Intel Core i9-14901E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts of the Intel Core i9-14901E and the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads.

Q: How do their clock speeds compare?

A: The Core i9-14901E has a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 125UL operates at a base clock of 1.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz.

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

A: The Core i9-14901E has a TDP of 65 watts, whereas the Core Ultra 5 125UL has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Which processor uses a newer manufacturing process?

A: The Core Ultra 5 125UL uses a 7 nm process node, while the Core i9-14901E is built on a 10 nm process node.

Q: What integrated graphics do these processors include?

A: The Core i9-14901E includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL features Arc Xe-LPG 64EU graphics.

Q: What is the performance percentile ranking for each processor?

A: The Core i9-14901E ranks in the 86th percentile against all CPUs, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL ranks in the 50th percentile.

Where Each One Wins

The data shows a clear split in performance priorities. The Intel Core i9-14901E dominates in raw processing power, as evidenced by its substantial benchmark scores. Its multi-core strength is particularly pronounced, with Cinebench R23 multi-core reaching 25753 points, which indicates a processor built for heavy, sustained workloads. The PassMark multi-thread score of 30298 further confirms this, along with strong integer math performance at 112736 points and floating-point math at 81089 points. For tasks that leverage many threads, such as video rendering, compilation, or simulation, the Core i9-14901E is the clear choice.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL, with its lower TDP of 15 watts and 7 nm process, is positioned for efficiency. The data does not include benchmark scores for this chip, but its architecture and specifications suggest a focus on power-sensitive deployments. The 12-core count with 14 threads indicates a design that balances some multi-threading capability with a much lower power envelope. The presence of Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics suggests a platform where the CPU and GPU are intended to work together for media and light graphical tasks, rather than relying on a discrete GPU for heavy workloads.

The Core i9-14901E wins in any scenario where compute throughput is the primary goal. The Core Ultra 5 125UL wins in scenarios where power draw is a limiting factor, such as compact systems or always-on machines. The 65-watt TDP of the Core i9 versus the 15-watt TDP of the Core Ultra is a massive difference that dictates their respective use cases.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different architectural generations from Intel. The Core i9-14901E is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, and is part of the Core 14th Gen series. It uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform. Its process node is 10 nm, and it has a die size of 257 mm².

The Core Ultra 5 125UL is based on Meteor Lake, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS variant, and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 1. It uses the newer Intel Socket 1851. Its process node is 7 nm, which is a smaller and more modern fabrication process. This architectural difference explains the significant disparity in TDP between the two chips.

The cache structures also differ. The Core i9-14901E has a large 36 MB shared L3 cache, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL has a 12 MB shared L3 cache. Both have 2 MB of L2 cache per core, but the L1 cache differs: the Core i9 has 80 KB per core, while the Core Ultra has 112 KB per core.

Memory support also varies. The Core i9-14901E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL supports DDR5, with the specific type depending on the motherboard. The Core i9 also supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra does not. PCIe connectivity is another differentiator, with the Core i9 offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the Core Ultra offers Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between the two processors are substantial. The Core i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. The Core i9 has a higher base clock at 2.80 GHz versus 1.30 GHz, and a higher boost clock at 5.60 GHz versus 4.30 GHz.

The TDP is a major difference: 65 watts for the Core i9 versus 15 watts for the Core Ultra. The socket types are incompatible, with the Core i9 using Socket 1700 and the Core Ultra using Socket 1851.

The process nodes differ, with the Core i9 on 10 nm and the Core Ultra on 7 nm. The L3 cache is larger on the Core i9 at 36 MB versus 12 MB on the Core Ultra. The Core i9 supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory and ECC memory, while the Core Ultra supports DDR5 only and lacks ECC support. The memory bandwidth is specified for the Core Ultra at 89.6 GB/s, while it is not listed for the Core i9.

The PCIe support differs, with the Core i9 providing Gen 5 with 16 lanes and the Core Ultra providing Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The integrated graphics are different: UHD Graphics 770 on the Core i9 versus Arc Xe-LPG 64EU on the Core Ultra. The release dates are also different, with the Core i9 released in June 2024 and the Core Ultra released in April 2024. The Core Ultra 5 125UL has a launch MSRP of $309.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data includes benchmark scores only for the Intel Core i9-14901E. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL has no entries in the benchmark database, so a direct comparison of measured performance is not possible from this data set.

Focusing on the Core i9-14901E's scores provides context for its capability. In Cinebench R23, it scores 25753 points in multi-core and 3635 points in single-core. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 10816 points multi-core and 1526 points single-core. The older Cinebench R15 shows 2595 points multi-core and 366 points single-core.

PassMark tests show a similar pattern of strong throughput. The multi-thread score is 30298, the single-thread score is 4354, and the physics test score is 3041. Data compression reaches 288777 points, and data encryption reaches 18571 points. Extended instructions score 17249, and random string sorting reaches 39138 points. The integer math score is 112736, and floating-point math is 81089. The find prime numbers test is 189 points.

The Core i9-14901E's average benchmark score is 37911, with a percentile rank of 86 versus all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with an average score of 37904 and a delta of 0 percent, and the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X with an average score of 37943 and a delta of -0.1 percent. The Intel Core 5 211E follows closely with 37829 points and a delta of 0.2 percent, and the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 scores 37804 with a delta of 0.3 percent. These delta values indicate that the Core i9-14901E is effectively tied with these competitors, with performance differences of less than one percent.

Because the Core Ultra 5 125UL lacks benchmark data, the head-to-head comparison is one-sided. The Core i9-14901E is clearly a high-performance part, while the Core Ultra 5 125UL is an unmeasured quantity in this database. The specification differences, particularly the 65-watt TDP versus the 15-watt TDP, suggest that the Core i9 will be much faster in compute-heavy tasks, but the Core Ultra's efficiency is its primary advantage.

The Verdict

The selection between these two processors is straightforward based on the data. The Intel Core i9-14901E is the performance leader. Its benchmark scores are extensive and high, placing it in the 86th percentile of all CPUs. Its average benchmark score of 37911 puts it in the same class as the AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 9700X, with deltas of 0 and -0.1 percent respectively. This processor is designed for desktop workloads where maximum throughput is essential.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125UL is a different kind of product. With a 15-watt TDP, it is a low-power part. Its 12 cores and 14 threads provide a degree of multi-threading, but its clock speeds are much lower. The 7 nm process node and support for DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth indicate a modern, efficient design. The lack of benchmark data means its absolute performance cannot be confirmed from the database, but its specifications point to a chip optimized for power efficiency rather than raw speed.

The Core i9-14901E should be chosen for any task that demands maximum compute performance, such as rendering, encoding, or complex simulations. It also offers ECC memory support and PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, which are features for more demanding or professional environments. The Core Ultra 5 125UL should be chosen for systems where power consumption is critical, such as in small form factor or passively cooled builds. Its integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics and low TDP make it suitable for media applications where the CPU and GPU work in tandem.

The data presents two distinct products for distinct purposes. The Core i9-14901E is a high-performance desktop processor with a proven track record in benchmarks. The Core Ultra 5 125UL is a low-power desktop processor with a modern architecture, but its performance is not yet recorded in the database. The choice depends entirely on whether the priority is maximum performance or minimum power draw.