Intel Core i7-14700HX vs Intel Core Ultra 5 336H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data reveals a clear split: the Intel Core i7-14700HX dominates multi-threaded and throughput-oriented workloads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H counters with notable single-core and physics-based wins. Across 17 recorded comparisons, the i7-14700HX takes 11 victories, while the Ultra 5 336H secures 6.

The largest margin belongs to the i7-14700HX in PassMark integer math, where it scores 131296 against 62070, a 111.5% advantage. This is the single most decisive result in the dataset, indicating a massive gap in raw integer throughput. Data compression also heavily favors the i7-14700HX: 438539 versus 280340, a 56.4% lead. The Cinebench R15 multicore test shows a similar pattern, with 3812 against 2418, a 57.7% difference. These three results collectively demonstrate that the i7-14700HX excels when the workload scales across many cores.

The Ultra 5 336H answers in single-core scenarios. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it posts 3387 versus 2103, a 37.9% advantage. Cinebench R15 single-core also goes to the Ultra 5, 341 against 296, a 13.2% lead. PassMark find prime numbers shows the Ultra 5 ahead at 299 versus 165, a 44.8% margin, which suggests its per-core efficiency is substantially better for latency-sensitive, branch-heavy integer tasks. PassMark physics also favors the Ultra 5, 2682 versus 2252, a 16% difference.

The Cinebench R20 results are curious. The i7-14700HX wins both multi-core and single-core, with 13059 versus 10076 and 1843 versus 1422 respectively, both at a 29.6% delta. This contradicts the R23 single-core outcome, where the Ultra 5 wins by a wide margin. The discrepancy likely stems from different workload characteristics between the two Cinebench versions, but the data does not explain the cause further.

Other wins for the i7-14700HX include PassMark multithread (36566 versus 28545, 28.1%), data encryption (26092 versus 21291, 22.5%), floating point math (93836 versus 82415, 13.9%), random string sorting (48544 versus 34402, 41.1%), and extended instructions (25718 versus 24542, 4.8%). The last one is close, but the i7 still holds the edge.

The Ultra 5 336H also takes PassMark single-thread at 4013 versus 3947, a narrow 1.6% margin. This result appears twice in the dataset under slightly different test names, confirming the consistency of that outcome. Overall, the data indicates a processor that is fundamentally oriented toward single-core responsiveness, while the i7-14700HX is built for parallel throughput.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from distinct architectural lineages. The Intel Core i7-14700HX uses Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-HX refresh, built on Intel's 10 nm process. The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H uses Panther Lake, a newer design on a 3 nm process. This process difference likely explains the Ultra 5's superior single-core efficiency, as the newer node allows higher instructions per clock at lower power draw.

Core and thread counts diverge sharply. The i7-14700HX offers 20 cores and 28 threads, while the Ultra 5 336H provides 16 cores and 16 threads. The i7 has 12 more threads, which directly supports its dominance in multi-threaded benchmarks. Cache hierarchies also differ: the i7 has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 33 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 has 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and only 18 MB shared L3. The larger per-core L1 and L2 on the Ultra 5 may contribute to its single-core advantage, while the i7's larger shared L3 helps with multi-core data sharing.

Clock speeds tell a similar story. The i7-14700HX has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The Ultra 5 336H has a lower base of 1.90 GHz and a boost of 4.60 GHz. Despite the lower clocks, the Ultra 5 wins single-core tests, which again points to architectural efficiency rather than raw frequency. The i7's higher boost clock helps in sustained multi-core workloads, where it can push more cores simultaneously.

Memory support differs as well. The i7-14700HX supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 336H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Ultra 5 also has a specified memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, a figure not recorded for the i7. ECC memory is supported on the i7 but not on the Ultra 5. PCIe lanes also vary: the i7 offers 16 Gen 5 lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 5 provides 12 Gen 5 lanes.

