Intel Core i5-14401TE vs Intel Core i7-14700HX Comparison

The Verdict

The data in the database shows a clear separation between these two processors. The Intel Core i5-14401TE is a desktop part with 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i7-14700HX is a mobile processor with 20 cores and 28 threads. The benchmark results place the i7-14700HX at the 89th percentile among all CPUs, whereas the i5-14401TE sits at the 50th percentile. The i7-14700HX delivers a substantially higher average benchmark score of 45,953 compared to the i5-14401TE, which has no recorded benchmark scores in the database.

The i7-14700HX is the processor to select for workloads that demand heavy multi-threading, such as rendering, content creation, and scientific computing. Its core count advantage is massive, and the recorded Cinebench and PassMark results confirm its dominance. The i5-14401TE, with its 45-watt TDP and desktop socket, serves a different purpose entirely. It is a lower-power desktop chip for systems where efficiency and a fixed socket are priorities, and its 50th percentile ranking indicates it sits near the middle of the performance spectrum. For users building a desktop with modest multi-threaded demands, the i5-14401TE is the suitable choice. For mobile users needing maximum compute throughput, the i7-14700HX is the clear answer.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to Intel's Core 14th Gen series and share the Raptor Lake architecture. The i5-14401TE uses the Raptor Lake-R refresh codename, while the i7-14700HX uses Raptor Lake-HX. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node, and both have a die size that differs: the i5-14401TE measures 215 mm², while the i7-14700HX measures 257 mm².

The core configurations are the most significant architectural divergence. The i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads. The i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads, which is more than triple the core count and more than double the thread count. The cache hierarchy also differs substantially. Both use 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache per core is 1.25 MB on the i5-14401TE versus 2 MB on the i7-14700HX. The L3 cache is 20 MB shared on the i5-14401TE, while the i7-14700HX has 33 MB shared. This larger cache pool on the i7-14700HX supports its higher core count and helps feed data to more execution units.

Clock speeds reveal another layer of separation. The i5-14401TE has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The i7-14700HX has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The higher boost clock on the i7-14700HX gives it a clear single-thread advantage, which is confirmed by the benchmark scores. The TDP also differs, with the i5-14401TE rated at 45 watts and the i7-14700HX rated at 55 watts. The i7-14700HX is multiplier-unlocked, allowing overclocking, while the i5-14401TE is locked.

Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. Both support ECC memory. Both use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The integrated graphics differ slightly: the i5-14401TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the i7-14700HX uses UHD Graphics 770. The sockets are different, with the i5-14401TE using Intel Socket 1700 for desktop builds and the i7-14700HX using Intel BGA 1964 for mobile applications. The i5-14401TE was released later, on 2024-06-30, while the i7-14700HX was released on 2024-01-07.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-14700HX wins decisively in multi-threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24,595 demonstrates a very high level of parallel performance. The PassMark multi-thread score of 36,566 reinforces this, as does the PassMark integer math score of 131,296 and floating point math score of 93,836. The data compression score of 438,539 and data encryption score of 26,092 further show strong throughput in data-intensive tasks. The i7-14700HX also wins in single-threaded tests, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,103 and a PassMark single-thread score of 3,947. This combination of strong single-core and dominant multi-core results makes it the better choice for virtually any compute-heavy scenario.

The i5-14401TE has no recorded benchmarks in the database, so its wins cannot be quantified. However, its characteristics point to where it holds an advantage. The 45-watt TDP is lower than the 55-watt TDP of the i7-14700HX, which makes it more suitable for compact desktop builds with limited cooling. The desktop socket, Intel Socket 1700, allows for standard desktop motherboards and upgrade paths. The i5-14401TE also supports ECC memory, which is valuable for workstation reliability. The 6-core, 12-thread configuration is sufficient for everyday desktop tasks, office productivity, and lighter content creation. For users who prioritize a fixed desktop platform and lower power draw over raw performance, the i5-14401TE is the appropriate pick.

