Intel Core i9-14901E vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a decisive picture. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF wins every single head-to-head comparison, 17 wins to 0 for the Intel Core i9-14901E. The average benchmark score for the Core Ultra 7 265KF is 71910, placing it in the 94th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core i9-14901E averages 37911 and sits in the 86th percentile. This is not a close contest; the Core Ultra 7 265KF is categorically faster across all recorded workloads. For any user prioritizing raw performance, the data points exclusively to the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The Core i9-14901E, while a capable processor in its own right, is outclassed in every measurable category within this comparison.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the winner in every benchmark category recorded, leaving no workload where the Core i9-14901E takes the lead. The biggest margins are in encryption and extended instruction workloads. In the passmark_data_encryption test, the Core Ultra 7 265KF scores 48198, a 61.5% advantage. For extended instructions, the score of 54513 represents a 68.4% lead. These are substantial, indicating fundamental architectural superiority in specialized processing. The smallest margins, while still favoring the Core Ultra 7 265KF, appear in single-threaded tests. The passmark_single_thread score is 4928 versus 4354, an 11.6% difference. The passmark_physics test shows a similar pattern with a 16.3% lead. These tighter gaps suggest that while the Core Ultra 7 265KF is faster per core, the largest overall performance differential comes from its ability to scale across many more cores and threads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different architectural generations and design philosophies. The Intel Core i9-14901E is built on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, using a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. Its cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 36 MB of L3 cache. The die size is 257 mm². This processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, includes ECC memory support, and integrates UHD Graphics 770. It has a 65 TDP and connects via Intel Socket 1700, offering Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes from the CPU.

In contrast, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF is based on Arrow Lake, specifically the Arrow Lake-S design, using a 3 nm process node fabricated by TSMC. This is a significant shift in manufacturing. It has 20 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The cache configuration is different: 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The die size is 243 mm², and the transistor count is 17,800 million. This processor supports only DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. It does not support ECC memory, has no integrated graphics, and has a higher TDP of 125. It uses Intel Socket 1851 and offers Gen 5 PCIe with 20 lanes from the CPU. The Core Ultra 7 265KF has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core i9-14901E is locked. The release dates also differ, with the Core i9-14901E released on 2024-06-30 and the Core Ultra 7 265KF released on 2024-10-23.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has 20 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core Ultra 7 265KF has more than double the core count.

Q: What is the difference in their boost clocks?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. Despite the Core i9-14901E having a slightly higher boost clock, the Core Ultra 7 265KF still wins in single-core benchmarks.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Intel Core i9-14901E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF supports only DDR5 memory.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E includes UHD Graphics 770. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has no integrated graphics, as indicated by the "N/A" designation.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has an average benchmark score of 71910. The Intel Core i9-14901E has an average benchmark score of 37911. The Core Ultra 7 265KF's score is nearly double.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has a TDP of 65. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has a TDP of 125.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are unambiguous. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF wins all 17 recorded benchmark comparisons. In the Cinebench series, the Core Ultra 7 265KF shows a consistent 48.2% advantage across all tests. For example, in cinebench_r23_multicore, the Core Ultra 7 265KF scores 49736 versus the Core i9-14901E's 25753. In cinebench_r23_singlecore, the score is 7021 versus 3635, also a 48.2% difference. This consistency suggests a uniform performance advantage across both single and multi-threaded rendering workloads.

The Passmark tests reveal where the architectural differences are most impactful. The largest delta is in passmark_extended_instructions, where the Core Ultra 7 265KF leads by 68.4%, scoring 54513 versus 17249. The passmark_data_encryption test shows a 61.5% lead, with scores of 48198 and 18571. The passmark_find_prime_numbers test shows a 61.1% lead, with scores of 486 and 189. These tests likely leverage the higher core count and newer instruction set of the Arrow Lake architecture.

The passmark_floating_point_math test shows a 57.2% lead, with the Core Ultra 7 265KF scoring 189431 versus 81089. The passmark_data_compression test shows a 56.7% lead, with scores of 666589 and 288777. The passmark_random_string_sorting test shows a 50.9% lead, with scores of 79735 and 39138. The passmark_multithread test shows a 48.2% lead, matching the Cinebench results, with scores of 58518 and 30298.

The smallest deltas are in the tests that are less dependent on core scaling. The passmark_single_thread test shows an 11.6% lead, with scores of 4928 and 4354. The passmark_physics test shows a 16.3% lead, with scores of 3633 and 3041. The passmark_integer_math test shows a 21.4% lead, with scores of 143351 and 112736. Even in these closer contests, the Core Ultra 7 265KF still maintains a clear edge, confirming its overall superiority in this comparison.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF has 20 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Core i9-14901E has 8 cores and 16 threads. The base clock of the Core Ultra 7 265KF is 3.90 GHz, higher than the Core i9-14901E's 2.80 GHz. The boost clock is slightly lower on the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 5.50 GHz versus 5.60 GHz. The TDP is significantly different: 125 for the Core Ultra 7 265KF and 65 for the Core i9-14901E.

The cache hierarchy is also distinct. The Core Ultra 7 265KF has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The Core i9-14901E has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The process node is a major difference, with the Core Ultra 7 265KF using a 3 nm node from TSMC, while the Core i9-14901E uses a 10 nm node from Intel. The die sizes are 243 mm² for the Core Ultra 7 265KF and 257 mm² for the Core i9-14901E. The Core Ultra 7 265KF has 17,800 million transistors, a figure not listed for the Core i9-14901E.

Memory support differs, with the Core i9-14901E supporting DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF supports only DDR5. The memory bandwidth is listed at 102.4 GB/s for the Core Ultra 7 265KF, with no equivalent figure for the Core i9-14901E. ECC memory is supported on the Core i9-14901E but not on the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The integrated graphics differ, with UHD Graphics 770 on the Core i9-14901E and none on the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The PCIe lanes from the CPU are 16 on the Core i9-14901E and 20 on the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The sockets are different, Intel Socket 1700 for the Core i9-14901E and Intel Socket 1851 for the Core Ultra 7 265KF. The multiplier is unlocked on the Core Ultra 7 265KF, but locked on the Core i9-14901E. The launch MSRP for the Core Ultra 7 265KF is $379; no launch MSRP is listed for the Core i9-14901E.