Intel Core i5-14401E vs Intel Core i5-14490F Comparison

Intel Core i5-14401E and Intel Core i5-14490F are both desktop processors from Intel’s Core 14th Gen series, built on the Raptor Lake architecture and sharing the same Intel Socket 1700. The data shows a clear performance hierarchy between the two, with the i5-14490F dominating every recorded benchmark. The i5-14401E falls behind across the board, with the i5-14490F holding a consistent advantage of roughly 21 percent in all Cinebench tests. This analysis examines the recorded measurements, the architectural differences, and the implications for different workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data records six Cinebench comparisons, and the Intel Core i5-14490F wins all six. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-14490F scores 2318 against 1830 for the i5-14401E, a difference of 21.1 percent. The single-core R15 result follows the same pattern: 327 versus 258, also 21.1 percent behind. These two results establish the baseline gap between the processors, and the remaining tests confirm that this gap holds steady across different rendering workloads.

Cinebench R20 multi-core shows the i5-14490F at 9660 and the i5-14401E at 7627, a 21 percent deficit for the i5-14401E. Single-core R20 records 1363 for the i5-14490F and 1076 for the i5-14401E, again a 21.1 percent gap. The trend continues in Cinebench R23, the most demanding of the recorded tests. The i5-14490F reaches 23000 in multi-core, while the i5-14401E manages 18161, putting the i5-14401E 21 percent behind. In R23 single-core, the scores are 3247 and 2564, a 21 percent difference.

The consistency of the results is notable. Every recorded benchmark, regardless of the Cinebench version or whether it tests single-core or multi-core performance, shows the same approximate 21 percent advantage for the i5-14490F. This uniformity suggests a fundamental difference in capability rather than a workload-specific quirk. The i5-14490F does not merely win in one category; it delivers a higher score in every measured test.

The benchmark data also includes two Passmark tests for the i5-14490F, with a multi-thread score of 28662 and a single-thread score of 3873. The i5-14401E has no recorded Passmark results, so direct comparison in those tests is not possible. However, the Cinebench results provide sufficient evidence of the performance ordering. The i5-14490F also records additional Passmark scores for specialized workloads, including data compression at 340026, data encryption at 18225, extended instructions at 21731, find prime numbers at 122, floating point math at 66558, integer math at 87844, physics at 2093, and random string sorting at 35608. These figures give a broader picture of the i5-14490F’s capabilities, though the i5-14401E lacks equivalent measurements.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded data, the Intel Core i5-14490F wins every benchmark category. There is no test in the database where the i5-14401E comes out ahead. The i5-14490F’s advantage applies equally to single-core and multi-core workloads, as shown by the consistent 21 percent margins in both Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core and multi-core tests.

For users focused on multi-threaded rendering, the i5-14490F is the stronger choice. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23000 places it well above the i5-14401E’s 18161. For single-core tasks, the same pattern holds: 3247 versus 2564 in R23 single-core. The i5-14490F also holds a higher overall position in the database, with a percentile rank of 86 compared to 60 for the i5-14401E. The average benchmark score for the i5-14490F is 38149, while the i5-14401E averages 5253. This large difference in average score reflects the broader set of tests recorded for the i5-14490F and its higher performance in each.

The i5-14401E has no recorded wins in any category. Its only distinguishing feature relative to the i5-14490F is its integrated graphics, which the i5-14490F lacks entirely. For workloads that require integrated graphics, the i5-14401E offers that capability, but it does not translate into a performance win in the recorded benchmarks.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and both are manufactured on Intel’s 10 nm process node with a die size of 215 mm². The core configurations differ significantly. The i5-14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the i5-14490F has 10 cores and 16 threads. This difference in core and thread counts is the most direct explanation for the multi-core performance gap.

The base clock is identical at 2.50 GHz for both processors. The boost clock differs, with the i5-14401E reaching 4.70 GHz and the i5-14490F reaching 5.00 GHz. The higher boost clock on the i5-14490F contributes to its single-core advantage, as evidenced by the 21.1 percent lead in single-core Cinebench tests.