Integrated graphics differ, with the i7 using UHD Graphics 770 and the Ultra 5 using Intel Xe3 Graphics. The latter is a newer architecture, but no benchmark data for iGPU performance is present in the database. The i7 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ultra 5 is locked. Sockets differ as well, with the i7 on Intel BGA 1964 and the Ultra 5 on Intel BGA 2540, meaning they are not interchangeable in any system.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a straightforward choice based on workload type. The Intel Core i7-14700HX is the clear pick for multi-threaded productivity, rendering, and data-heavy tasks. Its 111.5% lead in integer math and 56.4% lead in data compression are decisive. The 28 threads and 33 MB L3 cache enable it to sustain parallel workloads that the Ultra 5 336H cannot match.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H is the better choice for single-core performance and efficiency-sensitive tasks. Its 37.9% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core and 44.8% lead in prime number finding indicate a processor that excels in lightly threaded, latency-critical applications. The 3 nm process and larger per-core caches suggest lower power consumption, though the database does not record wattage figures.

The overall average benchmark scores reinforce this split. The i7-14700HX has an average score of 45953, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs. The Ultra 5 336H averages 34485, sitting in the 84th percentile. The i7's nearest rivals include the AMD EPYC 7303 and EPYC 4364P, both with average scores near 45960, and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 at 46030 with a delta of -0.2%. The Ultra 5's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-13700HX at 34554 (-0.2%) and the Intel Core i5-13450HX at 34333 (0.4%). These reference points show the i7 competing at a higher absolute performance tier, while the Ultra 5 sits closer to mid-range mobile parts.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The i7-14700HX offers 20 cores and 28 threads, while the Ultra 5 336H provides 16 cores and 16 threads. The i7 has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and boost of 5.50 GHz; the Ultra 5 has a base of 1.90 GHz and boost of 4.60 GHz. The i7 has a TDP of 55, while the Ultra 5 has a TDP of 25, indicating a much lower thermal design point for the latter.

Cache configurations differ in both per-core and shared levels. The i7 has 80 KB L1 per core and 2 MB L2 per core, with 33 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 has 192 KB L1 per core and 2.5 MB L2 per core, with only 18 MB shared L3. Memory support: the i7 supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Ultra 5 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s; no bandwidth figure is recorded for the i7. ECC memory is supported on the i7 but not on the Ultra 5.

The i7 uses Intel BGA 1964 socket, while the Ultra 5 uses Intel BGA 2540. The i7 has 16 Gen 5 PCIe lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 5 has 12. The i7 is built on a 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm², while the Ultra 5 uses a 3 nm process with no die size recorded. The i7 has an unlocked multiplier; the Ultra 5 is locked. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 770 on the i7 versus Intel Xe3 Graphics on the Ultra 5. Release dates also differ, with the i7 released in January 2024 and the Ultra 5 in January 2026.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the majority of head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i7-14700HX wins 11 of the 17 recorded comparisons, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H wins 6.

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

A: The biggest margin is in PassMark integer math, where the i7-14700HX scores 131296 against 62070, a 111.5% lead.

Q: Where does the Ultra 5 336H show its biggest advantage?

A: The Ultra 5 leads by 44.8% in PassMark find prime numbers (299 versus 165) and by 37.9% in Cinebench R23 single-core (3387 versus 2103).

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-14700HX has an average benchmark score of 45953, placing it in the 89th percentile. The Ultra 5 336H averages 34485, in the 84th percentile.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each?

A: The i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads. The Ultra 5 336H has 16 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Ultra 5 336H uses a 3 nm process, while the i7-14700HX uses a 10 nm process.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-14700HX wins in all multi-core Cinebench tests, including R15, R20, and R23, with margins ranging from 2.5% to 57.7%. It also dominates PassMark multithread (28.1%), integer math (111.5%), data compression (56.4%), data encryption (22.5%), floating point math (13.9%), random string sorting (41.1%), and extended instructions (4.8%). It also wins Cinebench R20 single-core by 29.6%. This processor is suited for video rendering, 3D modeling, software compilation, and any workload that can utilize 28 threads.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H wins Cinebench R15 single-core (13.2%), Cinebench R23 single-core (37.9%), PassMark find prime numbers (44.8%), PassMark physics (16%), and PassMark single-thread (1.6%). Its wins are concentrated in single-core and physics simulations, which indicates strength in gaming, general desktop responsiveness, and applications that rely on a few fast cores rather than many moderate ones. The lower TDP of 25 also suggests it can maintain these advantages in thermally constrained mobile chassis, although the database does not record power consumption figures. The i7's higher TDP of 55 and larger die size point to a processor intended for larger laptops or workstations where cooling is less restricted.