Intel Core i5-14500 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive sweep for the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, which wins all 17 recorded comparisons. The size of the victory varies dramatically by workload type, revealing where each architecture's strengths and weaknesses lie.

The largest single-core margin appears in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 6030 against the Core i5-14500's 1917, a 68.2% advantage. Cinebench R15 single-core shows a similar pattern at 55% ahead (607 versus 273), while Cinebench R20 single-core records a 38.8% lead (2532 versus 1550). These results indicate a substantial improvement in per-thread performance for the newer generation.

Multi-threaded workloads also favor the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus heavily, though the gap varies. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the largest multi-thread delta at 64.9% (42718 versus 15012). Cinebench R15 multi-core delivers a 43.4% lead (4305 versus 2435), and Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 38.8% (17941 versus 10985). The PassMark multi-thread score reflects a 38.6% advantage (50146 versus 30777).

Integer-heavy and floating-point tasks show different magnitudes. PassMark integer math has the narrowest gap at 12.1% (123030 versus 108124). PassMark floating-point math shows a 50.2% lead (159824 versus 79576). PassMark find prime numbers produces the largest delta in the entire dataset at 76.5% (452 versus 106), indicating a major advantage in workloads that stress branch prediction and integer recursion.

Data processing benchmarks follow the same pattern. PassMark data compression shows a 32.9% lead (553155 versus 371294), while PassMark data encryption records a 48% advantage (41292 versus 21457). PassMark extended instructions scores 42880 versus 22473, a 47.6% gap. PassMark random string sorting delivers 67209 versus 40980, a 39% lead. PassMark physics shows 3183 versus 1746, a 45.1% difference. PassMark single-thread scores 4698 versus 3952, a 15.9% edge.

The average benchmark score tells the broader story: the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus averages 66159, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs. The Core i5-14500 averages 38531, sitting in the 86th percentile. In the nearest rival comparisons, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus sits within 1.1% of the AMD EPYC 4465P and 1% of the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, while trailing the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D by 0.4%. The Core i5-14500 matches closely with the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T (0.1% behind) and edges the Intel Xeon w3-2525 by 0.4%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct design generations and manufacturing approaches. The Core i5-14500 uses the Raptor Lake architecture on Intel's 10 nm process, built in-house by Intel. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses the Arrow Lake Refresh architecture on a 3 nm node fabricated by TSMC. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus packs 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the Core i5-14500's transistor count is not recorded but its die measures 215 mm².

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The Core i5-14500 provides 14 cores and 20 threads, indicating a hybrid layout with performance and efficiency cores. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides 18 cores and 18 threads, which suggests a design without simultaneous multithreading. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has higher base and boost clocks: 4.20 GHz base and 5.30 GHz boost, versus 2.60 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost for the Core i5-14500.

Cache hierarchies diverge significantly. The Core i5-14500 uses 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core caches on the newer part align with its higher single-thread scores.

Memory support marks another key split. The Core i5-14500 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports DDR5 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus records a memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s; the Core i5-14500 has no recorded bandwidth figure. Both support ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity differs in lane count. The Core i5-14500 provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes. The Core i5-14500 includes integrated UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics (N/A). The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an unlocked multiplier; the Core i5-14500 does not.

Sockets and release timing also separate the two. The Core i5-14500 uses Intel Socket 1700 and launched in January 2024. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses Intel Socket 1851 and launched in March 2026. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus carries the Core Ultra Series 2 label, while the Core i5-14500 belongs to Core 14th Gen.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores, while the Core i5-14500 has 14 cores.

Q: Does the Core i5-14500 support DDR4 memory?

A: Yes, the Core i5-14500 supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports DDR5 only.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i5-14500 includes UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has N/A for integrated graphics.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest recorded delta is in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads by 76.5% (452 versus 106).

Q: Are both CPUs unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core i5-14500 does not.

Q: How do they compare in average benchmark scores?

A: The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus averages 66159 (93rd percentile), while the Core i5-14500 averages 38531 (86th percentile).

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-14500 | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus |

|---|---|---|

| Series | Core 14th Gen | Core Ultra Series 2 |

| Cores | 14 | 18 |

| Threads | 20 | 18 |

| Base clock | 2.60 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Arrow Lake Refresh |

| Process node | 10 nm (Intel) | 3 nm (TSMC) |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 17,800 million |

| Die size | 215 mm² | 243 mm² |

| L1 cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 24 MB (shared) | 30 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | Not recorded | 115.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 lanes | Gen 5, 20 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | N/A |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Release date | January 2024 | March 2026 |

| Launch MSRP | $232 | $184 |

The Verdict

The data points to the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus as the stronger processor across every measured benchmark. Its single-thread leads range from 15.9% in PassMark single-thread to 68.2% in Cinebench R23 single-core. Multi-threaded workloads show leads between 38.6% (PassMark multithread) and 64.9% (Cinebench R23 multi-core). The smaller 12.1% gap in PassMark integer math still favors the newer part.

The Core i5-14500 retains distinct advantages in platform flexibility. It supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, includes integrated UHD Graphics 770, uses a 65 W TDP, and fits the Intel Socket 1700 platform. These traits suit systems that need legacy memory compatibility or a fallback display output without a discrete GPU. Its percentile ranking at 86 still places it above most CPUs in the database.

The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus counter with a 93rd percentile ranking, an unlocked multiplier, 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, and a higher 125 W TDP. It requires DDR5 and has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory. Its launch MSRP of $184 also sits below the Core i5-14500's $232, though pricing considerations are separate from performance data.

For workloads that stress single-thread speed, such as the Cinebench R23 single-core test, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus delivers a 68.2% advantage. For multi-threaded rendering with Cinebench R23 multi-core, the same part leads by 64.9%. The 18-core, 18-thread configuration with 3 nm TSMC fabrication and 17,800 million transistors appears to drive these results.

The Core i5-14500's 14 cores and 20 threads on Intel's 10 nm process still produce respectable absolute scores, but the recorded data shows no scenario where it outperforms the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. The closest margin, PassMark integer math at 12.1%, still favors the newer processor. Users requiring DDR4 support or integrated graphics would select the Core i5-14500 based on those platform features. Users prioritizing raw throughput, per-core speed, and an unlocked multiplier would choose the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus.