Intel Core i9-14901E vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-14901E and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL occupy different positions in the desktop processor landscape. The i9-14901E is a high-performance part, evidenced by its 86th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database. The Core Ultra 5 135UL sits at the 50th percentile, indicating a mid-range positioning. The benchmark data for the i9-14901E is extensive, with scores across Cinebench and Passmark tests, while the Core Ultra 5 135UL has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. This absence of data for the Ultra 5 means the quantitative comparison relies entirely on the i9-14901E's recorded performance and the architectural specifications of both chips.

The i9-14901E wins in every measurable category by default, simply because it has recorded scores and the Ultra 5 135UL does not. However, the more meaningful analysis comes from interpreting what those scores indicate about the i9-14901E's strengths. The data shows a processor that excels in multi-threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25753 and Passmark multi-thread score of 30298 point to substantial parallel processing capability. Single-thread performance is also strong, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3635 and a Passmark single-thread score of 4354. The i9-14901E's nearest rivals in average benchmark score include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is essentially tied at a 0% delta, and the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, which is 0.1% behind. The Intel Core 5 211E trails by 0.2%, and the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 is 0.3% behind. This cluster of similar average scores indicates the i9-14901E is competitive with these specific parts.

For the Core Ultra 5 135UL, the only wins are in efficiency-oriented specifications. It has a lower TDP of 15 watts compared to 65 watts for the i9-14901E, and it operates at lower base and boost clocks. It also has a smaller process node at 7 nm versus 10 nm. The Ultra 5 has more physical cores (12 versus 8) but fewer threads (14 versus 16). These are specification differences, not benchmark wins. The database contains no benchmark results for the Ultra 5, so no performance-based wins can be assigned to it. The i9-14901E is the clear performance leader in this comparison, while the Ultra 5 135UL offers a more power-conscious design.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i9-14901E is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL uses Meteor Lake, with the Meteor Lake-PS codename, and is part of the Core Ultra Series 1. The i9-14901E uses a 10 nm process node, while the Ultra 5 135UL uses a 7 nm node, both fabricated by Intel.

The core configurations differ substantially. The i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Ultra 5 135UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. This suggests the Ultra 5 uses a hybrid architecture with a mix of performance and efficiency cores, which is characteristic of Meteor Lake designs. The i9-14901E, despite having fewer cores, supports more threads, indicating all its cores support Hyper-Threading. The cache hierarchy also differs. The i9-14901E has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 36 MB L3 cache. The Ultra 5 135UL has 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and only 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-14901E's larger L3 cache is a significant advantage for workloads that benefit from large shared pools of fast memory.

Memory support and platform features diverge as well. The i9-14901E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 5 135UL supports DDR5 only, with compatibility depending on the motherboard. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the Ultra 5 135UL has a specified memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, a figure not provided for the i9-14901E. ECC memory support is present on the i9-14901E but absent on the Ultra 5 135UL. PCIe connectivity differs, with the i9-14901E offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only) for the Ultra 5. The integrated graphics are also different: UHD Graphics 770 on the i9-14901E versus Arc Xe-LPG 64EU on the Ultra 5 135UL.

The sockets are not interchangeable. The i9-14901E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Ultra 5 135UL uses Intel Socket 1851. This means they require different motherboards. The production status for both is listed as Active, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates show the Ultra 5 135UL launched earlier, on 2024-04-07, while the i9-14901E followed on 2024-06-30.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database lists no head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core i9-14901E and the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL. The Core Ultra 5 135UL has no benchmark entries at all, so a direct comparison of measured performance is not possible from the recorded data. The analysis must therefore rely on the i9-14901E's absolute scores and its relative standing against its nearest rivals.

The i9-14901E's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25753 indicates strong rendering and compute capability. Its single-core score of 3635 in the same test shows solid per-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 10816 and the single-core score is 1526. The Cinebench R15 results are 2595 for multi-core and 366 for single-core. These scores, taken together, show a processor that scales well with thread count while maintaining competitive single-thread speed.

