Intel Core i9-14901KE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225F Comparison

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core i9-14901KE and the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F. The head-to-head benchmark field is empty, and the Core i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. The Core Ultra 5 225F, by contrast, has a full set of 17 benchmark measurements across Cinebench and Passmark workloads.

The Core Ultra 5 225F shows strong multi-threaded performance in Cinebench tests. It records 2,660 points in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 11,059 points in R20 multi-core, and 16,467 points in R23 multi-core. Single-core results are 287 points in R15, 1,561 points in R20, and 1,893 points in R23. These scores place the chip at the 85th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 37,313.

Passmark results for the Core Ultra 5 225F further characterize its workload profile. Data compression scores 310,843, data encryption scores 22,648, extended instructions score 28,027, and prime number finding scores 352. Floating point math reaches 92,554, integer math reaches 66,417, and random string sorting reaches 37,325. The Passmark multi-thread score is 31,004, physics scores 2,430, and single-thread scores 4,397.

Since the Core i9-14901KE has no benchmark data, direct comparisons cannot be computed. The relative standing of the Core Ultra 5 225F can be assessed through its nearest rivals instead. The Core Ultra 5 225F trails the Intel Core i9-13900HK by 0.3%, with the rival averaging 37,425 points. It leads the AMD Ryzen 7 7735H by 0.4%, the Intel Core i7-13700 by 0.5%, and the AMD Ryzen 7 160 by 0.5%. These deltas are all within one percentage point, indicating that the Core Ultra 5 225F sits in a tightly contested performance band.

# Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different Intel design generations and manufacturing approaches. The Core i9-14901KE belongs to the Core 14th Gen series, uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-R codename, and is built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's own foundry. The Core Ultra 5 225F belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2, uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename, and is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC. The die size difference is modest: 257 mm² for the Raptor Lake-R chip versus 243 mm² for the Arrow Lake-S chip. The Arrow Lake-S die integrates 17,800 million transistors.

Core configuration differs significantly. The Core i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225F has 10 cores and 10 threads. The Core i9 supports simultaneous multithreading, doubling its thread count, whereas the Core Ultra 5 does not. Clock speeds also diverge: the Core i9 has a 3.80 GHz base clock and a 5.80 GHz boost clock, while the Core Ultra 5 has a 3.30 GHz base clock and a 4.90 GHz boost clock. The Core i9 consumes more power, with a TDP of 125 watts versus 65 watts for the Core Ultra 5.

Cache hierarchies are structured differently. The Core i9-14901KE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 225F provides 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core L1 and L2 allocations on the Arrow Lake chip offset its smaller shared L3 pool.

Memory support reflects the platform transition. The Core i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration and includes ECC memory support. The Core Ultra 5 225F supports DDR5 only in dual-channel configuration, has no ECC support, and specifies a memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the Core i9 provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU-only lanes, while the Core Ultra 5 provides Gen 5 with 20 CPU-only lanes.

Integrated graphics separate the two as well. The Core i9-14901KE includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 225F has no integrated graphics (listed as N/A). The Core i9 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core Ultra 5 does not.

# FAQ

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225F has 10 cores, while the Intel Core i9-14901KE has 8 cores.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE reaches 5.80 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225F reaches 4.90 GHz.

Q: Does the Core Ultra 5 225F support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory support is listed as false for the Core Ultra 5 225F. The Core i9-14901KE does support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The Core i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 watts, and the Core Ultra 5 225F has a TDP of 65 watts.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i9-14901KE includes UHD Graphics 770. The Core Ultra 5 225F has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Core Ultra 5 225F?

A: The launch MSRP is $231. The Core i9-14901KE has no recorded launch MSRP in the database.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Core Ultra 5 225F uses a 3 nm process node at TSMC, while the Core i9-14901KE uses a 10 nm process node at Intel.

# Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-14901KE | Intel Core Ultra 5 225F |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Series | Core 14th Gen | Core Ultra Series 2 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Arrow Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-R | Arrow Lake-S |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | Not specified | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | 257 mm² | 243 mm² |

| Cores | 8 | 10 |

| Threads | 16 | 10 |

| Base Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.80 GHz | 4.90 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 65 W |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 36 MB (shared) | 20 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not specified | 102.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | True | False |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | N/A |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Release Date | 2024-06-30 | 2025-01-06 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | True | False |

| Launch MSRP | Not specified | $231 |

# The Verdict

The recorded data paints a clear picture of two processors designed for different priorities. The Core Ultra 5 225F is the only one of the two with benchmark measurements, and those measurements show a chip that performs competitively within one percentage point of four established rivals. Its 85th percentile ranking among all CPUs and average benchmark score of 37,313 indicate solid all-around capability. The chip accomplishes this with a 65 watt TDP, a 3 nm process node, and a 10-core design.

The Core i9-14901KE, lacking benchmark data, cannot be directly compared on measured performance. Its specifications suggest a different trade-off profile: higher clock speeds (5.80 GHz boost), more threads (16 versus 10), larger shared L3 cache (36 MB versus 20 MB), and integrated graphics. It also carries a higher TDP of 125 watts and uses an older 10 nm process node. The presence of an unlocked multiplier indicates overclocking capability, which the Core Ultra 5 lacks.

Users seeking a processor with measured multi-threaded performance data, lower power consumption, and a newer manufacturing process would find the Core Ultra 5 225F better documented. Users prioritizing raw clock speed, thread count, ECC memory support, and integrated graphics would gravitate toward the Core i9-14901KE based on its specification sheet. The choice depends on whether the workload favors the measured efficiency profile of the Arrow Lake chip or the higher-clock, higher-thread design of the Raptor Lake chip.

# Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 5 225F wins in process technology, using a 3 nm node at TSMC versus 10 nm at Intel. It also wins on core count with 10 cores versus 8, on per-core cache with 192 KB L1 and 3 MB L2, on memory bandwidth with a specified 102.4 GB/s, and on PCIe lanes with 20 CPU-only Gen 5 lanes. Its 65 watt TDP is nearly half the Core i9's 125 watts, making it the more power-efficient option. The Core Ultra 5 has recorded benchmark results across 17 tests, giving it a measurable performance profile.

The Core i9-14901KE wins on threads with 16 versus 10, on clock speed with a 5.80 GHz boost and 3.80 GHz base, and on shared L3 cache with 36 MB versus 20 MB. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 supports DDR5 only. ECC memory support is present on the Core i9 and absent on the Core Ultra 5. The Core i9 includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 has no integrated graphics. The unlocked multiplier on the Core i9 provides overclocking flexibility that the locked Core Ultra 5 does not offer.

Workload-specific advantages follow from these differences. Applications that scale with thread count and clock speed, such as heavily threaded rendering or simulation tasks, align with the Core i9's 16-thread, 5.80 GHz configuration. Applications that benefit from lower power draw, newer process efficiency, and wider PCIe connectivity align with the Core Ultra 5. The Core i9's ECC support suits memory-intensive professional workloads, while the Core Ultra 5's lack of integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU in every system build. The measured benchmark scores for the Core Ultra 5 confirm its performance in Cinebench and Passmark suites, whereas the Core i9's benchmark performance remains unquantified in the database.