The i7-14700HX is designed for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Its 55-watt TDP is acceptable for larger mobile chassis with robust cooling. Its 20 cores and 28 threads make it a top-tier mobile option, and the 89th percentile ranking places it well above the median CPU. The nearest rivals in the database, such as the AMD EPYC 7303 and AMD EPYC 4364P, have average scores of 45,960 and 45,970 respectively, both showing a 0% delta compared to the i7-14700HX. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 scores 46,030, which is 0.2% higher, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 scores 46,062, also 0.2% higher. These margins are negligible, indicating the i7-14700HX sits in a highly competitive performance tier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads. The Intel Core i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of these two processors?

A: The i5-14401TE has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The i7-14700HX has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the i5-14401TE and the i7-14700HX support ECC memory.

Q: What is the benchmark percentile ranking for each processor?

A: The i5-14401TE is at the 50th percentile among all CPUs. The i7-14700HX is at the 89th percentile.

Q: What is the L3 cache size on each processor?

A: The i5-14401TE has 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The i7-14700HX has 33 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Are these processors from the same generation?

A: Yes, both are from the Core 14th Gen series, and both use the Raptor Lake architecture.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i7-14700HX has recorded benchmark scores across multiple test suites, while the i5-14401TE has no recorded benchmarks in the database. This makes a direct head-to-head comparison one-sided, but the available data for the i7-14700HX provides a clear picture of its capabilities.

In Cinebench R15, the i7-14700HX scores 3,812 in multi-core and 296 in single-core. The multi-core score reflects the massive parallel throughput enabled by its 20 cores and 28 threads. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 13,059 and the single-core score is 1,843. Cinebench R23 shows a multi-core score of 24,595 and a single-core score of 2,103. These results demonstrate that the i7-14700HX maintains strong scaling across multiple benchmark versions.

Geekbench results show a multi-core score of 14,390 and a single-core score of 2,116. The single-core score is particularly notable because it is driven by the 5.50 GHz boost clock, which is 1 GHz higher than the i5-14401TE's 4.50 GHz boost clock. PassMark tests further detail the i7-14700HX's strengths. The multi-thread score is 36,566, and the single-thread score is 3,947. Integer math scores 131,296, while floating point math scores 93,836. Extended instructions score 25,718, and find prime numbers scores 165. Data compression scores 438,539, data encryption scores 26,092, and random string sorting scores 48,544. Physics scores 2,252.

The nearest rivals to the i7-14700HX in the database are all extremely close in average score. The AMD EPYC 7303 and AMD EPYC 4364P both show a 0% delta, with average scores of 45,960 and 45,970 respectively. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 has a 0.2% higher average score at 46,030, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 also has a 0.2% higher average score at 46,062. These tiny differences indicate that the i7-14700HX is positioned squarely within a competitive performance band, and the choice among these processors would depend on factors beyond raw benchmark scores, such as platform compatibility and power requirements.

The i5-14401TE, with no benchmark scores, cannot be directly compared on any individual test. Its 50th percentile ranking suggests it falls in the middle of the CPU performance distribution, which is consistent with its 6-core, 12-thread configuration and 4.50 GHz boost clock. The i7-14700HX, at the 89th percentile, clearly outperforms the vast majority of CPUs, and its benchmark scores confirm that it is a high-end mobile processor. The performance gap between the two is substantial, driven primarily by the i7-14700HX's 20 cores versus 6 cores, its 33 MB L3 cache versus 20 MB, and its 5.50 GHz boost clock versus 4.50 GHz.

For users analyzing these two processors, the database shows a stark contrast in performance potential. The i7-14700HX is a mobile powerhouse with top-tier multi-threaded and single-threaded scores. The i5-14401TE is a modest desktop chip with lower power consumption and a standard desktop socket. The choice depends entirely on the target platform and the required compute intensity.