Intel Core i5-14401TE vs Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL Comparison

Intel Core i5-14401TE and Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL are both desktop processors from Intel, but they represent different design philosophies and performance targets. The i5-14401TE belongs to the Core 14th Gen family, built on the Raptor Lake architecture, while the Core Ultra 3 105UL is part of the Core Ultra Series 1, using the Meteor Lake architecture. The database contains benchmark results for the Core Ultra 3 105UL, but no recorded scores for the i5-14401TE, meaning comparisons rely on architectural specifications, memory support, and the available performance data for the Ultra part. This analysis walks through the recorded data, architectural differences, and the implications for workload suitability.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 3 105UL has a full set of benchmark results in the database, covering Cinebench and Passmark tests. Its average benchmark score is 13061, placing it at the 68th percentile among all CPUs. This indicates it outperforms a majority of processors in the database. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-9400F with an average score of 13041, showing the Ultra 3 is 0.2% ahead, and the Intel Core i7-10750H with 13024, where the Ultra 3 leads by 0.3%. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-8500 scores 13142, putting the Ultra 3 0.6% behind, and the Intel Core i7-7700K scores 13291, a 1.7% deficit for the Ultra 3. These small deltas mean the Ultra 3 sits in a tight competitive band, trading blows with older mid-range and high-end parts from previous generations.

The i5-14401TE has no benchmark scores recorded, so its wins cannot be measured directly. However, its specifications suggest strengths in single-threaded performance and higher sustained clocks. The i5-14401TE boosts to 4.50 GHz, compared to 4.20 GHz for the Ultra 3, and has a base clock of 2.00 GHz versus 1.50 GHz. In workloads that rely on raw clock speed, such as lightly threaded applications, the i5-14401TE likely holds an advantage. The Ultra 3, with 8 cores and 10 threads, has a higher core count but fewer threads per core, indicating a hybrid design with performance and efficiency cores. The Ultra 3's recorded Passmark single-thread score is 3382, which is a reference point for its own capability, but without i5-14401TE data, a direct comparison is impossible.

For multi-threaded tasks, the Ultra 3's benchmark scores show solid performance. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score is 8742, while its Passmark multithread score is 10285. These results reflect its 8-core configuration. The i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads, which means it has fewer physical cores but more threads per core. In heavily parallel workloads, the Ultra 3's extra cores could provide an edge, but the i5-14401TE's higher clocks might compensate in tasks that scale with frequency. The database lacks head-to-head benchmarks, so the wins are inferred from architectural traits.

Architecture Differences

The two processors use entirely different architectures. The i5-14401TE is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, and uses a 10 nm process node from Intel. Its die size is 215 mm². The Core Ultra 3 105UL uses Meteor Lake, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS variant, on a 7 nm process node. The die size for the Ultra 3 is not recorded. This node difference suggests the Ultra 3 uses a more advanced manufacturing process, which typically allows for better power efficiency and higher transistor density, though exact transistor counts are not listed for either chip.

The i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads, all presumably performance cores given the uniform thread count. The Ultra 3 has 8 cores and 10 threads, indicating a mix of performance and efficiency cores, common in Meteor Lake designs. The cache hierarchies differ significantly. The i5-14401TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 3 has larger per-core caches: 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, but only 10 MB of shared L3. This means the i5-14401TE has double the L3 capacity, which can benefit workloads with large working sets, while the Ultra 3's larger L2 might reduce latency for frequently accessed data.

Memory support diverges as well. The i5-14401TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 3 supports only DDR5, with a note that the exact memory type depends on the motherboard. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The Ultra 3 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i5-14401TE does not have a bandwidth figure in the database. The i5-14401TE supports ECC memory, whereas the Ultra 3 does not, making the i5-14401TE more suitable for error-sensitive computing environments.

PCIe capabilities also differ. The i5-14401TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Ultra 3 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. This is a substantial difference for expansion: the i5-14401TE has twice the PCIe lanes and a newer generation, which matters for high-bandwidth devices like GPUs or NVMe storage. The Ultra 3's integrated graphics are Arc Xe-LPG with 48 execution units, while the i5-14401TE uses UHD Graphics 730. The Arc graphics unit is likely more capable, but no benchmark scores for either iGPU are recorded.

The i5-14401TE is built for a 45 W TDP, while the Ultra 3 uses a 15 W TDP. This threefold difference in thermal design power suggests the i5-14401TE is intended for higher sustained performance, while the Ultra 3 targets efficiency and lower heat output. The i5-14401TE uses Intel Socket 1700, whereas the Ultra 3 requires Intel Socket 1851, so they are not interchangeable in the same motherboard.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database does not include direct head-to-head benchmark results between the i5-14401TE and the Core Ultra 3 105UL. The head-to-head fields are empty, and the wins for each processor are listed as zero. Therefore, any comparison must rely on the Ultra 3's standalone scores and the i5-14401TE's specifications. The Ultra 3's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 8742 and single-core score of 1234 provide a baseline. Its Cinebench R20 scores are 3671 for multicore and 518 for single-core, while R15 scores are 881 and 124, respectively. These numbers show a consistent pattern: multicore performance is roughly seven times higher than single-core in each Cinebench version, which is typical for a processor with 8 cores.

