Intel Core i7-14701E vs Intel Core i9-14900KS Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS records an average benchmark score of 81127, while the Intel Core i7-14701E scores 33206. This places the i9-14900KS in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 83rd percentile for the i7-14701E.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The Core i9-14900KS scores 50995 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Core i7-14701E scores 22195. The i9-14900KS leads by 56.5% in this test.

Q: What is the difference in single-thread performance?

A: In the PassMark single-thread test, the Core i9-14900KS scores 4815, and the Core i7-14701E scores 4305. The i9-14900KS is 10.6% ahead in this specific test.

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The Core i9-14900KS has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Core i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core i7-14701E and the Core i9-14900KS list ECC memory support as true in their specifications.

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

A: The Core i9-14900KS boosts up to 6.20 GHz, while the Core i7-14701E boosts up to 5.40 GHz.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to Intel's Core 14th Gen series and share the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename. They are built on the same 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry, and both use the Intel Socket 1700. The die size is identical at 257 mm² for both chips.

The core configuration is where the architectures diverge significantly. The Core i7-14701E is a more modest 8-core, 16-thread part, while the Core i9-14900KS is a flagship 24-core, 32-thread processor. This tripling of core count is the primary driver of the performance gap observed across all multi-threaded benchmarks.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both processors feature the same per-core L1 cache at 80 KB and per-core L2 cache at 2 MB. The shared L3 cache, however, is larger on the i9-14900KS at 36 MB, compared to 33 MB on the i7-14701E. This additional 3 MB of shared cache can benefit workloads with large working sets that need frequent data reuse across cores.

The integrated graphics solution is identical: both use UHD Graphics 770. Memory support is also the same, with both supporting DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel memory bus. PCIe connectivity matches as well, with Gen 5 and 16 lanes from the CPU.

The production status for both is Active, and they share the same market segment as Desktop processors. The i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, while the i7-14701E does not, indicating that the i9 is intended for enthusiast overclocking while the i7 is a locked part.

The release dates differ by roughly three months. The Core i9-14900KS was released on 2024-03-13, and the Core i7-14701E followed on 2024-06-30. The i9-14900KS carries the launch MSRP of $689.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data is unequivocal: the Core i9-14900KS wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons. The i7-14701E does not register a single win in the recorded tests. This does not mean the i7 is without purpose, but its strengths are relative to its own class rather than against the flagship i9.

The i9-14900KS dominates in heavily parallel workloads. Its 24 cores and 32 threads deliver massive leads in multi-threaded Cinebench tests, PassMark multi-thread, and integer math. For rendering, video encoding, scientific computing, and any workload that scales with core count, the i9-14900KS is the clear choice.

The i7-14701E, with its 8 cores and 16 threads, is closer to the i9 in single-threaded performance than in multi-threaded performance. In the PassMark single-thread test, the i7 scores 4305 against the i9's 4815, a gap of only 10.6%. This suggests that for lightly threaded applications, such as older games or certain productivity tools, the i7 can hold its own more effectively.

The i7-14701E also has a significantly lower TDP of 65 watts, compared to the i9-14900KS's 150 watts. This makes the i7 a more power-conscious option for systems where thermal and power budgets are constrained. The i9-14900KS delivers its performance at a much higher power draw.

For users who need the absolute maximum performance in multi-threaded tasks, the i9-14900KS is the only option between these two. For users who prioritize lower power consumption and still need competent single-threaded performance, the i7-14701E presents a more measured alternative.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The most striking difference is in core and thread counts: the i7-14701E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the i9-14900KS has 24 cores and 32 threads.

Base and boost clocks differ as well. The i7-14701E has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The i9-14900KS starts at a higher base of 3.20 GHz and boosts to 6.20 GHz.

Thermal design power is another major differentiator. The i7-14701E has a TDP of 65 watts, and the i9-14900KS has a TDP of 150 watts.

