Intel Core i5-14501E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235T Comparison

Intel Core i5-14501E and Intel Core Ultra 5 235T are two desktop processors from different Intel generations, built on distinct architectures and process nodes. The data recorded in the database shows clear performance separation, with the Core Ultra 5 235T holding a substantial lead in most measured workloads. The Core i5-14501E, however, retains advantages in specific areas tied to its higher clock speeds and simpler core topology.

The Verdict

The benchmark data places the Intel Core Ultra 5 235T firmly ahead of the Intel Core i5-14501E in overall performance. The Core Ultra 5 235T achieves an average benchmark score of 38561, placing it in the 86th percentile of all CPUs tracked in the database. The Core i5-14501E has no recorded benchmark scores and sits at the 50th percentile, indicating that its performance level is not documented in the current dataset. The Core Ultra 5 235T also has a recorded launch MSRP of $247, while the Core i5-14501E has no such figure listed.

For users selecting between these two processors, the recorded data strongly favors the Core Ultra 5 235T for any workload that benefits from multi-threaded execution. Its 14 cores and 14 threads provide a significant parallel processing advantage over the Core i5-14501E's 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core Ultra 5 235T also demonstrates superior single-thread performance in the Cinebench tests, with a single-core score of 3703 in Cinebench R23 compared to the Core i5-14501E's lack of recorded scores. The Core i5-14501E does offer a higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz versus 5.00 GHz, and a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz versus 2.20 GHz, which could translate to faster response times in lightly threaded tasks, but the absence of benchmark data for the Core i5-14501E prevents any quantified confirmation of this advantage.

The Core Ultra 5 235T also edges out its nearest rivals in the database. It is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Core i5-14500, 0.4% ahead of the Intel Xeon w3-2525, 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core 9 270H, and 0.7% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. These narrow margins indicate that the Core Ultra 5 235T sits at the top of a tightly clustered performance group, making it a strong choice for desktop builds where the latest architecture is preferred.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 235T has 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core i5-14501E has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core Ultra 5 235T offers more than double the core count.

Q: What are the process node differences between the two?

A: The Core i5-14501E is built on Intel's 10 nm process node, while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses a 3 nm node fabricated by TSMC. The Core Ultra 5 235T also has a larger die size of 243 mm² compared to 215 mm² for the Core i5-14501E.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core i5-14501E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 235T supports only DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 235T also has a recorded memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, whereas the Core i5-14501E has no memory bandwidth figure listed.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Core i5-14501E supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 5 235T does not. This could be a deciding factor for workstation or server applications that require error correction.

Q: How does the integrated graphics compare?

A: The Core i5-14501E includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 235T features Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU. The database does not provide benchmark scores for either integrated GPU, so relative performance is not quantified.

Q: What is the release timing for each processor?

A: The Core i5-14501E was released on 2024-06-30, and the Core Ultra 5 235T was released on 2025-01-06. Both are currently marked as Active in production status.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct architectural generations from Intel. The Core i5-14501E uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, which is part of the Core 14th Gen series. The Core Ultra 5 235T uses the Arrow Lake architecture, with the Arrow Lake-S codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2. This architectural gap is substantial, as Arrow Lake is a newer design with different core organization and fabrication methods.

The process node difference is significant. The Core i5-14501E is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm node, while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses a 3 nm node from TSMC. The Core Ultra 5 235T also lists 17,800 million transistors, while the Core i5-14501E has no transistor count recorded. The die sizes differ as well, with the Core Ultra 5 235T at 243 mm² and the Core i5-14501E at 215 mm².

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Core i5-14501E has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, while the Core Ultra 5 235T has 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 3 MB of L2 cache per core. Both share 24 MB of L3 cache. The larger L1 and L2 caches in the Core Ultra 5 235T suggest improved per-core data handling.

Socket compatibility separates the two as well. The Core i5-14501E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses Intel Socket 1851. These are not interchangeable, meaning a motherboard designed for one will not accept the other. PCIe lane counts also differ, with the Core i5-14501E offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and the Core Ultra 5 235T offering Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most visible specification difference. The Core Ultra 5 235T doubles the core count with 14 cores versus 6 cores, though the Core i5-14501E has 12 threads versus 14 threads, meaning the Core i5-14501E uses hyper-threading while the Core Ultra 5 235T does not. Clock speeds favor the Core i5-14501E, with a base clock of 3.30 GHz versus 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz versus 5.00 GHz.

