Intel Core 7 253PQE vs Intel Core i9-14900KS Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data paints a one-sided picture. The Intel Core i9-14900KS wins every single recorded test against the Intel Core 7 253PQE, 17 wins to zero. The margin varies widely by workload, from a modest single-thread edge to a crushing deficit in data encryption.

The largest gap appears in PassMark data encryption, where the i9-14900KS scores 47,717 versus 25,515 for the Core 7 253PQE, a delta of -46.5%. That is nearly double the throughput in a heavily integer-dependent task. Random string sorting shows a similar story, with the i9-14900KS at 89,789 against 54,222, a -39.6% difference. Data compression also favors the i9-14900KS by a wide margin, 803,368 versus 487,335, a -39.3% delta.

Cinebench results are consistent across all three versions of the test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i9-14900KS scores 50,995 while the Core 7 253PQE manages 31,390, a -38.4% gap. The single-core R23 result shows the i9-14900KS at 7,199 versus 4,431, also -38.4%. Cinebench R20 and R15 mirror this pattern, with the i9-14900KS ahead by roughly 38.4% to 38.5% in both single and multi-threaded runs. The consistency across Cinebench versions indicates the performance difference scales evenly with thread count in rendering workloads.

PassMark integer math shows the i9-14900KS at 212,644 versus 137,795, a -35.2% delta. Floating point math follows at 153,975 versus 105,279, a -31.6% gap. Extended instructions see the i9-14900KS ahead by -28.9%, with scores of 45,524 and 32,390. The PassMark multi-thread score favors the i9-14900KS at 60,012 versus 41,656, a -30.6% delta.

The smallest gaps are in the most single-thread-sensitive tests. PassMark single-thread scores show the i9-14900KS at 4,815 versus 4,389, only -8.8% apart. Prime number finding is similarly close, 244 versus 206, a -15.6% delta. Physics scores land at 3,381 versus 2,970, a -12.2% gap. These narrower margins suggest the Core 7 253PQE has competitive per-core efficiency, but the i9-14900KS still holds the outright lead even where thread scaling is minimal.

Overall average benchmark scores confirm the hierarchy. The i9-14900KS averages 81,127 across the database, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs. The Core 7 253PQE averages 55,919, landing in the 91st percentile. The i9-14900KS sits alongside the Intel Xeon w5-3535X and AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, both within 0% delta. The Core 7 253PQE is grouped with the Intel Core i9-14900HX at -0.2%, AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 at -0.6%, and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 at -0.7%.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use Intel's 10 nm process node and are built by Intel's own foundry. That is where the architectural similarity ends. The i9-14900KS belongs to the Raptor Lake family, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and sits in the Core 14th Gen series. The Core 7 253PQE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and is classified as Core 7 (Bartlett Lake) generation.

Core counts differ substantially. The i9-14900KS packs 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core 7 253PQE offers 10 cores and 20 threads. That 14-core difference explains much of the multi-threaded benchmark gap. The i9-14900KS also boosts higher, reaching 6.20 GHz versus 5.70 GHz for the Core 7 253PQE, though its base clock is lower at 3.20 GHz compared to 3.50 GHz.

Cache allocation is another differentiator. Both have 80 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core, but the shared L3 cache favors the i9-14900KS at 36 MB versus 33 MB. The i9-14900KS also carries a larger die at 257 mm²; the die size for the Core 7 253PQE is not recorded.

Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration. The Core 7 253PQE lists a memory bandwidth figure of 89.6 GB/s, while the i9-14900KS does not have a recorded bandwidth value. Both support ECC memory and use the same PCIe Gen 5 configuration with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics are identical, UHD Graphics 770 on both parts.

The multiplier situation differs. The i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 7 253PQE is locked. Both use the Intel Socket 1700. The i9-14900KS launched earlier, with a release date in March 2024, while the Core 7 253PQE followed in March 2026. The i9-14900KS carries a launch MSRP of $689, while the Core 7 253PQE has a launch MSRP of $409.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core rendering workloads?

A: The i9-14900KS leads in every multi-core test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core it scores 50,995 versus 31,390 for the Core 7 253PQE, a -38.4% gap. PassMark multi-thread shows 60,012 versus 41,656, a -30.6% difference.

Q: How do the two compare in single-thread performance?

A: The i9-14900KS wins all single-thread tests, but the margin is smaller than in multi-thread. PassMark single-thread shows 4,815 versus 4,389, only -8.8% apart. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 7,199 versus 4,431, a -38.4% delta.