The L3 cache is larger on the i9-14900KS at 36 MB shared, versus 33 MB shared on the i7-14701E. L1 and L2 caches are identical per core.

The multiplier is unlocked on the i9-14900KS and locked on the i7-14701E. The i9-14900KS also has a launch MSRP of $689, while the i7-14701E does not have a listed launch MSRP.

Release dates differ, with the i9-14900KS released on 2024-03-13 and the i7-14701E on 2024-06-30. The part numbers are also distinct: the i7-14701E is Q49FSRNJK, and the i9-14900KS is SRN7R.

The remaining specifications are identical: socket, architecture, codename, process node, foundry, die size, memory support, memory bus, ECC support, PCIe lanes, integrated graphics, and market segment.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a complete sweep for the Core i9-14900KS, but the margin varies significantly across tests. The largest gaps appear in memory and data-intensive workloads.

The PassMark data compression test shows the i9-14900KS scoring 803368 against the i7-14701E's 282939, a delta of 64.8%. Similarly, the random string sorting test reveals a 67.5% advantage for the i9, with scores of 89789 versus 29158. These tests indicate that the i9's higher core count and larger L3 cache provide substantial benefits for data manipulation tasks.

Data encryption shows the biggest discrepancy at 68.9%, with the i9-14900KS scoring 47717 and the i7-14701E scoring 14862. Encryption workloads often parallelize well, and the i9's 24 cores clearly dominate here.

Integer math performance is also lopsided. The i9-14900KS scores 212644, while the i7-14701E scores 81325, a 61.8% gap. Floating point math follows a similar pattern: 153975 for the i9 versus 61873 for the i7, a 59.8% difference.

The Cinebench suite shows consistent 56.5% leads for the i9-14900KS across R15, R20, and R23 in both multi-core and single-core tests. In R23 multi-core, the i9 scores 50995 versus 22195. In R23 single-core, the i9 scores 7199 versus 3133.

The smallest margin in the entire dataset is in the PassMark single-thread test, where the i9-14900KS leads by only 10.6%, scoring 4815 against 4305. This is the closest competitive point between the two processors.

The PassMark physics test shows a 29% advantage for the i9-14900KS, with scores of 3381 versus 2399. The find prime numbers test shows a 27.9% gap, with the i9 scoring 244 and the i7 scoring 176.

Extended instructions testing shows a 59.3% lead for the i9-14900KS, scoring 45524 against 18528. The multi-thread test shows a 56.5% gap, with the i9 at 60012 and the i7 at 26112.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates a decisive performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i9-14900KS is the superior processor in every recorded test, with an average benchmark score of 81127 compared to 33206 for the Core i7-14701E. The percentile rankings confirm this: the i9 sits in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, while the i7 sits in the 83rd.

The i9-14900KS is the clear choice for workloads that demand maximum multi-threaded performance. Its 24 cores and 32 threads deliver leads of over 56% in Cinebench multi-core tests and over 60% in integer and floating point math. The larger 36 MB L3 cache and higher 6.20 GHz boost clock further cement its position for heavy computational tasks.

The i7-14701E is not without merit, but its advantages are limited to power efficiency. With a 65 watt TDP versus 150 watts for the i9, the i7 is the more conservative option for systems with tight thermal or power envelopes. Its single-threaded performance is within 10.6% of the i9 in the PassMark single-thread test, making it a reasonable choice for lightly threaded applications where power draw is a primary concern.

The release timeline shows the i9-14900KS arrived first in March 2024, followed by the i7-14701E in June 2024. The i9-14900KS is the only one of the two with an unlocked multiplier, offering overclocking headroom that the i7 lacks.

For users building a system around maximum compute throughput, the data points squarely to the i9-14900KS. For users who need a more power-conscious desktop processor with competent single-threaded performance, the i7-14701E serves that niche. The 17-0 head-to-head record leaves no ambiguity about which processor delivers higher raw performance across the recorded benchmarks.