Intel Core i7-14700 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear split between these two Intel desktop processors. The Core Ultra 5 245KF dominates the head-to-head comparisons, winning 14 of the 17 recorded tests. Its victories are often substantial, particularly in single-threaded and specialized workloads. The Core i7-14700 manages only three wins, but two of those are notable for their magnitude.

The most dramatic margin appears in Cinebench R23 single-core. The Ultra 5 245KF scores 5173, which is 148.7% higher than the i7-14700's 2080. This is a staggering lead, suggesting a fundamental advantage in per-core execution. A similarly large gap appears in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where the Ultra 5 leads by 153.7% (416 vs 164). These results indicate a massive IPC uplift for the Arrow Lake architecture in certain integer workloads.

Looking at multi-core Cinebench, the Ultra 5 245KF again shows a commanding lead in the R23 test, scoring 36647 versus 28398, a 29% advantage. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, it wins by a smaller 7% margin (15391 vs 14388). However, the older Cinebench R15 multi-core test tells a different story: the i7-14700 wins with 4061 points, 9.1% ahead of the Ultra 5's 3693. This inversion across Cinebench versions is a curious data point.

PassMark results add another layer. The i7-14700 wins integer math by a massive 36% (154535 vs 98854), and data compression by 7.6% (498198 vs 460123). Yet, the Ultra 5 245KF counters with wins in floating point math (23.3% ahead), extended instructions (33.5% ahead), and data encryption (12.8% ahead). The multi-thread score favors the Ultra 5, but only by 6.9% (43110 vs 40318). The single-thread PassMark score also favors the Ultra 5 by 11.3% (4715 vs 4236).

The Ultra 5's lead in physics is also notable: 34.7% (2998 vs 2226). Random string sorting is nearly tied, with the Ultra 5 ahead by just 1.6%. The data suggests the Ultra 5 is a more efficient and capable architecture for most modern workloads, while the i7-14700 retains a significant edge in specific integer-heavy and compression tasks.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data implies distinct use-case scenarios for these CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF is the clear choice for applications that leverage high single-thread performance and floating-point arithmetic. Its 148.7% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core and 23.3% lead in floating point math suggests it is engineered for tasks like 3D rendering, scientific simulation, and complex code compilation that rely on strong IPC and FPU performance.

The Ultra 5's wins in extended instructions (33.5%) and data encryption (12.8%) further solidify its position for cryptography, multimedia encoding, and any workload using advanced CPU instruction sets. The 34.7% advantage in PassMark physics is a strong indicator for physics-based simulations and some gaming engines.

The Intel Core i7-14700, with its 20 cores and 28 threads, wins in integer math by 36% and data compression by 7.6%. This points to a distinct advantage in tasks like database operations, file compression, and perhaps some legacy code paths that are heavily integer-based. However, its wins are isolated and do not translate into a multi-thread overall victory, as the Ultra 5 wins the PassMark multi-thread score by 6.9%.

The i7-14700's win in Cinebench R15 multi-core, while not repeated in newer Cinebench versions, might indicate that older software is better optimized for its architecture. The data suggests the i7 is a strong choice for those with specific integer-heavy server or workstation tasks, while the Ultra 5 is the more versatile and modern processor for general high-end computing.

Architecture Differences

The two chips are built on fundamentally different foundations. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Arrow Lake-S architecture, fabricated on a 3 nm process node, and lists a die size of 243 mm². It does not include integrated graphics, which is a notable omission. The Intel Core i7-14700 uses the Raptor Lake-R architecture, built on an older 10 nm process, with a similar die size of 257 mm². It includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, which is a significant feature for users without a discrete GPU.

The core configurations differ substantially. The Ultra 5 has 14 cores and 14 threads, meaning no hyper-threading. The i7-14700 has 20 cores and 28 threads, indicating a hybrid layout with performance and efficiency cores. This thread count difference is likely why the i7 wins in integer math, as it can parallelize more tasks, but it does not help it in most modern benchmarks. The Ultra 5 compensates with a higher base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, while the i7 has a base clock of only 2.10 GHz but a higher boost of 5.40 GHz.

Cache design also differs. The Ultra 5 has a 192 KB L1 cache per core, a 3 MB L2 cache per core, and a 24 MB shared L3 cache. The i7 has an 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and a larger 33 MB shared L3 cache. Despite the larger L3, the Ultra 5's faster memory pathway (102.4 GB/s bandwidth versus no listed bandwidth for the i7) appears to give it a performance edge.

The i7 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 5 only supports DDR5. The i7 also supports ECC memory, which is absent on the Ultra 5. The platforms are incompatible: the Ultra 5 uses Intel Socket 1851, while the i7 uses Intel Socket 1700. The power envelope differs too, with the Ultra 5 rated at a higher TDP of 125 watts compared to the i7's 65 watts, though the i7 is not unlocked for overclocking, while the Ultra 5 is.

The Verdict

The recorded data indicates that the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF is the superior processor for the vast majority of workloads. Its 14 wins out of 17 benchmarks, including a 29% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and a 148.7% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core, are decisive. The architecture on the 3 nm node delivers a modern efficiency that the older 10 nm Raptor Lake cannot match. The decision is clear for users who rely on the latest Cinebench versions, PassMark's floating-point, or encryption tasks: the Ultra 5 245KF is the stronger performer.

The Intel Core i7-14700 retains a specific and measurable niche. Its 36% lead in integer math and 7.6% lead in data compression demonstrate that it is a specialist in those functions. For a user running a legacy application that is heavily integer-bound, or one that requires ECC memory support, the i7-14700 might be the only option. The inclusion of integrated graphics and support for DDR4 memory also makes it a more flexible, if slower, choice for certain system builds.

For the general enthusiast, the data would lead to a recommendation for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. Its single-core performance is so dominant that it will likely handle most software better, and its multi-core scores are higher in modern tests. The i7-14700 is a capable part, but the benchmark results show it is beaten in too many categories.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance according to the data?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF wins the Cinebench R23 single-core test with a score of 5173, which is 148.7% higher than the Intel Core i7-14700's score of 2080. It also leads PassMark single-thread by 11.3% (4715 vs 4236).

Q: Does the Core Ultra 5 245KF win in all multi-core benchmarks?

A: No. The Core Ultra 5 245KF wins Cinebench R20 (7% lead) and R23 (29% lead), but the Intel Core i7-14700 wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 9.1% (4061 vs 3693). The i7 also wins PassMark integer math by 36%.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 has ECC memory support. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF does not list ECC memory support.

Q: Are the two processors compatible with the same motherboard socket?

A: No. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF uses the Intel Socket 1851, while the Intel Core i7-14700 uses the Intel Socket 1700.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 has more cores and threads, with 20 cores and 28 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has 14 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Is there a difference in integrated graphics?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i7-14700 includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF has no integrated graphics.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF | Intel Core i7-14700 |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Architecture | Arrow Lake | Raptor Lake |

| Process Node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| Cores | 14 | 20 |

| Threads | 14 | 28 |

| Base Clock | 4.20 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.20 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1851 | Intel Socket 1700 |

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

| L2 Cache (per core) | 3 MB | 2 MB |

| L3 Cache (shared) | 24 MB | 33 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

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

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $294 | $384 |