Passmark results reinforce this picture. The multi-thread score of 30298 and single-thread score of 4354 demonstrate balanced performance. Integer math scores 112736, while floating-point math scores 81089. Data compression scores 288777, and data encryption scores 18571. Extended instructions score 17249, and random string sorting scores 39138. The find prime numbers test scores 189, and the physics test scores 3041. The average benchmark score for the i9-14901E is 37911, placing it at the 86th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

The nearest rival comparison shows the i9-14901E is essentially tied with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which has an average score of 37904 and a delta of 0%. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X scores 37943, which is 0.1% higher. The Intel Core 5 211E scores 37829, 0.2% lower, and the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 scores 37804, 0.3% lower. These deltas are minimal, indicating the i9-14901E sits within a tightly packed performance band around the 37900 average score mark. The data shows no single competitor in this group holds a decisive advantage.

Specification Differences

The specification tables for the two processors show several differences. The i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Ultra 5 135UL has 12 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks are 2.80 GHz for the i9-14901E and 1.60 GHz for the Ultra 5 135UL. Boost clocks are 5.60 GHz and 4.40 GHz respectively. The TDP is 65 watts for the i9-14901E and 15 watts for the Ultra 5 135UL.

Process node and die size differ. The i9-14901E uses a 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm². The Ultra 5 135UL uses a 7 nm process, but its die size is not recorded in the database. Cache configurations differ in L1 and L3. The i9-14901E has 80 KB L1 per core and 36 MB shared L3. The Ultra 5 135UL has 112 KB L1 per core and 12 MB shared L3. Both have 2 MB L2 per core.

Memory support differs: the i9-14901E supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 135UL supports DDR5 only, with motherboard dependence noted. The Ultra 5 135UL has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s; the i9-14901E has no memory bandwidth figure in the database. ECC memory is supported on the i9-14901E but not on the Ultra 5 135UL. PCIe lanes and generation differ: Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the i9-14901E, Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the Ultra 5 135UL. Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770 on the i9-14901E and Arc Xe-LPG 64EU on the Ultra 5 135UL. The sockets differ (1700 versus 1851), as do the release dates (2024-06-30 versus 2024-04-07). The Ultra 5 135UL has a launch MSRP of $331, while the i9-14901E has no launch MSRP recorded.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has more physical cores with 12, while the Intel Core i9-14901E has 8. However, the i9-14901E has more threads at 16, compared to 14 for the Ultra 5 135UL.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for the two processors?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has a TDP of 65 watts. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Do the two processors use the same CPU socket?

A: No. The Intel Core i9-14901E uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL uses Intel Socket 1851.

Q: Which processor has larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the process node for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E uses a 10 nm process node. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL uses a 7 nm process node.

Q: Does the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL have any recorded benchmark scores?

A: No. The database contains no benchmark results for the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL. Its average benchmark score is listed as 0, and it has no nearest rivals recorded.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL does not support ECC memory.

The Verdict

The recorded data shows a clear split in purpose between these two processors. The Intel Core i9-14901E delivers high performance across all measured benchmarks. Its 86th percentile ranking, Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25753, and Passmark multi-thread score of 30298 indicate a processor designed for demanding workloads such as rendering, scientific computing, and content creation. The large 36 MB L3 cache, support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ECC capability, and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes further position it as a workstation-class desktop part. Its performance is competitive with its nearest rivals, sitting within 0.3% of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, Intel Core 5 211E, and AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 in average benchmark score.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL, with no recorded benchmark scores, cannot be evaluated on measured performance. Its specifications indicate a different focus. The 15-watt TDP, 7 nm process node, and lower base and boost clocks point to an energy-efficient design. The 12 cores and 14 threads suggest a hybrid architecture optimized for power efficiency rather than raw throughput. The 12 MB L3 cache and PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes are more modest, and the lack of ECC support narrows its suitability for certain server or workstation roles.

The choice between these two should be guided by the workload requirements. For tasks that demand maximum multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, the data supports selecting the Intel Core i9-14901E. It has the benchmark results to back its capability. For scenarios where power consumption is the primary constraint and performance requirements are lighter, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135UL offers a much lower TDP, though its actual performance remains unquantified in the database. The i9-14901E is the only one of the two with measured performance data, and that data shows a strong, well-rounded processor.