Memory support differs notably. The Core i5-14501E supports DDR4 and DDR5, giving it flexibility for older motherboards or memory kits. The Core Ultra 5 235T supports only DDR5, which is a newer and potentially faster standard. The Core Ultra 5 235T has a recorded memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the Core i5-14501E has no such figure. ECC memory is supported only on the Core i5-14501E.

Integrated graphics are different models. The Core i5-14501E pairs with UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 235T uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU. No benchmark scores exist for either GPU in the database, so performance comparison is limited to naming and architectural differences.

Both processors have a TDP of 65 watts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier, meaning overclocking is not officially supported on either. The release dates differ, with the Core i5-14501E launching on 2024-06-30 and the Core Ultra 5 235T launching on 2025-01-06.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark scores only for the Core Ultra 5 235T. The Core i5-14501E has no recorded benchmark results, so direct head-to-head comparisons rely on the Core Ultra 5 235T's absolute scores and its standing among rivals.

In multi-core workloads, the Core Ultra 5 235T shows strong results. It scores 2644 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 11017 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, and 26232 in Cinebench R23 multi-core. These scores indicate robust parallel performance, consistent with its 14-core design. In PassMark tests, the Core Ultra 5 235T scores 30918 in multithread, 84244 in integer math, 106546 in floating point math, and 295100 in data compression. The data compression score is particularly high, suggesting efficient handling of compression algorithms.

Single-core performance for the Core Ultra 5 235T is also solid. It scores 373 in Cinebench R15 single-core, 1555 in Cinebench R20 single-core, and 3703 in Cinebench R23 single-core. The PassMark single-thread score is 4339. These numbers indicate that despite a lower base clock than the Core i5-14501E, the Core Ultra 5 235T's newer architecture delivers competitive single-thread capability.

Specialized workloads show varied results. The Core Ultra 5 235T scores 23457 in data encryption, 23212 in extended instructions, 2157 in physics, and 35377 in random string sorting. The find prime numbers test returns a score of 318. These figures provide a profile of the processor's strengths in encryption, instruction-heavy tasks, and physics simulations.

The Core Ultra 5 235T's average benchmark score of 38561 places it 0.1% above the Intel Core i5-14500, which scores 38531. It is also ahead of the Intel Xeon w3-2525 by 0.4%, the Intel Core 9 270H by 0.6%, and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H by 0.7%. These margins are small, indicating that the Core Ultra 5 235T performs at the top of its immediate competitive set.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 235T wins decisively in multi-threaded and parallel workloads. Its 14 cores provide a clear advantage in Cinebench multi-core tests and PassMark multithread scores. The database shows strong performance in integer math, floating point math, data compression, and data encryption, all of which benefit from many cores. For tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, scientific simulations, and server-side processing, the Core Ultra 5 235T is the clear choice based on recorded data.

The Core Ultra 5 235T also wins in single-thread performance as measured by Cinebench and PassMark single-thread tests. Despite a lower boost clock than the Core i5-14501E, the newer Arrow Lake architecture on a 3 nm node appears to deliver higher instructions per clock, as evidenced by its single-core scores. This benefits general desktop responsiveness, office applications, and lightly threaded software.

The Core i5-14501E has no recorded benchmark scores, so its wins cannot be quantified from the database. However, specification differences suggest potential advantages in specific scenarios. Its support for DDR4 memory means it can be paired with older, potentially lower-cost memory kits, though the database does not include pricing for memory. ECC memory support is a clear functional win for the Core i5-14501E, making it suitable for error-sensitive computing environments. The higher base clock of 3.30 GHz could provide faster wake-from-idle responses and better performance in latency-sensitive tasks, but this is not confirmed by benchmark data.

The Core i5-14501E's socket compatibility with Intel Socket 1700 may be an advantage for users with existing motherboards, while the Core Ultra 5 235T requires a newer Socket 1851 platform. The Core i5-14501E also has a smaller die size of 215 mm², which could indicate lower manufacturing complexity, though power consumption is rated the same at 65 watts for both.

The recorded data does not provide a single head-to-head benchmark comparison between the two processors. The Core Ultra 5 235T's comprehensive benchmark suite and high average score stand in contrast to the Core i5-14501E's absence of recorded results. For any user prioritizing measured performance, the Core Ultra 5 235T is the only option with verified numbers, and those numbers are strong. The Core i5-14501E remains a viable choice only for scenarios where its specific features, such as ECC memory support or DDR4 compatibility, are requirements that the Core Ultra 5 235T cannot meet.