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The i9-14900KS has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Core 7 253PQE has 10 cores and 20 threads. Both use 80 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core, but the i9-14900KS has more shared L3 cache at 36 MB versus 33 MB.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory and expansion features?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, ECC memory, and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The Core 7 253PQE records a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i9-14900KS has no recorded bandwidth figure.

Q: Are both CPUs overclockable?

A: No. The i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking. The Core 7 253PQE has a locked multiplier.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The i9-14900KS boosts to 6.20 GHz. The Core 7 253PQE boosts to 5.70 GHz. The Core 7 253PQE has a higher base clock at 3.50 GHz versus 3.20 GHz.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several recorded specifications. Core count is 24 for the i9-14900KS against 10 for the Core 7 253PQE. Threads are 32 versus 20. Base clock is 3.20 GHz for the i9-14900KS and 3.50 GHz for the Core 7 253PQE. Boost clock is 6.20 GHz versus 5.70 GHz. TDP is 150 for the i9-14900KS and 125 for the Core 7 253PQE.

L3 cache is 36 MB shared on the i9-14900KS versus 33 MB shared on the Core 7 253PQE. Die size is 257 mm² for the i9-14900KS, with none recorded for the Core 7 253PQE. Memory bandwidth shows 89.6 GB/s for the Core 7 253PQE and no recorded value for the i9-14900KS. The multiplier is unlocked on the i9-14900KS and locked on the Core 7 253PQE.

The codenames differ, Raptor Lake-R versus Bartlett Lake. The generation field reads Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh) for the i9-14900KS and Core 7 (Bartlett Lake) for the Core 7 253PQE. Release dates differ, March 2024 for the i9-14900KS and March 2026 for the Core 7 253PQE. Launch MSRP is $689 for the i9-14900KS and $409 for the Core 7 253PQE. Part numbers are SRN7R for the i9-14900KS and SA4QA for the Core 7 253PQE. The i9-14900KS is listed in the Core 14th Gen series; the Core 7 253PQE has no series listed.

Where Each One Wins

The i9-14900KS wins every benchmark category in the database, which makes the use-case split straightforward. For heavily threaded productivity, rendering, and content creation, the i9-14900KS is the clear choice. Its 24 cores and 32 threads deliver a -38.4% advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core and a -39.3% lead in data compression. Encryption workloads show the largest gap at -46.5%, indicating strong integer throughput for security-related tasks. Floating point math favors the i9-14900KS by -31.6%, which matters for scientific computing and simulation workloads.

The Core 7 253PQE does not win any recorded test, but its narrower losses in specific areas indicate where it remains competitive. Single-thread performance is only -8.8% behind, so everyday responsiveness and lightly threaded applications will feel close between the two. Prime number finding, a test sensitive to clock speed and per-core efficiency, shows just a -15.6% gap. Physics simulation is -12.2% behind. The Core 7 253PQE also draws less power, with a 125 TDP versus 150 for the i9-14900KS, which can translate into lower thermal requirements in constrained chassis.

For users prioritizing absolute performance, the i9-14900KS dominates across all recorded metrics. For those who need most of the performance in single-threaded tasks with lower power draw, the Core 7 253PQE presents a closer race than the core count disparity might suggest. The i9-14900KS also offers an unlocked multiplier for tuning, while the Core 7 253PQE is locked.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear performance hierarchy. The i9-14900KS outscores the Core 7 253PQE in every recorded benchmark, with an average score of 81,127 against 55,919. That places the i9-14900KS at the 96th percentile of all CPUs versus the 91st percentile for the Core 7 253PQE. The i9-14900KS delivers 14 additional cores, 12 additional threads, 3 MB more L3 cache, and a 0.50 GHz higher boost clock. It also includes an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

The Core 7 253PQE counters with a higher base clock, lower TDP, and a lower launch MSRP. Its single-thread deficit of -8.8% in PassMark shows it is not far behind in lightly threaded scenarios. Its memory bandwidth is recorded at 89.6 GB/s, a figure absent for the i9-14900KS.

Anyone selecting between these two should base the decision on workload priorities. Rendering, data encryption, compression, and heavy multi-threaded workloads point decisively to the i9-14900KS. Single-thread responsiveness, lower power draw, and the lower launch MSRP point toward the Core 7 253PQE. The benchmark record does not show a single test where the Core 7 253PQE takes the lead, so the i9-14900KS is the default choice for maximum performance. The Core 7 253PQE serves as the more restrained option, with competitive single-thread behavior and reduced power requirements.