Intel Core i7-14701E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL Comparison

The Verdict

The data clearly separates these two desktop processors into distinct roles. The Intel Core i7-14701E is a high-performance part aimed at sustained multi-threaded workloads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL is a low-power part designed for efficiency. The i7-14701E is the pick for users who need maximum compute throughput. The Core Ultra 5 125UL is the pick for systems where low power draw and integrated graphics capability are the primary concerns. The recorded benchmarks show the i7-14701E has a significant advantage in raw processing power, placing it in the 83rd percentile among all CPUs, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125UL sits in the 50th percentile. The i7-14701E is firmly a desktop performance processor, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL, despite being in the desktop segment, is oriented toward efficiency with a much lower TDP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What is the difference in their boost clocks?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E boosts to 5.40 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL boosts to 4.30 GHz.

Q: How does their power consumption compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E has a TDP of 65, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has a TDP of 15.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL does not.

Q: What is the difference in their PCIe support?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E supports PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), whereas the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Core Ultra 5 125UL?

A: The launch MSRP of the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL is $309.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different architectural generations from Intel. The Intel Core i7-14701E is based on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series. It is built on a 10 nm process node with a die size of 257 mm². The Core Ultra 5 125UL uses the Meteor Lake architecture with the Meteor Lake-PS codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 1, and is manufactured on a 7 nm process node.

The core configurations differ significantly. The i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. The cache hierarchy also differs. The i7-14701E has an L1 cache of 80 KB per core, an L2 cache of 2 MB per core, and a large 33 MB shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has a larger L1 cache at 112 KB per core, the same 2 MB per core L2 cache, but a much smaller 12 MB shared L3 cache.

Memory support is another differentiator. The i7-14701E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core Ultra 5 125UL supports DDR5 memory, with the memory support noted as depending on the motherboard, also in a dual-channel configuration. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the i7-14701E does not have a memory bandwidth figure in the data.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-14701E uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. The PCIe interfaces are different: the i7-14701E uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), and the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The sockets are incompatible: the i7-14701E uses Intel Socket 1700, and the Core Ultra 5 125UL uses Intel Socket 1851.

Specification Differences

The table of differing specifications shows a clear split between performance and efficiency.

| Specification | Intel Core i7-14701E | Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL |

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

| Base Clock | 2.60 GHz | 1.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 65 | 15 |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| Cores | 8 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 14 |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 33 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 (depends on motherboard) |

| Memory Bandwidth | N/A | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Arc Xe-LPG 64EU |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Launch MSRP | N/A | $309 |

| Release Date | 2024-06-30 | 2024-04-07 |

The i7-14701E has a much higher base and boost clock, a higher TDP, and a larger L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 125UL counters with more cores, a smaller process node, a larger L1 cache, and a higher memory bandwidth. The i7-14701E also supports ECC memory, which the Core Ultra 5 125UL does not.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table is empty in the database, meaning there are no direct comparison scores recorded for these two specific processors. However, the individual benchmark results for the Intel Core i7-14701E provide a detailed picture of its performance profile. The Cinebench scores show a strong multi-core showing: 2237 in R15 multi-core, 9321 in R20 multi-core, and 22195 in R23 multi-core. Single-core scores are 315 in R15, 1315 in R20, and 3133 in R23. PassMark tests further detail the i7-14701E's capabilities, with integer math at 81325, floating point math at 61873, and multithread at 26112. Data compression scores 282939, and data encryption scores 14862.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has no benchmark scores recorded in the database. Its average benchmark score is 0, and it has no nearest rivals listed. The i7-14701E has an average benchmark score of 33206, placing it in the 83rd percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H with an average score of 33201 and a delta of 0%, the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS with an average score of 33244 and a delta of -0.1%, the AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX with an average score of 33091 and a delta of 0.3%, and the Intel Core i7-13650HX with an average score of 33089 and a delta of 0.4%. This shows the i7-14701E is essentially neck-and-neck with these rivals, within a 0.4% margin, confirming its position as a solid mid-to-high range performer.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-14701E wins decisively in multi-threaded processing workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 22195 reflects a processor built for heavy compute tasks. The high boost clock of 5.40 GHz and the substantial 33 MB L3 cache support strong single-thread performance as well, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3133. The PassMark results further indicate strengths in integer math (81325) and floating point math (61873), along with high multithread throughput (26112). The 65 TDP and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory make it a flexible option for desktop builds where performance is the priority. It also supports ECC memory, which is relevant for certain professional or server-adjacent use cases.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL wins in efficiency and platform integration. Its TDP of 15 is dramatically lower than the i7-14701E's 65, making it suitable for systems with strict power or thermal limits. The 12 cores suggest a design that can handle parallel workloads within a constrained power envelope, even if the 1.30 GHz base clock is modest. The 7 nm process node and the 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth indicate a modern, power-conscious design. The Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics is a newer architecture than the UHD Graphics 770, which likely delivers better integrated graphics performance, though no benchmark data is recorded to confirm this. The Core Ultra 5 125UL also uses the newer Intel Socket 1851, which may be relevant for users planning a new platform. The launch MSRP is $309. The i7-14701E has no recorded launch MSRP.

In summary, the i7-14701E is the clear choice for raw performance, as evidenced by its extensive benchmark scores and high percentile ranking. The Core Ultra 5 125UL is the choice for low-power, space-constrained, or efficiency-focused desktop systems, with its much lower TDP and modern integrated graphics, though its lack of recorded benchmark data means its absolute performance level cannot be quantified in this database.