Intel Core i9-14900HX vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

Intel Core i9-14900HX and Intel Core Ultra 5 338H represent two distinct approaches to mobile processing, one optimized for maximum throughput and the other for efficiency and modern architecture. The benchmark data shows a clear split: the Core i9-14900HX wins 13 of 17 head-to-head tests, while the Core Ultra 5 338H takes 4, primarily in single-threaded and specific math workloads. This comparison reveals how architectural priorities shape real-world performance.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-14900HX dominates in multi-threaded and heavily parallel workloads. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 30055 against the Ultra 5's 16331, an 84% advantage. This pattern repeats across Cinebench R15 multicore (4574 vs 2504, 82.7% ahead), Cinebench R20 multicore (15616 vs 10213, 52.9% ahead), and PassMark multithread (43778 vs 28717, 52.4% ahead). The i9 also leads decisively in integer math, scoring 157375 versus 64934, a 142.4% gap that indicates substantial advantage in general-purpose computing tasks.

The Core Ultra 5 338H wins in three specific PassMark tests: find prime numbers (304 vs 193, a 36.5% lead), physics (2697 vs 2638, 2.2% ahead), and single-thread (4180 vs 4175, 0.1% ahead). These wins are narrow except for prime number finding, where the Ultra 5's newer architecture shows a meaningful edge. The single-thread result is effectively a tie, suggesting the Ultra 5's higher IPC compensates for its lower 4.70 GHz boost clock versus the i9's 5.80 GHz.

The use-case split is clear: the i9-14900HX is for content creation, compilation, and any workload that scales with cores. The Ultra 5 338H excels in lightweight tasks, single-threaded responsiveness, and prime number computation, which may indicate better branch prediction or integer division efficiency.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental divergence lies in process node and core configuration. The Core i9-14900HX uses Intel's 10 nm Raptor Lake architecture with 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 338H uses Intel's 3 nm Panther Lake architecture with 12 cores and 12 threads. The i9 has 36 MB of shared L3 cache versus 18 MB on the Ultra 5, but the Ultra 5 has larger per-core caches: 192 KB L1 and 2.5 MB L2 per core, compared to 80 KB L1 and 2 MB L2 per core on the i9.

The i9-14900HX supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, while the Ultra 5 338H uses LPDDR5X with a recorded memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s. The i9 supports ECC memory; the Ultra 5 does not. PCIe lanes differ significantly: the i9 offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Ultra 5 provides Gen 5 with just 4 lanes (CPU only). This makes the i9 far better suited for discrete GPUs and high-bandwidth storage.

Integrated graphics also differ: the i9 has UHD Graphics 770, while the Ultra 5 has Arc B370, which likely provides better media and light gaming performance. The i9 has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking, while the Ultra 5 is locked. Process node advantage goes to the Ultra 5 at 3 nm versus 10 nm, which explains its lower 25 W TDP against the i9's 55 W.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the i9-14900HX comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 157375 versus 64934, a 142.4% delta. This is nearly double the performance and indicates the i9's 24 cores provide massive parallel integer throughput. Data compression shows a 95.3% advantage (539965 vs 276539), reinforcing the i9's strength in archive and database workloads.

Cinebench R23 multicore delivers an 84% win (30055 vs 16331), while Cinebench R15 multicore shows 82.7% (4574 vs 2504). These rendering benchmarks represent the i9's core-count advantage. Random string sorting follows with 78.6% (60861 vs 34082), another parallel workload that scales with threads.

The i9 leads by 52.9% in both Cinebench R20 multicore (15616 vs 10213) and singlecore (2204 vs 1441). This single-core gap is notable: the i9's 2.20 GHz base and 5.80 GHz boost outperform the Ultra 5's 1.90 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost by a wide margin in Cinebench R20, though the gap narrows to 6.7% in Cinebench R23 singlecore (2181.5 vs 2044) and 1.8% in R15 singlecore (310.5 vs 305).

PassMark multithread shows 52.4% (43778 vs 28717), while data encryption is 52.7% (32619 vs 21367). Extended instructions favor the i9 by 30.7% (31247 vs 23906), and floating point math by 33.6% (112273 vs 84067). The Ultra 5's wins are smaller: prime numbers at 36.5% (304 vs 193), physics at 2.2% (2697 vs 2638), and single-thread at 0.1% (4180 vs 4175).

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in every core metric. The i9-14900HX has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks are 2.20 GHz versus 1.90 GHz, and boost clocks are 5.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz. TDP is 55 W versus 25 W, a substantial efficiency difference.

Sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1964 for the i9, Intel BGA 2540 for the Ultra 5. Process nodes are 10 nm versus 3 nm. Cache hierarchies differ as noted: the i9 has larger L3 (36 MB vs 18 MB) but smaller per-core L1 and L2. Memory support favors the i9 with DDR4/DDR5, while the Ultra 5 is limited to LPDDR5X. ECC is present only on the i9. PCIe lanes are 16 versus 4, both Gen 5. The i9 has an unlocked multiplier; the Ultra 5 is locked. Release dates differ: the i9 launched January 7, 2024, while the Ultra 5 launched January 4, 2026.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900HX has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: PassMark single-thread scores are nearly identical: 4175 for the i9 and 4180 for the Ultra 5, a 0.1% difference favoring the Ultra 5. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, the i9 leads by 1.8% (310.5 vs 305), and in R23 singlecore by 6.7% (2181.5 vs 2044).

Q: Which processor uses a newer manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H uses a 3 nm process, while the Intel Core i9-14900HX uses a 10 nm process.

Q: How do they compare in memory bandwidth?

A: The Ultra 5 338H has a recorded memory bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s using LPDDR5X, while the i9-14900HX supports DDR4 and DDR5 but has no recorded bandwidth figure in the database.

Q: Which processor wins in rendering benchmarks?

A: The i9-14900HX wins all Cinebench tests. In R23 multicore, it scores 30055 versus 16331, an 84% lead. In R15 multicore, it leads 82.7% (4574 vs 2504).

Q: Does the Ultra 5 338H win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins PassMark find prime numbers by 36.5% (304 vs 193), PassMark physics by 2.2% (2697 vs 2638), and PassMark single-thread by 0.1% (4180 vs 4175).

The Verdict

The data indicates the Intel Core i9-14900HX is the clear choice for users who need maximum multi-core performance. Its 84% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore, 95.3% lead in data compression, and 142.4% lead in integer math make it superior for rendering, compilation, and heavy parallel workloads. The 55 W TDP and 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes also position it for high-end laptops with discrete graphics.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H suits workloads that prioritize efficiency and single-thread responsiveness. Its 25 W TDP, 3 nm process, and 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth indicate better power efficiency. The 36.5% win in prime number finding suggests architectural improvements in specific math operations, and the near-tie in single-thread performance means everyday tasks will feel comparable despite the i9's higher clock speed.

The i9-14900HX holds a 91st percentile ranking versus all CPUs, while the Ultra 5 sits at 84th. The i9's average benchmark score is 56004 against the Ultra 5's 33989. The i9's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 at 56273 (0.5% ahead) and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 at 56306 (0.5% ahead), showing it competes closely with top-tier mobile processors. The Ultra 5's nearest rival is the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H at 34083 (0.3% ahead), placing it in the mid-range segment.

For battery-conscious users or those in thin-and-light laptops, the Ultra 5 338H delivers adequate performance with modern architecture. For users who prioritize raw throughput and have access to power, the i9-14900HX remains unmatched in this comparison, winning 13 of 17 head-to-head tests. The choice depends entirely on whether the workload is multi-threaded and power-hungry or single-threaded and efficiency-focused.