Intel Core i5-14490F vs Intel Core i9-14901KE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-14490F and Intel Core i9-14901KE present a stark contrast in available benchmark data. The i5-14490F has a comprehensive set of 17 recorded benchmark scores, while the i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. This means a direct head-to-head comparison of specific test scores is impossible. However, the available data for the i5-14490F allows for a detailed analysis of its performance profile, and the specifications of the i9-14901KE can be examined to project where it would likely compete.

The i5-14490F achieves an average benchmark score of 38149 across all its tests, placing it in the 86th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core Ultra 5 245T, which scores 38194 (a 0.1% difference), the AMD Ryzen 7 250, which scores 38221 (a 0.2% difference), and the Intel Core i5-13600HX, which scores 38261 (a 0.3% difference). The Intel Core i5-13600KF scores 38103, placing it 0.1% behind the i5-14490F. These tight margins indicate that the i5-14490F sits in a highly competitive performance cluster.

Looking at the i5-14490F's individual benchmark scores, it demonstrates a strong multi-threaded capability. In Cinebench R23, it scores 23000 in multi-core and 3247 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 9660 multi-core and 1363 single-core, and in Cinebench R15, they are 2318 multi-core and 327 single-core. These results show a processor that scales well with multi-threaded workloads.

In PassMark tests, the i5-14490F shows particular strengths in specific tasks. It scores 87844 in integer math, 66558 in floating point math, and 340026 in data compression. The multithread score is 28662, while the single-thread score is 3873. The data encryption score is 18225, and extended instructions score 21731. Random string sorting yields 35608, and physics simulation scores 2093. The find prime numbers test returns a score of 122, which is a lower result compared to other workloads.

Since the i9-14901KE has no benchmark scores, the database provides no measured performance comparison. The only quantitative comparison available is through their specifications, which are detailed in the Specification Differences section. The i9-14901KE's higher base clock of 3.80 GHz and boost clock of 5.80 GHz, compared to the i5-14490F's 2.50 GHz and 5.00 GHz, suggest the i9 would likely outperform in single-threaded tasks. The i9 also has a larger L3 cache of 36 MB versus 24 MB, and a larger L2 cache of 2 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core, which could benefit cache-sensitive workloads. However, the i5-14490F has more cores, 10 versus 8, though both have 16 threads.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are designed by Intel and belong to the Core 14th Gen series. They share the same Raptor Lake architecture and the same Raptor Lake-R codename. Both are built on Intel's 10 nm process node and use the Intel Socket 1700. The foundry for both is Intel.

The core configurations differ significantly. The i5-14490F uses 10 cores and 16 threads, while the i9-14901KE uses 8 cores and 16 threads. This means the i5 has more physical cores, but the i9 matches it in thread count due to hyper-threading on all 8 of its cores. The i9 also has a larger die size at 257 mm² compared to the i5's 215 mm².

Cache hierarchies are distinct. Both have an L1 cache of 80 KB per core. The L2 cache is 1.25 MB per core on the i5 and 2 MB per core on the i9. The shared L3 cache is 24 MB on the i5 and 36 MB on the i9. This gives the i9 a substantial total cache advantage.

The i9-14901KE includes integrated graphics in the form of UHD Graphics 770, while the i5-14490F has no integrated graphics (N/A). The i9 also supports ECC memory, a feature not available on the i5. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. Both use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking, while the i5-14490F's multiplier is locked. The production status for both is Active. The i5-14490F was released on 2023-12-31, and the i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core i5-14490F has 10 cores, while the Intel Core i9-14901KE has 8 cores.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of threads?

A: Yes, both the i5-14490F and the i9-14901KE have 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-14490F has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: Does the i9-14901KE include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the i9-14901KE includes UHD Graphics 770, while the i5-14490F has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE supports ECC memory, but the Intel Core i5-14490F does not.

Q: Which processor is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i5-14490F's multiplier is locked.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the Intel Core i5-14490F and the Intel Core i9-14901KE:

• Cores: The i5-14490F has 10 cores, the i9-14901KE has 8 cores.
• Base Clock: The i5-14490F has a base clock of 2.50 GHz, the i9-14901KE has a base clock of 3.80 GHz.
• Boost Clock: The i5-14490F has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz, the i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-14490F has a TDP of 65, the i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125.
• Die Size: The i5-14490F has a die size of 215 mm², the i9-14901KE has a die size of 257 mm².
• L2 Cache: The i5-14490F has 1.25 MB (per core) L2 cache, the i9-14901KE has 2 MB (per core) L2 cache.
• L3 Cache: The i5-14490F has 24 MB (shared) L3 cache, the i9-14901KE has 36 MB (shared) L3 cache.
• ECC Memory: The i5-14490F does not support ECC memory, the i9-14901KE supports ECC memory.
• Integrated Graphics: The i5-14490F has N/A, the i9-14901KE has UHD Graphics 770.
• Multiplier Unlocked: The i5-14490F is not unlocked, the i9-14901KE is unlocked.
• Release Date: The i5-14490F was released on 2023-12-31, the i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30.
• Part Number: The i5-14490F is SRN35, the i9-14901KE is Q49DSRNJC.

The Verdict

The data in the database presents a clear division between these two processors. The Intel Core i5-14490F has extensive benchmark results and an average score of 38149, placing it in the 86th percentile of all CPUs. Its performance is closely matched with several rivals, all within a 0.3% margin. The i5-14490F demonstrates strong multi-threaded performance in Cinebench tests and excels in PassMark workloads like integer math and data compression.

The Intel Core i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores, and its average benchmark score is 0. Its percentile ranking is 50, which reflects the lack of data rather than actual performance. The i9-14901KE's specifications suggest a different design philosophy with fewer cores but higher clock speeds, a larger cache, and additional features like integrated graphics and ECC memory support.

Based strictly on the recorded data, the i5-14490F is the only one with measured performance. The i9-14901KE's potential must be inferred from its specifications. The i5-14490F is the processor for users who want a proven, well-measured multi-core performer. The i9-14901KE offers a higher clock speed and more cache, but without benchmark data, its actual performance cannot be confirmed. The i5-14490F's 86th percentile ranking is a strong indicator of its capability, while the i9-14901KE's 50th percentile is not a performance metric, but a placeholder for missing data.

Where Each One Wins

Intel Core i5-14490F:

• Wins in measured multi-core performance based on Cinebench R23 (23000), Cinebench R20 (9660), and Cinebench R15 (2318) scores.
• Wins in PassMark multithread score (28662) and in specific workloads like data compression (340026) and integer math (87844).
• Wins in having a higher number of physical cores (10 versus 8).
• Wins in having a lower TDP (65 versus 125), indicating lower power draw.
• Wins in having a smaller die size (215 mm² versus 257 mm²).

Intel Core i9-14901KE:

• Wins on paper in single-threaded potential due to a higher base clock (3.80 GHz) and boost clock (5.80 GHz).
• Wins in cache capacity with a larger L3 cache (36 MB versus 24 MB) and a larger per-core L2 cache (2 MB versus 1.25 MB).
• Wins in feature set, offering integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770) and ECC memory support, which the i5 lacks.
• Wins in overclocking capability due to an unlocked multiplier.
• Wins in having a higher TDP (125), which may allow for sustained higher clock speeds under load, though this is not measured in the database.

The i5-14490F is the clear winner in the database's recorded benchmarks. The i9-14901KE's advantages are entirely in its specification sheet, with no measured data to confirm its real-world performance.