Intel Core i3-14100 vs Intel Core i7-14701E Comparison

Intel Core i3-14100 and Intel Core i7-14701E are both desktop processors from Intel's Core 14th Gen lineup, sharing the same Raptor Lake architecture and Intel Socket 1700. The data shows a complete sweep in favor of the i7-14701E across every recorded benchmark, with the i3-14100 failing to secure a single win in the head-to-head comparison. The i7-14701E delivers significantly higher performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, while the i3-14100 counters with a lower power envelope and a more compact die size. This analysis breaks down the recorded measurements, architectural differences, and benchmark results to clarify where each processor stands.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows the Intel Core i7-14701E as the clear winner in every benchmark category, holding a perfect 17-to-0 record in the head-to-head tests. The i7-14701E dominates multi-threaded workloads, which is expected given its doubled core and thread counts. In cinebench r23 multicore, the i7-14701E scores 22195 versus the i3-14100's 12820, a 42.2% advantage. Similar margins appear across passmark multithread (26112 versus 15095) and cinebench r20 multicore (9321 versus 5384), all showing the same 42.2% delta.

The i7-14701E also wins in single-threaded performance, though by a narrower margin. Passmark single-thread shows 4305 versus 3759, a 12.7% lead. Cinebench r23 singlecore shows 3133 versus 1809, a 42.3% gap, which is wider than the passmark result. This indicates the i7-14701E's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz versus 4.70 GHz provides a meaningful advantage in lightly threaded tasks.

Specialized workloads show the largest deltas. Passmark find prime numbers gives the i7-14701E a 68.7% lead (176 versus 55), the biggest gap in the entire dataset. Passmark physics shows a 60.1% advantage (2399 versus 958). These results point toward the i7-14701E being the stronger choice for compute-heavy, multi-threaded applications such as rendering, physics simulation, and data processing.

The i3-14100 does not win any category, but its lower TDP of 60 watts versus 65 watts for the i7-14701E suggests it operates with less thermal overhead. The i3-14100 also uses a smaller die size at 163 mm² versus 257 mm², which may influence power efficiency in constrained systems. The i7-14701E's advantages are consistent and substantial across all measured metrics.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use the Raptor Lake architecture and the Raptor Lake-R codename, manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process. The core counts differ significantly: the i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads. This doubling of resources is the primary driver of the multi-threaded performance gap.

Cache configurations diverge as well. The i3-14100 features 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The i7-14701E offers 2 MB of L2 per core and 33 MB of shared L3 cache. Both share an identical L1 cache layout at 80 KB per core. The larger L3 cache on the i7-14701E supports more data residency for complex workloads.

Clock speeds favor the i7-14701E in boost frequency but favor the i3-14100 in base frequency. The i7-14701E boosts to 5.40 GHz with a 2.60 GHz base, while the i3-14100 boosts to 4.70 GHz with a 3.50 GHz base. The higher boost clock gives the i7-14701E an edge in single-threaded tests, while the i3-14100's higher base clock suggests it maintains decent performance at lower utilization levels.

Integrated graphics differ between the two. The i3-14100 uses UHD Graphics 730, while the i7-14701E uses UHD Graphics 770. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is identical: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Die size reflects the additional hardware. The i3-14100 measures 163 mm², while the i7-14701E measures 257 mm², a 94 mm² difference that accounts for the extra cores, cache, and graphics execution units. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both are marked as Active in production status. The i7-14701E was released later, with a recorded release date of 2024-06-30, compared to the i3-14100's 2024-01-07.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i7-14701E wins every head-to-head benchmark in the database, with deltas ranging from 12.7% to 68.7%. The most decisive victory comes in passmark find prime numbers, where the i7-14701E scores 176 against the i3-14100's 55, a 68.7% gap. This test stresses integer arithmetic and loop performance, areas where the i7-14701E's extra cores and higher boost clock provide a clear advantage.

