Intel Core i5-14401TE vs Intel Core i9-14900HX Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts of the Intel Core i5-14401TE and Intel Core i9-14900HX?

A: The Intel Core i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i9-14900HX has 24 cores and 32 threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900HX boosts to 5.80 GHz, which is significantly higher than the Intel Core i5-14401TE's 4.50 GHz boost.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900HX has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-14401TE has 20 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which CPU has a higher benchmark percentile ranking?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900HX sits at the 91st percentile among all CPUs, while the Intel Core i5-14401TE is at the 50th percentile.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-14401TE and the Intel Core i9-14900HX support ECC memory.

Q: What is the market segment for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i5-14401TE is listed as a Desktop processor, while the Intel Core i9-14900HX is listed as a Mobile processor.

The Verdict

The data clearly separates these two processors into different performance classes. The Intel Core i9-14900HX, with its 24 cores, 32 threads, and 5.80 GHz boost clock, sits at the 91st percentile of all CPUs. Its average benchmark score of 56004 places it among high-end performers. The Intel Core i5-14401TE, with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 4.50 GHz boost, holds the 50th percentile, indicating a mainstream mid-range position.

For workloads that rely on raw multi-threaded throughput, rendering, or heavy parallel computation, the i9-14900HX is the clear choice. Its benchmark results in Cinebench R23 multicore (30055) and Geekbench multicore (17511) demonstrate substantial capability. The i5-14401TE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, so direct numerical comparison is impossible, but the core count, thread count, and cache size differences establish a wide performance gap.

The i5-14401TE suits users who need a desktop processor with lower power demands (45 W TDP) and ECC memory support for stability-sensitive tasks. The i9-14900HX, despite being a mobile processor with a 55 W TDP, delivers far higher performance potential, particularly for professional content creation, data analysis, or any workload that scales with core count. The choice hinges on whether the user prioritizes energy efficiency and desktop compatibility versus maximum compute throughput.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark results only for the Intel Core i9-14900HX; the Intel Core i5-14401TE has no recorded scores. Consequently, the analysis focuses on what the i9-14900HX achieves and what the i5-14401TE lacks.

The i9-14900HX delivers a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 30055 and a single-core score of 2181.5. In Cinebench R20, it scores 15616 multicore and 2204 single-core. The R15 results show 4574 multicore and 310.5 single-core. These Cinebench numbers indicate strong scaling across cores, which aligns with the 24-core configuration.

Geekbench results for the i9-14900HX show 17511 multicore and 2330 single-core. PassMark tests further illustrate its strengths: multithread score of 43778, integer math at 157375, floating point math at 112273, and data compression at 539965. The single-thread PassMark score is 4175.

The nearest rivals for the i9-14900HX in the database are the Intel Core 7 253PQE (average score 55919, delta 0.2% ahead), AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 (56273, 0.5% behind), AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 (56306, 0.5% behind), and AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX (56555, 1% behind). This places the i9-14900HX essentially at parity with these competitors, within a 1% band of performance.

Since the i5-14401TE has zero benchmark entries, the head-to-head comparison is lopsided. The i9-14900HX owns all recorded performance data. The i5-14401TE's 50th percentile ranking, however, suggests it performs around the median of all CPUs, whereas the i9-14900HX is in the top 9% of all CPUs.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every core specification. The Intel Core i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i9-14900HX has 24 cores and 32 threads. Base clocks are close: 2.00 GHz for the i5-14401TE and 2.20 GHz for the i9-14900HX. Boost clocks diverge sharply: 4.50 GHz versus 5.80 GHz.

Thermal design power differs by 10 W: 45 W for the i5-14401TE and 55 W for the i9-14900HX. The socket types are entirely different. The i5-14401TE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop socket, while the i9-14900HX uses Intel BGA 1964, a mobile socket.

Cache hierarchies differ as well. L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core for the i5-14401TE and 2 MB per core for the i9-14900HX. L3 cache totals 20 MB shared for the i5-14401TE and 36 MB shared for the i9-14900HX.

The integrated graphics differ: the i5-14401TE has UHD Graphics 730, while the i9-14900HX has UHD Graphics 770. The i5-14401TE has a locked multiplier, whereas the i9-14900HX has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking on compatible platforms. Die size also differs: 215 mm² for the i5-14401TE and 257 mm² for the i9-14900HX.

Release dates differ. The i9-14900HX launched in January 2024; the i5-14401TE launched in June 2024. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with dual-channel buses. Both use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Both support ECC memory.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Raptor Lake architecture and are built on Intel's 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry. The codenames differ: Raptor Lake-R for the i5-14401TE and Raptor Lake-HX for the i9-14900HX. Both belong to the Core 14th Gen series.

The generation labels clarify the refresh status: the i5-14401TE is Core i5 (Raptor Lake Refresh), while the i9-14900HX is Core i9 (Raptor Lake-HX Refresh). Despite the architectural similarity, the implementation differs substantially. The i9-14900HX has 4 times the core count of the i5-14401TE, and its L3 cache is 80% larger (36 MB versus 20 MB).

The i9-14900HX's higher boost clock of 5.80 GHz versus 4.50 GHz suggests better frequency headroom, likely due to a more robust power delivery and thermal design for a mobile flagship. The i5-14401TE's lower TDP of 45 W versus 55 W indicates a more power-conscious design for desktop environments where efficiency may be prioritized.

Both processors feature ECC memory support, which is notable for a mobile processor like the i9-14900HX. The PCIe implementation is identical: Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The memory controllers support both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode for both.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-14900HX wins in every benchmark category where data exists. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 30055 and PassMark multithread score of 43778 confirm dominance in heavily threaded workloads. The 24-core configuration with 32 threads provides substantial parallelism for video encoding, 3D rendering, software compilation, and scientific simulations. The 36 MB L3 cache helps with data-heavy tasks that benefit from larger on-chip storage.

The i9-14900HX also wins in single-threaded performance, as shown by its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2181.5 and PassMark single-thread score of 4175. The 5.80 GHz boost clock drives fast response in lightly threaded applications like web browsing, office productivity, and legacy software that relies on one or two threads.

The Intel Core i5-14401TE has no benchmark data, so it cannot claim any measured wins. However, its specification profile suggests where it might be preferable. The 45 W TDP is 10 W lower than the i9-14900HX, which could translate to lower heat output and quieter operation in compact desktop builds. The desktop Socket 1700 allows for standard desktop motherboards, whereas the i9-14900HX uses a mobile BGA 1964 socket, typically soldered into laptops or specialized boards.

For users who require ECC memory, both processors support it, but the i5-14401TE's desktop form factor may make ECC memory integration simpler. The i5-14401TE's 6 cores and 12 threads still handle everyday multitasking and moderate productivity workloads, though its 50th percentile ranking indicates average performance relative to the broader CPU market.

The i9-14900HX, at the 91st percentile, is the choice for users who demand top-tier performance in both multi-threaded and single-threaded scenarios. Its nearest rivals, all within 1% of its average score, confirm that it competes at the high end. The i5-14401TE serves users who prioritize low power consumption, desktop compatibility, and ECC support over raw throughput. The data does not show any benchmark scenario where the i5-14401TE outperforms the i9-14900HX.