Intel Core i9-14901KE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245 Comparison

Intel Core i9-14901KE and Intel Core Ultra 5 245 are two desktop processors from Intel that target different segments of the market. The i9-14901KE is a Raptor Lake Refresh part with a high boost clock and a 125W TDP, while the Core Ultra 5 245 is an Arrow Lake part built on a 3 nm process with a lower 65W TDP. The benchmark data available in the database covers only the Core Ultra 5 245, with no recorded benchmark scores for the i9-14901KE. This makes a direct numerical comparison impossible, so the analysis relies on the specification differences and the measured performance of the Core Ultra 5 245 relative to its nearest rivals.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 has a clear advantage in measured performance across all recorded benchmark categories, as it is the only one of the two with benchmark data. Its average benchmark score is 48,995, placing it in the 90th percentile of all CPUs in the database. This indicates strong overall performance in synthetic workloads. The i9-14901KE, with no recorded benchmarks and a 50th percentile rating, does not have data to claim wins in any specific test. However, the i9-14901KE is positioned as an unlocked multiplier part with a higher boost clock of 5.80 GHz compared to 5.10 GHz for the Ultra 5 245. This suggests potential advantages in single-threaded scenarios if the clock speed translates to performance, but no measured data confirms this. The Core Ultra 5 245 wins in every benchmark category where scores exist, including single-core, multi-core, and specialized tests like data compression and encryption. The i9-14901KE wins only in terms of having a higher boost clock and an unlocked multiplier, which are specification advantages, not measured performance wins.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 has a boost clock of 5.10 GHz.

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

A: The i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125W, while the Core Ultra 5 245 has a TDP of 65W, indicating a lower power envelope for the latter.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the i9-14901KE and the Core Ultra 5 245 have ECC memory support in their specifications.

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245 has 14 cores, while the i9-14901KE has 8 cores. The Core Ultra 5 245 also has 14 threads, whereas the i9-14901KE has 16 threads due to Hyper-Threading.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Core Ultra 5 245?

A: The launch MSRP of the Intel Core Ultra 5 245 is $270.

Q: Which processor uses a newer manufacturing process?

A: The Core Ultra 5 245 uses a 3 nm process from TSMC, while the i9-14901KE uses a 10 nm process from Intel.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results for these two processors, and the i9-14901KE has no individual benchmark scores recorded. The Core Ultra 5 245, however, has a comprehensive set of scores. In Cinebench R23, it scores 32,924 in multicore and 4,648 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 13,828 multicore and 1,952 single-core. Cinebench R15 results show 3,318 multicore and 468 single-core. PassMark tests show a multithread score of 38,706 and a single-thread score of 4,394. Specialized PassMark tests include data compression at 400,942, data encryption at 30,236, extended instructions at 33,304, find prime numbers at 365, floating point math at 120,548, integer math at 91,187, physics at 2,569, and random string sorting at 49,140. These numbers establish a performance baseline for the Core Ultra 5 245. Since the i9-14901KE has no scores, the largest wins in this comparison are entirely on the side of the Core Ultra 5 245, simply because it is the only processor with recorded data. The i9-14901KE's higher boost clock and unlocked multiplier are the only areas where it could theoretically outperform, but no benchmark evidence supports this.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several core specifications. The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245 has 14 cores and 14 threads. Base clocks are 3.80 GHz for the i9-14901KE and 3.50 GHz for the Core Ultra 5 245. Boost clocks are 5.80 GHz and 5.10 GHz, respectively. TDP values differ significantly: 125W for the i9-14901KE versus 65W for the Core Ultra 5 245. Sockets are different, with the i9-14901KE using Intel Socket 1700 and the Core Ultra 5 245 using Intel Socket 1851. Memory support also differs: the i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 245 supports only DDR5. The Core Ultra 5 245 has a specified memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the i9-14901KE has no memory bandwidth figure in the database. PCIe lanes differ, with the i9-14901KE offering Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) and the Core Ultra 5 245 offering Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics differ, with the i9-14901KE using UHD Graphics 770 and the Core Ultra 5 245 using Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core Ultra 5 245 does not. Release dates also differ, with the i9-14901KE released on 2024-06-30 and the Core Ultra 5 245 released on 2025-01-06.

Architecture Differences

The architecture differences are substantial. The i9-14901KE is based on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series. The Core Ultra 5 245 is based on Arrow Lake, with the Arrow Lake-S codename, and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2. The process nodes differ: the i9-14901KE uses a 10 nm process from Intel, while the Core Ultra 5 245 uses a 3 nm process from TSMC. The Core Ultra 5 245 has a transistor count of 17,800 million and a die size of 243 mm², while the i9-14901KE has no transistor count recorded and a die size of 257 mm². Cache layouts differ. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 245 has 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger L3 on the i9-14901KE contrasts with the larger per-core L1 and L2 on the Core Ultra 5 245. The i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Core Ultra 5 245 is DDR5-only, which aligns with the newer platform. The Core Ultra 5 245 has a higher PCIe lane count at 20 lanes versus 16 lanes on the i9-14901KE. The integrated graphics also reflect a generational shift, with the Core Ultra 5 245 using Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU compared to UHD Graphics 770 on the i9-14901KE.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Core Ultra 5 245 is the only processor with measured performance in the database, making it the clear choice for anyone relying on benchmark scores. Its 90th percentile ranking and average score of 48,995 show solid performance across a wide range of workloads. The i9-14901KE offers a higher boost clock and an unlocked multiplier, which are attractive for overclocking, but these advantages are not supported by any recorded benchmark data. The Core Ultra 5 245 also has a lower TDP of 65W, which suggests better power efficiency. The i9-14901KE has a larger L3 cache and more threads, which could be beneficial in specific multi-threaded scenarios, but again, no data confirms this. For users prioritizing measured performance, the Core Ultra 5 245 is the supported choice. For users considering overclocking potential, the i9-14901KE has the specifications to support it, but the lack of benchmarks leaves its actual performance unknown. The Core Ultra 5 245 has a launch MSRP of $270, but no pricing analysis is provided here. The i9-14901KE has no launch MSRP in the database, so no cost comparison is possible. The verdict from the recorded data is straightforward: the Core Ultra 5 245 delivers measurable performance, while the i9-14901KE remains an unverified option with high clocks and an unlocked multiplier.