Passmark physics shows a 60.1% lead for the i7-14701E, scoring 2399 versus 958. Physics workloads often scale with core count, and the i7-14701E's 8 cores versus 4 cores explains the large margin. Passmark integer math follows at 44.3% (81325 versus 45329), and passmark floating point math shows a 43% gap (61873 versus 35266).

The cinebench suite consistently shows a 42.2% to 42.3% difference. Cinebench r15 multicore, r20 multicore, and r23 multicore all show the i7-14701E ahead by 42.2%, with scores of 2237 versus 1292, 9321 versus 5384, and 22195 versus 12820 respectively. Cinebench single-core results show a 42.2% to 42.3% gap, with r23 singlecore at 3133 versus 1809.

Passmark data compression shows a 38.5% lead (282939 versus 174115), while data encryption shows 40.5% (14862 versus 8838). Extended instructions show a 36% gap (18528 versus 11865). Random string sorting shows 40.3% (29158 versus 17397). The narrowest margin is in passmark single-thread at 12.7% (4305 versus 3759), which reflects the i7-14701E's boost clock advantage rather than its core count.

The i3-14100's average benchmark score is 18318, placing it at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core 3 305 at 18302 (0.1% difference), the Intel Core 5 330 at 18345 (0.1% behind), the Intel Core 7 360 at 18374 (0.3% behind), and the Intel Core i3-13100 at 18380 (0.3% behind). These close margins indicate the i3-14100 sits in a tightly packed performance tier.

The i7-14701E's average benchmark score is 33206, placing it at the 83rd percentile. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H at 33201 (0% difference), the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS at 33244 (0.1% behind), the AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX at 33091 (0.3% ahead), and the Intel Core i7-13650HX at 33089 (0.4% ahead). The i7-14701E sits in a higher performance tier, roughly 81% above the i3-14100 in average score.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E wins in single-threaded tests. Passmark single-thread shows 4305 versus 3759, a 12.7% lead. Cinebench r23 singlecore shows 3133 versus 1809, a 42.3% lead.

Q: How large is the multi-threaded performance gap?

A: The i7-14701E leads by 42.2% in cinebench r23 multicore (22195 versus 12820) and by 42.2% in passmark multithread (26112 versus 15095). The gap stems from its 8 cores and 16 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory and PCIe features?

A: Yes. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, both support ECC memory, and both use Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Q: What is the biggest performance difference in any single test?

A: Passmark find prime numbers shows the largest gap at 68.7%, with the i7-14701E scoring 176 versus the i3-14100's 55.

Q: How do the integrated graphics compare?

A: The i3-14100 uses UHD Graphics 730, while the i7-14701E uses UHD Graphics 770. The database does not record graphics benchmark scores for either processor.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The i3-14100 has an average benchmark score of 18318, while the i7-14701E has an average score of 33206.

The Verdict

The data points decisively toward the Intel Core i7-14701E for any user prioritizing performance. It wins all 17 head-to-head benchmarks, with advantages ranging from 12.7% in passmark single-thread to 68.7% in passmark find prime numbers. Its 8 cores, 16 threads, 33 MB of L3 cache, and 5.40 GHz boost clock deliver consistently higher scores across rendering, data compression, encryption, and physics workloads.

The Intel Core i3-14100 remains a viable option for systems where lower power draw is a priority. Its 60 watt TDP is 5 watts lower than the i7-14701E's 65 watt TDP, and its 163 mm² die size is substantially smaller than the 257 mm² die of the i7-14701E. The i3-14100 also carries a launch MSRP of $134, which is recorded for this processor, while the i7-14701E does not have a recorded launch MSRP. Users with workloads that scale with core count should choose the i7-14701E without hesitation. Users with modest workloads and thermal constraints may find the i3-14100 adequate, but the benchmark data shows no scenario where it outperforms the i7-14701E.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-14100 | Intel Core i7-14701E |

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

| Cores | 4 | 8 |

| Threads | 8 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| TDP | 60 W | 65 W |

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

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 33 MB (shared) |

| Die Size | 163 mm² | 257 mm² |

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

| Release Date | 2024-01-07 | 2024-06-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $134 | Not recorded |