Intel Core i7-14700 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 has 20 cores and 28 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Core i7-14700 offers more threads due to Hyper-Threading, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has one thread per core.

Q: Which CPU has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 boosts to 5.40 GHz, which is higher than the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus's 5.30 GHz boost. However, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a much higher base clock at 4.20 GHz compared to 2.10 GHz for the Core i7-14700.

Q: What process node does each processor use?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 uses a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses a 3 nm process node fabricated by TSMC, with 17,800 million transistors.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR4 memory?

A: Only the Intel Core i7-14700 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports DDR5 memory exclusively.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an average benchmark score of 66159, while the Intel Core i7-14700 has an average benchmark score of 52301. That places the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus at the 93rd percentile versus the 91st percentile for the Core i7-14700.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700 includes UHD Graphics 770. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics (N/A), so it requires a discrete GPU.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split between these two Intel desktop processors is substantial. The Intel Core i7-14700 belongs to the Raptor Lake Refresh generation, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's foundry. Its die measures 257 mm². The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus comes from the Arrow Lake Refresh generation, built on a 3 nm process at TSMC, with a die size of 243 mm² and 17,800 million transistors. The process node jump from 10 nm to 3 nm explains much of the performance and efficiency difference seen in the benchmark data.

Cache layouts differ significantly. The Core i7-14700 provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 33 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches on the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus contribute to its single-thread performance advantage, as the data shows in Cinebench single-core tests.

Memory support also diverges. The Core i7-14700 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports only DDR5 memory but in a dual-channel configuration with a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s. The Core i7-14700's memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database.

PCIe connectivity differs: the Core i7-14700 provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). Both support ECC memory. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Core i7-14700's multiplier is locked.

The integrated graphics situation is a clear divider. The Core i7-14700 includes UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics at all, meaning the "F" suffix in its name indicates a graphics-disabled part.

Socket compatibility is another major difference. The Core i7-14700 uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses Intel Socket 1851. These sockets are not interchangeable, so board choice is dictated by the processor.

The Verdict

The benchmark data clearly favors the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus in nearly every workload category. It wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head comparisons, with an average benchmark score of 66159 versus 52301 for the Core i7-14700. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus also sits at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, two points higher than the Core i7-14700's 91st percentile placement.

Its nearest rivals provide context. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is nearly tied with the Intel Core 9 273PQE (0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (0.4% delta), while sitting 1% below the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. The Core i7-14700 sits within a tight cluster around it, including the Intel Xeon Gold 5320H (0.2% lower) and AMD EPYC 8124P (0.3% higher).

The Core i7-14700 retains one clear advantage: passmark integer math, where it scores 154535 against 123030 for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, a 25.6% lead. For workloads that rely heavily on integer arithmetic, the older architecture still holds its ground.

The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the better pick for users who prioritize multi-threaded rendering, single-thread responsiveness, encryption, and physics simulations. It also offers the flexibility of an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. The Core i7-14700 suits users who need integrated graphics, DDR4 compatibility for cheaper memory, or who prefer a lower 65 W TDP. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus runs at a 125 W TDP, which is a notable power envelope difference.

The Core i7-14700 launched with an MSRP of $384, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus launched with an MSRP of $184. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus also arrived later, with a release date in 2026-03-10 versus 2024-01-07 for the Core i7-14700.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-14700 | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus |

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

| Cores | 20 | 18 |

| Threads | 28 | 18 |

| Base clock | 2.10 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.40 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 | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 17,800 million |

| Die size | 257 mm² | 243 mm² |

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

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

| L3 cache | 33 MB (shared) | 30 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

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

| ECC memory | Yes | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

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

| Release date | 2024-01-07 | 2026-03-10 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | $184 |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part number | SRN40 | SA4V3 |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus dominates the Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 42718 versus 28398 for the Core i7-14700, a 33.5% advantage. The single-core gap is even larger: 6030 versus 2080, which translates to a 65.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins multi-core by 19.8% (17941 versus 14388) and single-core by 19.8% (2532 versus 2031). In Cinebench R15, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 4305 versus 4061 in multi-core (5.7% ahead) and 607 versus 299 in single-core (50.7% ahead).

The PassMark suite tells a similar story across most tests. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins multithread performance with 50146 versus 40318, a 19.6% margin. Physics results show 3183 versus 2226, a 30.1% lead. Floating point math favors the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus at 159824 versus 106716, a 33.2% advantage. Extended instructions also go to the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus: 42880 versus 28388, a 33.8% difference. Data encryption shows 41292 versus 29601, a 28.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. Random string sorting goes 67209 versus 54340, a 19.1% margin. Data compression is closer: 553155 versus 498198, a 9.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. Single-thread performance in PassMark shows 4698 versus 4236, a 9.8% edge for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus.

The single exception is PassMark integer math. Here the Core i7-14700 scores 154535, beating the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus's 123030 by 25.6%. This is the only test in the head-to-head set where the Core i7-14700 comes out ahead, and it is a decisive win in that specific workload. The passmark find prime numbers test also favors the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus heavily: 452 versus 164, a 63.7% advantage.

The overall wins tally is lopsided: the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins 16 tests, while the Core i7-14700 wins just one. The average benchmark score gap of 66159 versus 52301 reflects this broad dominance. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus's nearest rival comparisons show it trading within 1.1% of other high-end processors, while the Core i7-14700 sits within 0.7% of its closest competitors. The data indicates a generational shift in performance, with the newer Arrow Lake architecture delivering substantially better results across almost every measured workload.