Intel Core i5-14400 vs Intel Core i5-14401E Comparison

Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core i5-14401E share the same Raptor Lake architecture, the same 10 nm process node, and the same 65 W TDP, yet the benchmark data reveals a clear and consistent performance gap. Both processors carry the Core i5 branding, but the 14400 delivers substantially higher scores across every recorded test, while the 14401E trails by a uniform margin. The data shows a processor designed for broader multitasking and one configured with fewer cores, making the choice between them straightforward for most workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-14400 wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, taking all six recorded tests. The 14401E does not win a single test, which makes the use-case split unusually one-sided. The 14400's advantage stems from its core configuration: it packs 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 14401E is limited to 6 cores and 12 threads. This difference manifests most clearly in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench R23 multicore, where the 14400 scores 21315 against the 14401E's 18161.

For single-threaded tasks, the gap is slightly narrower in absolute terms but still present. The 14400 scores 3009 in Cinebench R23 singlecore, while the 14401E manages 2564. This suggests the 14400's higher core count does not hurt its single-core performance, which is notable because both chips share the same 2.50 GHz base clock and 4.70 GHz boost clock. The architectural advantage appears to be in the 14400's favor across the board.

The 14401E, despite its lower scores, still holds relevance for users who prioritize a lower core count for specific embedded or edge applications, as its 6-core design may align with certain software licensing or power constraints. However, from a pure performance standpoint, the data shows no scenario where the 14401E outperforms the 14400.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and both use Intel's 10 nm process node with a die size of 215 mm². They share the same socket, Intel Socket 1700, and the same integrated graphics, UHD Graphics 730. The L1 cache is 80 KB per core, L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core, and L3 cache is 20 MB shared for both chips.

The critical difference lies in the core and thread counts. The 14400 has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the 14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads. This means the 14400 likely employs a hybrid configuration with performance and efficiency cores, typical of Raptor Lake desktop parts, whereas the 14401E's 6-core design suggests a more streamlined setup. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, and both have ECC memory support, which is uncommon for consumer desktop chips.

PCIe support is identical: Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The release dates differ, with the 14400 launching on 2024-01-07 and the 14401E on 2024-06-30, but this does not affect performance. The 14400 has a launch MSRP of $221, while the 14401E has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported for either.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data covers six Cinebench tests, and the 14400 wins each one by exactly 17.4%. This uniformity is striking and indicates a consistent performance scaling factor rather than workload-specific anomalies.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 14400 scores 2148 against the 14401E's 1830. The singlecore result shows 303 versus 258, also a 17.4% delta. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore scores are 8952 for the 14400 and 7627 for the 14401E, with singlecore at 1263 versus 1076. The most demanding test, Cinebench R23, shows the 14400 at 21315 in multicore and 3009 in singlecore, while the 14401E reaches 18161 and 2564 respectively.

The 17.4% delta across all tests suggests the 14400's additional cores and threads provide a proportional boost in both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads. Single-threaded performance typically depends on clock speed and IPC, but since both chips share the same boost clock of 4.70 GHz, the 14400's advantage here may stem from better thermal headroom or a more favorable core configuration that allows higher sustained clocks.

The 14400's average benchmark score of 32115 places it at the 82nd percentile among all CPUs, while the 14401E's average score of 5253 sits at the 60th percentile. This wide gap in average scores reflects the 14401E's limited benchmark suite, which only includes Cinebench tests, whereas the 14400 has a broader set of PassMark and Geekbench results.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-14400 has 10 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Are the base and boost clocks the same for both?

A: Yes, both processors have a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the i5-14400 and i5-14401E have ECC memory support enabled.

Q: What is the performance difference in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The i5-14400 scores 21315, which is 17.4% higher than the i5-14401E's 18161.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking?

A: The i5-14400 ranks at the 82nd percentile, while the i5-14401E ranks at the 60th percentile.

Q: Do they use the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both use UHD Graphics 730.

The Verdict

The data points decisively toward the Intel Core i5-14400 for any user who needs maximum performance. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks by 17.4%, offers twice as many performance cores for multi-threaded workloads, and carries a higher percentile ranking at 82 versus 60. The 14400's additional 4 cores and 4 threads translate directly into better Cinebench scores, which are reliable indicators of rendering and encoding performance.

The Intel Core i5-14401E, while slower, still delivers competent results for a 6-core processor. Its 60th percentile ranking means it outperforms roughly 60% of all CPUs in the database, and its 18161 Cinebench R23 multicore score is respectable for lighter workloads. However, there is no recorded scenario where the 14401E surpasses the 14400, and its lower core count makes it less suitable for heavy multitasking or content creation.

Users who prioritize single-threaded performance will find the 14400 also leads, with a 3009 Cinebench R23 singlecore score versus 2564. The 14401E's only potential advantage is its later release date of 2024-06-30, which may indicate availability for specific OEM or industrial channels, but this does not affect performance. The 14400 is the clear choice for desktop builders and professionals.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-14400 | Intel Core i5-14401E |

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

| Cores | 10 | 6 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

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

| Launch MSRP | $221 | null |

| Part Number | SRN3QSRN46 | Q49JSRNJS |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 82 | 60 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 32115 | 5253 |

| Cinebench R23 Multicore | 21315 | 18161 |

| Cinebench R23 Singlecore | 3009 | 2564 |

Shared specifications include the 2.50 GHz base clock, 4.70 GHz boost clock, 65 W TDP, Intel Socket 1700, Raptor Lake architecture, 10 nm process node, 215 mm² die size, 80 KB L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB L2 cache per core, 20 MB shared L3 cache, DDR4/DDR5 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, ECC memory support, Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, UHD Graphics 730, and a locked multiplier.