700HX provides verified performance data, an unlocked multiplier, lower TDP, and mobile form factor support. The 251E's higher TDP of 65 watts versus 55 watts suggests it may sustain high clock speeds longer in desktop systems with adequate cooling.

The 251E's launch MSRP is $384. The i7-14700HX has no recorded launch price. The 251E's release date of January 2025 comes one year after the i7-14700HX's January 2024 launch, indicating a newer product generation with potentially refined manufacturing.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads.

Q: What is the boost clock difference between the two?

A: The Core 7 251E boosts to 5.60 GHz, while the i7-14700HX boosts to 5.50 GHz. Both have a base clock of 2.10 GHz.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Core 7 251E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, compared to 33 MB on the i7-14700HX.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel configurations, and both support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between them?

A: The Core 7 251E has a TDP of 65 watts, while the i7-14700HX has a TDP of 55 watts.

Q: Which processor has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The i7-14700HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 7 251E has a locked multiplier.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 7 251E | Intel Core i7-14700HX |

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

| Cores | 24 | 20 |

| Threads | 32 | 28 |

| Boost Clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.50 GHz |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 55 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 1964 |

| Codename | Bartlett Lake | Raptor Lake-HX |

| Generation | Core 7 (Bartlett Lake) | Core i7 (Raptor Lake-HX Refresh) |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 33 MB (shared) |

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

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Multiplier | Locked | Unlocked |

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

| Launch MSRP | $384 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRQDUQ657 | SRMXG |