In Passmark tests, the Ultra 3 achieves 41171 in integer math, 30750 in floating point math, and 93961 in data compression. These are strong results for a 15 W part, indicating efficiency in compute-heavy tasks. The data encryption score is 6354, extended instructions score is 5634, and find prime numbers score is 44. The random string sorting score is 11179, and the physics score is 718. The single-thread score is 3382, matching the Passmark singlethread score. These results place the Ultra 3 at the 68th percentile, with an average score of 13061.

Without i5-14401TE scores, the exact deltas cannot be calculated. However, the i5-14401TE's higher boost clock (4.50 GHz vs. 4.20 GHz) and higher base clock (2.00 GHz vs. 1.50 GHz) suggest it would win in single-threaded benchmarks if tested. Its 45 W TDP also implies it can sustain higher clocks under load, which would benefit multi-threaded workloads that are not limited by power. On the other hand, the Ultra 3's 8 cores give it a core-count advantage, and its 10 MB L3 cache, while smaller, is paired with larger L2 caches per core. The Ultra 3's memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s is a recorded advantage, as the i5-14401TE lacks a bandwidth figure.

The nearest rival data for the Ultra 3 shows it is nearly identical to the i5-9400F (0.2% faster), slightly faster than the i7-10750H (0.3%), and slightly slower than the i5-8500 (0.6%) and i7-7700K (1.7%). This indicates the Ultra 3 performs at the level of older high-end desktop CPUs, despite its low TDP. The i5-14401TE, with its higher clocks and double L3 cache, would likely exceed these scores in many tests, but that remains speculative without recorded measurements.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL support ECC memory?

A: No. The database lists ECC memory support as false for the Core Ultra 3 105UL. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-14401TE supports ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-14401TE has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL boosts to 4.20 GHz. The i5-14401TE also has a higher base clock at 2.00 GHz versus 1.50 GHz.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does each CPU provide?

A: The i5-14401TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Core Ultra 3 105UL provides PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. This gives the i5-14401TE more lanes and a newer PCIe generation.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Core Ultra 3 105UL?

A: The average benchmark score is 13061, placing it at the 68th percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-9400F, scores 13041, putting the Ultra 3 0.2% ahead.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The i5-14401TE has 20 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core Ultra 3 105UL has 10 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 3 has larger L2 cache per core at 2 MB, compared to 1.25 MB per core for the i5-14401TE.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i5-14401TE has a TDP of 45 W, while the Core Ultra 3 105UL has a TDP of 15 W. This indicates the i5-14401TE is designed for higher power delivery and potentially higher performance, while the Ultra 3 focuses on efficiency.

The Verdict

The data shows two distinct use cases. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is a low-power desktop processor with a 15 W TDP, and its recorded benchmarks demonstrate solid multi-threaded performance for its class. With an average score of 13061 and a 68th percentile ranking, it competes with older i5 and i7 parts, such as the i5-9400F and i7-10750H. Its 8 cores and 10 threads, combined with a 7 nm process node, make it suitable for power-constrained systems where efficiency is critical. The 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth and Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics further support its role in compact or low-noise builds.

The Intel Core i5-14401TE, lacking recorded benchmarks, cannot be directly ranked. However, its specifications point to a different priority: raw performance. With a 45 W TDP, 6 cores and 12 threads, and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz, it is built for higher sustained throughput. The dual L3 cache of 20 MB and support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory give it flexibility. ECC memory support is a definitive advantage for stability-critical applications. PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes is a major feature for users needing high-bandwidth expansion, which the Ultra 3 cannot match with its Gen 4, 8-lane interface.

Users should choose the i5-14401TE if they require maximum clock speeds, ECC memory, or PCIe Gen 5 connectivity. Its higher TDP suggests it is meant for systems with adequate cooling and power delivery. The Core Ultra 3 105UL is the better pick for those prioritizing low power consumption, with its 15 W TDP and proven benchmark results. The Ultra 3's larger L2 cache and higher core count also make it a reasonable choice for moderately threaded workloads, despite its smaller L3. The absence of head-to-head data means the i5-14401TE's exact standing remains unmeasured, but its architectural advantages are clear from the specification sheet.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in every major specification category. The i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Ultra 3 has 8 cores and 10 threads. Base clocks are 2.00 GHz for the i5-14401TE and 1.50 GHz for the Ultra 3. Boost clocks are 4.50 GHz and 4.20 GHz, respectively. The TDP is 45 W for the i5-14401TE and 15 W for the Ultra 3. Sockets are different: the i5-14401TE uses Intel Socket 1700, and the Ultra 3 uses Intel Socket 1851.

The architecture is Raptor Lake for the i5-14401TE and Meteor Lake for the Ultra 3. Process nodes are 10 nm and 7 nm. The i5-14401TE has an L1 cache of 80 KB per core, L2 of 1.25 MB per core, and L3 of 20 MB shared. The Ultra 3 has L1 of 112 KB per core, L2 of 2 MB per core, and L3 of 10 MB shared. Memory support: the i5-14401TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 3 supports only DDR5, depending on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory, but only the Ultra 3 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the i5-14401TE but not on the Ultra 3.

PCIe is Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the i5-14401TE, and Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Ultra 3. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 for the i5-14401TE and Arc Xe-LPG 48EU for the Ultra 3. The i5-14401TE has a die size of 215 mm², while the Ultra 3's die size is not recorded. The Ultra 3 has a launch MSRP of $295, which is stated once here per the database entry. Both processors are active in production and have unlocked multipliers set to false. Release dates differ: the i5-14401TE was released on June 30, 2024, and the Ultra 3 on April 7, 2024.