Intel Core i7-14701TE vs Intel Core Ultra 9 386H Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has 16 cores, while the Intel Core i7-14701TE has 8 cores. Both processors support 16 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701TE boosts up to 5.20 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H boosts up to 4.90 GHz.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H uses a 3 nm process node, while the Intel Core i7-14701TE uses a 10 nm process node.

Q: What is the difference in thermal design power (TDP)?

A: The Intel Core i7-14701TE has a TDP of 45 watts, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has a TDP of 25 watts.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i7-14701TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H does not support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has an average benchmark score of 43210, compared to 26013 for the Intel Core i7-14701TE.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data shows a clear split between the two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H wins 16 of the 17 head-to-head comparisons, dominating in nearly every multi-threaded and single-threaded workload category. The Intel Core i7-14701TE scores a single win in the Cinebench R23 single-core test.

For workloads involving heavy parallel processing, the Core Ultra 9 386H is the clear choice. Its 16 cores deliver substantial advantages in rendering, data compression, encryption, and physics calculations. The Core Ultra 9 386H also leads in passmark single-thread performance by a wide margin, indicating strong per-core efficiency despite its lower boost clock.

The Intel Core i7-14701TE wins specifically in the Cinebench R23 single-core test, where its 5.20 GHz boost clock provides a 16.1% advantage over the Core Ultra 9 386H. This makes the i7-14701TE the better option for applications that rely on legacy single-threaded performance in that specific benchmark. However, this is the only test where the i7-14701TE comes out ahead, and in all other single-thread tests, the Core Ultra 9 386H wins significantly.

The data indicates that the Core Ultra 9 386H is suited for demanding multi-threaded tasks such as video rendering, scientific computing, and data processing. The i7-14701TE remains competitive for users who prioritize the specific workload measured by Cinebench R23 single-core, but its overall benchmark profile is substantially weaker.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i7-14701TE uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R variant from the Core 14th Gen series. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H uses the Panther Lake architecture from the Core Ultra Series 3.

The process nodes differ significantly. The i7-14701TE is built on a 10 nm process, while the Core Ultra 9 386H uses a 3 nm process. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the smaller process node on the Core Ultra 9 386H allows for a higher transistor density and improved power efficiency.

Cache configurations differ between the two. The i7-14701TE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 33 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 9 386H has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger L3 cache on the i7-14701TE reflects its desktop-oriented design, while the Core Ultra 9 386H compensates with larger per-core L1 and L2 caches.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-14701TE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 9 386H uses Intel Xe3 Graphics. The memory support also diverges: the i7-14701TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 9 386H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Core Ultra 9 386H also has a rated memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, a figure not provided for the i7-14701TE.

The socket types are incompatible. The i7-14701TE uses Intel Socket 1700, designed for desktop motherboards, while the Core Ultra 9 386H uses Intel BGA 2540, a mobile socket. This reflects the market segments of each processor: the i7-14701TE is a desktop part, while the Core Ultra 9 386H is a mobile part.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The i7-14701TE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 386H has 16 cores and 16 threads. Both have a base clock of 2.10 GHz, but the boost clocks differ: the i7-14701TE reaches 5.20 GHz, while the Core Ultra 9 386H reaches 4.90 GHz.

The TDP values differ notably. The i7-14701TE has a 45 watt TDP, while the Core Ultra 9 386H has a 25 watt TDP. This makes the Core Ultra 9 386H more power-efficient on paper, which aligns with its mobile market segment.

The process nodes differ as described: 10 nm for the i7-14701TE versus 3 nm for the Core Ultra 9 386H. The die size is 257 mm² for the i7-14701TE, while no die size is recorded for the Core Ultra 9 386H.

Memory support differs. The i7-14701TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 9 386H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. Both use dual-channel memory buses. ECC memory support is present on the i7-14701TE but absent on the Core Ultra 9 386H.

PCIe lanes differ: the i7-14701TE has Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core Ultra 9 386H has Gen 5 with 12 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics differ, with UHD Graphics 770 on the i7-14701TE and Intel Xe3 Graphics on the Core Ultra 9 386H.

Release dates differ. The i7-14701TE was released in 2024-06-30, while the Core Ultra 9 386H was released in 2026-01-04. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP, and neither is multiplier-unlocked.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data shows the Core Ultra 9 386H winning 16 of 17 comparisons. The largest margin comes in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where the Core Ultra 9 386H scores 341 versus 143 for the i7-14701TE, a delta of -58.1% from the perspective of the i7-14701TE. This indicates more than double the performance in prime number calculation.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Core Ultra 9 386H scores 3223 against 1716 for the i7-14701TE, a delta of -46.8%. The Cinebench R20 multicore test shows a similar pattern: 12820 versus 7154, with a delta of -44.2%. Cinebench R23 multicore narrows the gap slightly: 20547 versus 17035, a delta of -17.1%.

Single-core results are mixed. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Core Ultra 9 386H wins with 303.5 against 242, a delta of -20.3%. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the Core Ultra 9 386H scores 1809 against 1010, a delta of -44.2%. However, in Cinebench R23 single-core, the i7-14701TE wins with 2405 against 2071.5, a delta of +16.1%. This is the only test where the i7-14701TE comes out ahead.

Passmark results heavily favor the Core Ultra 9 386H. Data compression scores are 352365 versus 220520, a delta of -37.4%. Data encryption shows 27150 versus 11699, a delta of -56.9%. Extended instructions score 29138 versus 14354, a delta of -50.7%. Floating point math scores 108527 versus 50219, a delta of -53.7%. Integer math scores 87284 versus 65792, a delta of -24.6%. Multithread scores 35399 versus 20042, a delta of -43.4%. Physics scores 3028 versus 1860, a delta of -38.6%. Random string sorting scores 42135 versus 22760, a delta of -46%. Single-thread scores are 4218 versus 2637, a delta of -37.5%.

The average benchmark score difference is substantial. The Core Ultra 9 386H averages 43210, while the i7-14701TE averages 26013. This places the Core Ultra 9 386H in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 78th percentile for the i7-14701TE.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is the stronger processor in almost every measurable category. Its 16 cores and 3 nm process node deliver consistently higher scores in multi-threaded workloads, with advantages ranging from 17.1% in Cinebench R23 multicore to 58.1% in prime number finding. The Core Ultra 9 386H also leads in single-thread performance across most tests, with a 37.5% advantage in passmark single-thread and a 44.2% advantage in Cinebench R20 single-core.

The Intel Core i7-14701TE has a single meaningful advantage: Cinebench R23 single-core performance, where its 5.20 GHz boost clock produces a 16.1% lead. This makes it a viable choice for workloads specifically measured by that benchmark, but the rest of the data shows it trailing by significant margins.

The market segments inform the likely use cases. The i7-14701TE is a desktop processor with a 45 watt TDP, ECC memory support, and Intel Socket 1700 compatibility. The Core Ultra 9 386H is a mobile processor with a 25 watt TDP, no ECC support, and Intel BGA 2540 compatibility. The Core Ultra 9 386H also supports LPDDR5X memory and has a rated memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s.

For users building a desktop system where ECC memory is required and the specific Cinebench R23 single-core workload matters, the i7-14701TE offers a distinct feature set. For all other measured workloads, and especially for multi-threaded tasks, the Core Ultra 9 386H delivers superior performance. The data supports choosing the Core Ultra 9 386H for mobile workstations or compact systems where power efficiency and high core counts are priorities, while the i7-14701TE fits desktop builds that need ECC support and a specific single-threaded edge in one benchmark.