Intel Core i7-14701E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins all 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Core i7-14701E. The largest margins appear in multi-threaded and computational workloads, while the smallest gap is in single-thread performance.

In Cinebench tests, the Ultra 5 250KF Plus delivers roughly double the performance. The R15 multicore score of 4305 versus 2237 represents a 48% delta in favor of the Ultra 5. The R20 multicore result follows the same pattern: 17941 versus 9321, again a 48% delta. R23 multicore shows 42718 versus 22195, another 48% delta. Single-core Cinebench results follow a similar trend: R15 single-core shows 607 versus 315 (48.1% delta), R20 single-core shows 2532 versus 1315 (48.1% delta), and R23 single-core shows 6030 versus 3133 (48% delta).

PassMark results reveal where the Ultra 5's architectural advantages are most pronounced. Data compression shows 553155 versus 282939, a 48.8% delta. Data encryption shows 41292 versus 14862, a 64% delta. Extended instructions show 42880 versus 18528, a 56.8% delta. Floating point math shows 159824 versus 61873, a 61.3% delta. Prime number finding shows 452 versus 176, a 61.1% delta. Random string sorting shows 67209 versus 29158, a 56.6% delta.

The narrowest victory for the Ultra 5 comes in PassMark single-thread tests. The score of 4698 versus 4305 is only an 8.4% delta. This indicates that while the Ultra 5 has a clear single-thread advantage, it is far smaller than the multi-threaded margins. PassMark integer math shows 123030 versus 81325, a 33.9% delta, which is the second-smallest gap. PassMark physics shows 3183 versus 2399, a 24.6% delta. PassMark multithread shows 50146 versus 26112, a 47.9% delta.

The overall average benchmark score confirms the hierarchy: the Ultra 5 250KF Plus records 66159, while the i7-14701E records 33206. The percentile ranking also separates the two: the Ultra 5 sits in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, while the i7-14701E sits in the 83rd percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and use fundamentally different designs. The Core i7-14701E belongs to Core 14th Gen, with the Raptor Lake architecture and the Raptor Lake-R codename. The Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus belongs to Core Ultra Series 2, with the Arrow Lake Refresh codename and the Arrow Lake generation designation.

The process node difference is substantial. The i7-14701E uses Intel's 10 nm process, fabricated in Intel's own foundry. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses a 3 nm process fabricated by TSMC. The die sizes differ modestly: the i7-14701E measures 257 mm², while the Ultra 5 measures 243 mm². The transistor count is only recorded for the Ultra 5: 17,800 million.

Core and thread counts diverge significantly. The i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The Ultra 5 has no hyper-threading, as indicated by equal core and thread counts. The i7-14701E doubles its threads through simultaneous multi-threading.

Cache configurations differ in both per-core and shared capacities. The i7-14701E has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 33 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 5 has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 5 allocates more cache per core, while the i7-14701E has a larger total L3 pool.

Memory support shows a clear generational shift. The i7-14701E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Ultra 5 supports DDR5 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The memory bandwidth figure is recorded only for the Ultra 5: 115.2 GB/s. Both processors support ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity differs. The i7-14701E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Ultra 5 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics also differ: the i7-14701E includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Ultra 5 has no integrated graphics (listed as N/A).

Clock speeds show different strategies. The i7-14701E has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The Ultra 5 has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The i7-14701E has the higher boost ceiling, but the Ultra 5 starts from a much higher base. Thermal design power differs accordingly: the i7-14701E is rated at 65 W, while the Ultra 5 is rated at 125 W.

Sockets are incompatible. The i7-14701E uses Intel Socket 1700. The Ultra 5 uses Intel Socket 1851. The multiplier is locked on the i7-14701E but unlocked on the Ultra 5.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 cores, while the Intel Core i7-14701E has 8 cores. The Ultra 5 also has 18 threads, whereas the i7-14701E has 16 threads.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: In PassMark single-thread testing, the Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 4698 versus 4305 for the i7-14701E, an 8.4% delta. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 6030 versus 3133, a 48% delta in favor of the Ultra 5.

Q: Which processor supports DDR4 memory?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701E supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports DDR5 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The i7-14701E includes UHD Graphics 770. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A in the database.

Q: What is the process node for each processor?

A: The i7-14701E uses Intel's 10 nm process. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses a 3 nm process fabricated by TSMC.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The i7-14701E has a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The i7-14701E also has a much lower base clock of 2.60 GHz versus 4.20 GHz for the Ultra 5.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-14701E | Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus |

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

| Cores | 8 | 18 |

| Threads | 16 | 18 |

| Base clock | 2.60 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.30 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-R | 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 |

| PCIe lanes | Gen 5, 16 lanes | Gen 5, 20 lanes |

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

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Release date | 2024-06-30 | 2026-03-10 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $184 |

The Verdict

The recorded data supports a clear conclusion: the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus outperforms the Intel Core i7-14701E in every benchmark measured. The Ultra 5 wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons, with a 48% or greater delta in most Cinebench tests and multi-threaded PassMark workloads. The average benchmark score of 66159 versus 33206 places the Ultra 5 in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 83rd percentile for the i7-14701E.

The i7-14701E retains specific advantages in the specification sheet. It has a higher boost clock at 5.40 GHz versus 5.30 GHz, a lower TDP at 65 W versus 125 W, DDR4 memory support, integrated graphics, and a larger shared L3 cache at 33 MB versus 30 MB. These attributes make it suitable for systems where power draw, memory flexibility, or onboard graphics are priorities.

The Ultra 5 250KF Plus counters with more cores, a smaller process node, a higher base clock, more PCIe lanes, ECC memory support, larger per-core caches, and an unlocked multiplier. Its performance lead is decisive across the board. The smallest delta, 8.4% in PassMark single-thread, still favors the Ultra 5. The largest deltas, 64% in data encryption and 61.3% in floating point math, show substantial advantages in compute-heavy workloads.

For users selecting between these two, the data points to the Ultra 5 250KF Plus as the stronger performer in every recorded test. The i7-14701E remains viable only in scenarios that specifically require its lower TDP, DDR4 compatibility, or integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins every recorded benchmark, but the margins vary by workload type. Its largest advantages appear in encryption, floating point math, and prime number finding. Data encryption shows a 64% delta, floating point math shows 61.3%, and prime numbers show 61.1%. These results indicate the Ultra 5 handles math-intensive and cryptographic workloads with substantially more headroom.

The Ultra 5 also dominates multi-threaded rendering tasks. Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests all show 48% deltas. PassMark multithread shows 47.9%, and data compression shows 48.8%. Extended instructions and random string sorting both exceed 56% deltas. These workloads benefit from the 18-core configuration and the 3 nm process node.

The i7-14701E's closest margins come in single-thread tests. PassMark single-thread shows only an 8.4% delta, which is the smallest gap in the entire dataset. PassMark integer math shows a 33.9% delta, and PassMark physics shows 24.6%. These are the workloads where the i7-14701E's 5.40 GHz boost clock helps narrow the gap, though it does not overtake the Ultra 5.

The i7-14701E has no benchmark wins to claim. Its advantages are purely in the specification domain: lower TDP, DDR4 support, integrated graphics, and a larger L3 cache. Systems that require those features would choose the i7-14701E despite its lower scores. Systems that prioritize raw performance in any measured workload would select the Ultra 5 250KF Plus.