Cache allocation also differs. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. The L3 cache is shared and differs between the two: the i5-14401E has 20 MB shared L3, while the i5-14490F has 24 MB shared L3. The larger L3 cache on the i5-14490F provides additional headroom for data-heavy workloads.

Memory support is the same for both: DDR4 and DDR5, dual-channel memory bus. The PCIe configuration is also identical, with Gen 5 and 16 lanes available from the CPU. The i5-14401E supports ECC memory, while the i5-14490F does not. This makes the i5-14401E the only one of the two that can be used in systems requiring ECC memory.

The integrated graphics situation is a major difference. The i5-14401E includes UHD Graphics 730, while the i5-14490F has no integrated graphics. The i5-14490F therefore requires a discrete graphics card for any display output. The i5-14401E can operate without a dedicated GPU.

Both processors have the same thermal design power of 65 watts. Neither is multiplier-unlocked, so overclocking is not supported on either model. The release dates differ, with the i5-14490F released on 2023-12-31 and the i5-14401E released on 2024-06-30. Both are listed as active production parts. The part numbers are Q49JSRNJS for the i5-14401E and SRN35 for the i5-14490F.

The Verdict

The recorded data makes the performance ordering unambiguous. The Intel Core i5-14490F is faster than the Intel Core i5-14401E in every measured benchmark. The 21 percent advantage in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, for both single-core and multi-core, is consistent and substantial. The i5-14490F also holds a much higher percentile rank, 86 versus 60, and a significantly higher average benchmark score, 38149 versus 5253.

The i5-14490F achieves this with 10 cores and 16 threads compared to 6 cores and 12 threads for the i5-14401E. Its boost clock is higher at 5.00 GHz versus 4.70 GHz, and its L3 cache is larger at 24 MB versus 20 MB. These architectural advantages translate directly into the measured performance gap.

The i5-14401E does have one clear advantage: integrated graphics. Systems built around the i5-14401E do not require a separate graphics card for basic display output. The i5-14490F has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU. The i5-14401E also supports ECC memory, which the i5-14490F does not. For users who need ECC memory support, the i5-14401E is the only option between the two.

For any workload that prioritizes raw processing power, the data points to the i5-14490F. Its higher core count, higher boost clock, and larger L3 cache deliver a consistent performance lead. The i5-14401E is the choice only when integrated graphics or ECC memory support are required, as those are the areas where it holds a functional advantage.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core score in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i5-14490F scores 23000 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core i5-14401E scores 18161. The i5-14490F leads by 21 percent.

Q: What is the difference in single-core performance between the two?

A: In Cinebench R23 single-core, the i5-14490F scores 3247 and the i5-14401E scores 2564, a 21 percent advantage for the i5-14490F. The same 21.1 percent gap appears in R15 and R20 single-core tests.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. The i5-14401E additionally supports ECC memory, while the i5-14490F does not.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-14490F have integrated graphics?

A: No, the i5-14490F has no integrated graphics. The i5-14401E includes UHD Graphics 730.

Q: How do the core counts compare?

A: The i5-14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads. The i5-14490F has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the boost clocks for each processor?

A: The i5-14401E has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The i5-14490F has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Both have a base clock of 2.50 GHz.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-14401E | Intel Core i5-14490F |

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

| Cores | 6 | 10 |

| Threads | 12 | 16 |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | N/A |

| Release Date | 2024-06-30 | 2023-12-31 |

| Part Number | Q49JSRNJS | SRN35 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 60 | 86 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 5253 | 38149 |

The two processors share the same base clock of 2.50 GHz, the same 80 KB L1 cache per core, the same 1.25 MB L2 cache per core, the same 65 watt TDP, the same Intel Socket 1700, the same 10 nm process node, the same 215 mm² die size, the same DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, the same dual-channel memory bus, and the same PCIe Gen 5 configuration with 16 lanes. Both are locked processors, both are active production parts, and both belong to the Core 14th Gen series with the Raptor Lake-R codename.