Intel Core i5-14401TE vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts of the Intel Core i5-14401TE and the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus?

A: The Core i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 24 cores and 24 threads.

Q: How do the boost clock speeds compare between the two processors?

A: The Core i5-14401TE reaches a boost clock of 4.50 GHz, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus boosts to 5.50 GHz.

Q: Which processor offers more L3 cache?

A: The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, which is larger than the 20 MB shared L3 cache on the Core i5-14401TE.

Q: What memory types does each CPU support?

A: The Core i5-14401TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports only DDR5 memory.

Q: Are both processors compatible with ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core i5-14401TE and the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus support ECC memory.

Q: What is the market segment for each processor?

A: The Core i5-14401TE is a desktop processor, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is a mobile processor.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and use fundamentally different silicon. The Core i5-14401TE is based on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-R, and is built on Intel's 10 nm process node. Its die size measures 215 mm². In contrast, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses the Arrow Lake-HX Refresh architecture and is fabricated on a 3 nm process at TSMC. That chip has a die size of 243 mm² and contains 17,800 million transistors.

Core organization differs significantly. The Core i5-14401TE features 6 cores with 12 threads, meaning it supports simultaneous multithreading. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 24 cores but only 24 threads, indicating a design that relies on a mix of performance and efficiency cores without hyperthreading. Cache hierarchies also diverge: the Core i5-14401TE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus offers larger per-core allocations with 192 KB L1 and 3 MB L2, plus 36 MB of shared L3 cache.

Memory controllers differ on multiple fronts. The Core i5-14401TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports DDR5 only, also dual-channel, but with a higher rated memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. PCIe connectivity also varies: the Core i5-14401TE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes.

Integrated graphics differ too. The Core i5-14401TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units. Processor power targets are distinct as well: the Core i5-14401TE has a TDP of 45 watts, and the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a TDP of 55 watts. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has an unlocked multiplier; the Core i5-14401TE does not. The Core i5-14401TE uses Intel Socket 1700, whereas the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses Intel BGA 2114.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus dominates in multi-threaded workloads. Its 24 cores and 36 MB of L3 cache give it a decisive advantage in rendering, video encoding, and heavy compilation tasks. The benchmark data shows very high scores in Cinebench R23 multicore (39684) and PassMark multithread (59439), indicating it is built for sustained parallel throughput. The Core i5-14401TE, with only 6 cores and 12 threads, is not competitive in this area.

Single-threaded performance also favors the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. Its higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz and newer 3 nm process node produce better results in Cinebench R23 single-core (2356) and PassMark single-thread (4951). The Core i5-14401TE, with a 4.50 GHz boost, lags in these metrics. For everyday responsiveness and lightly threaded applications, the Ultra 9 is ahead.

The Core i5-14401TE has advantages in platform flexibility and power envelope. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, which allows builders to use older, more widely available memory modules. Its 45-watt TDP is lower than the 55-watt TDP of the Ultra 9, and it uses a standard desktop socket (Intel Socket 1700) with a removable processor. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is a mobile part on BGA 2114, meaning it is soldered to the board and not user-upgradeable. For a desktop system where upgradeability and memory choice matter, the Core i5-14401TE is the more practical option.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification. The Core i5-14401TE has 6 cores and 12 threads; the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 24 cores and 24 threads. Base clock speeds are 2.00 GHz versus 2.70 GHz, and boost clocks are 4.50 GHz versus 5.50 GHz. TDP ratings are 45 watts versus 55 watts.

Socket types are incompatible: the Core i5-14401TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses Intel BGA 2114. Architecture and process node differ completely, with Raptor Lake on 10 nm against Arrow Lake-HX on 3 nm. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a transistor count of 17,800 million, while the Core i5-14401TE does not have a recorded transistor count. Die sizes are 215 mm² for the Core i5-14401TE and 243 mm² for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.

Cache configurations are different across all levels. The Core i5-14401TE offers 80 KB L1, 1.25 MB L2, and 20 MB L3 per the recorded data. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus offers 192 KB L1, 3 MB L2, and 36 MB L3. Memory support diverges: DDR4 and DDR5 for the Core i5-14401TE, DDR5 only for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus records a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the Core i5-14401TE has no recorded memory bandwidth figure. PCIe lanes are 16 for the Core i5-14401TE and 20 for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, both Gen 5.

Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 on the Core i5-14401TE versus Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU on the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has an unlocked multiplier; the Core i5-14401TE does not. Market segments are desktop versus mobile. Release dates are mid-2024 for the Core i5-14401TE and early 2026 for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a higher percentile ranking, sitting at 95 versus 50 for the Core i5-14401TE.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records no direct head-to-head benchmark results between these two processors. However, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a full set of benchmark scores, and its average benchmark score is 79574. That places it in the 95th percentile of all CPUs. The Core i5-14401TE has no recorded benchmark scores and an average score of 0, with a percentile rank of 50.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus produces strong results across Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 39684. Its single-core score in the same test is 2356. Cinebench R20 results show a multicore score of 21198 and a single-core score of 2992. In Cinebench R15, the multicore score is 5981 and the single-core score is 340.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus cover a range of workloads. Data compression scores 658724. Data encryption scores 50008. Extended instructions score 51290. The find prime numbers test returns 519. Floating point math scores 201773, and integer math scores 164839. Multithread performance scores 59439, while physics scores 3387. Random string sorting scores 80327, and single-thread performance scores 4951.

Relative performance against rivals places the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus near the top of the desktop processor hierarchy. It is 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i9-14900KF, which has an average score of 79371. It trails the AMD EPYC 7413 by 0.6%, with that chip scoring 80041. It leads the Intel Core i9-14900K by 0.6%, which scores 79097. It is 1.4% behind the Intel Xeon w5-2565X, which scores 80671.

These deltas are small, indicating that the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus performs at the same level as flagship desktop CPUs from the previous generation. The Core i5-14401TE has no benchmark data to compare directly, so its performance cannot be quantified against the Ultra 9.

The Verdict

The data indicates a clear performance hierarchy. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is a high-end processor that scores in the 95th percentile of all CPUs and matches or slightly exceeds the performance of flagship desktop parts like the Core i9-14900K and Core i9-14900KF. Its 24 cores, 36 MB of L3 cache, and 5.50 GHz boost clock make it the obvious choice for multi-threaded productivity, content creation, and any workload that scales across cores. The benchmark scores confirm this: Cinebench R23 multicore of 39684 and PassMark multithread of 59439 are strong indicators of sustained throughput.

The Intel Core i5-14401TE sits in a different class. With 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 4.50 GHz boost clock, it targets mainstream desktop builds. Its 45-watt TDP, support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory, and Intel Socket 1700 make it a flexible option for a standard desktop platform. The lack of recorded benchmark scores means the database cannot quantify its performance, but its specifications place it well below the Ultra 9 in core count, cache, and clock speed.

Buyers who need maximum compute performance should select the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The recorded data shows it delivers top-tier results in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tests, and its nearest rivals are among the fastest CPUs available. Buyers who prioritize a desktop socket, memory flexibility with DDR4 support, and a lower power draw should consider the Core i5-14401TE. The data does not suggest that the Core i5-14401TE can compete with the Ultra 9 in raw performance, but its platform characteristics serve a different use case. The choice depends on whether the workload demands the Ultra 9's core count and clock speed or the Core i5-14401TE's socket compatibility and memory options.