Intel Core i9-14901KE vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data splits these two processors cleanly by design intent. The Intel Core i9-14901KE is a desktop-focused, high-clock part with 8 cores and 16 threads, a 3.80 GHz base clock, and a 5.80 GHz boost clock. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL is a low-power desktop part with 12 cores and 14 threads, a 1.70 GHz base clock, and a 4.80 GHz boost clock. The benchmark database shows no head-to-head benchmark results between these two, and each holds an identical 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs. With zero recorded wins for either side in direct comparison, the differentiation must come from the architectural and specification data.

The i9-14901KE wins on raw clock speed. Its 5.80 GHz boost clock is 1.00 GHz higher than the Ultra 7 155UL's 4.80 GHz. For single-threaded tasks that depend on frequency, the i9-14901KE has a clear advantage. The Ultra 7 155UL counters with a higher core count: 12 cores versus 8. However, the Ultra 7 155UL only has 14 threads, which means it uses a mix of performance and efficiency cores, while the i9-14901KE has 16 threads across 8 cores, indicating all cores are multithreaded. The i9-14901KE also carries a 125 W TDP, while the Ultra 7 155UL uses only 15 W. That 110 W difference points to the i9-14901KE being designed for sustained high-load work, while the Ultra 7 155UL is engineered for efficiency.

The Ultra 7 155UL has a measurable memory bandwidth advantage: 89.6 GB/s, a figure not listed for the i9-14901KE. The i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 7 155UL supports DDR5 only, with the exact memory type depending on the motherboard. The i9-14901KE offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Ultra 7 155UL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes. For storage or GPU expansion, the i9-14901KE has the bandwidth advantage. The Ultra 7 155UL features a newer integrated GPU, the Arc Xe-LPG 64EU, while the i9-14901KE uses UHD Graphics 770.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing nodes. The i9-14901KE is built on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, using a 10 nm process node from Intel. The Ultra 7 155UL is built on Meteor Lake, specifically the Meteor Lake-PS variant, using a 7 nm process node from Intel. The die size for the i9-14901KE is 257 mm², while the die size for the Ultra 7 155UL is not recorded in the database.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 7 155UL has 112 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-14901KE has three times the L3 cache of the Ultra 7 155UL, which favors workloads with large working sets. The Ultra 7 155UL has a larger L1 cache per core, which can help with per-core data access patterns.

The socket interfaces differ completely. The i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Ultra 7 155UL uses Intel Socket 1851. These sockets are not interchangeable, so motherboard compatibility is a hard divider. The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, meaning the user can adjust the clock multiplier for overclocking. The Ultra 7 155UL has a locked multiplier, preventing such adjustments.

Memory controller support also differs. The i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Ultra 7 155UL supports DDR5 only, also in a dual-channel configuration, but the exact type depends on the motherboard. ECC memory is supported on the i9-14901KE, while the Ultra 7 155UL does not support ECC memory. This makes the i9-14901KE more suitable for error-sensitive computing tasks.

The integrated graphics differ in architecture. The i9-14901KE uses UHD Graphics 770, while the Ultra 7 155UL uses Arc Xe-LPG 64EU. The Ultra 7 155UL's graphics solution is from Intel's Arc family, which is a newer GPU architecture. The i9-14901KE's UHD Graphics 770 is an older integrated graphics design.

The Verdict

The data points to two distinct usage profiles. The Intel Core i9-14901KE is the choice for high-frequency, multithreaded desktop workloads where clock speed and cache capacity dominate. Its 5.80 GHz boost clock, 36 MB of L3 cache, and 16 threads give it a decisive edge in single-threaded and moderately threaded applications. The unlocked multiplier and 125 W TDP confirm that this processor is meant for performance-oriented desktop builds that can supply adequate cooling and power.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL is the efficiency-first alternative. Its 15 W TDP is dramatically lower, making it suitable for compact or thermally constrained desktop systems. The 12-core count with 14 threads suggests a hybrid arrangement with efficiency cores, which helps balance power consumption and throughput. The Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated GPU is a newer graphics solution, and the 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth gives it a measurable advantage in memory-heavy tasks.

The database shows no benchmark wins for either side, so the verdict must rest on specifications. Users who prioritize raw clock speed, large L3 cache, ECC memory support, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, and overclocking flexibility should select the i9-14901KE. Users who prioritize low power consumption, a newer integrated GPU, higher core count, and recorded memory bandwidth should select the Ultra 7 155UL. The two processors are not direct competitors; they serve different segments of the desktop market.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, which is 1.00 GHz higher than the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL's 4.80 GHz boost clock.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ultra 7 155UL has 12 cores and 14 threads.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The i9-14901KE supports ECC memory. The Ultra 7 155UL does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 W, while the Ultra 7 155UL has a TDP of 15 W. The difference is 110 W.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The i9-14901KE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Ultra 7 155UL has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-14901KE has three times the L3 cache.

Q: Does the Ultra 7 155UL have an unlocked multiplier?

A: No, the Ultra 7 155UL has a locked multiplier. The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no recorded head-to-head benchmark results for the Intel Core i9-14901KE versus the Intel Core Ultra 7 155UL. Both processors show an average benchmark score of 0 and a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs. With no direct measurements, the analysis relies on the specification data provided.

The biggest single-clock advantage goes to the i9-14901KE. Its 5.80 GHz boost clock exceeds the Ultra 7 155UL's 4.80 GHz by 1.00 GHz. In frequency-sensitive workloads, such as lightly threaded applications or latency-bound tasks, this 20.8% clock advantage (calculated from the recorded numbers) should translate into measurable performance gains. The i9-14901KE also has a base clock of 3.80 GHz, which is 2.10 GHz higher than the Ultra 7 155UL's 1.70 GHz base clock.

The Ultra 7 155UL counters with a 50% core count advantage, 12 cores versus 8 cores. However, its thread count is lower at 14 threads versus 16 threads, which indicates that not all cores on the Ultra 7 155UL support simultaneous multithreading. The efficiency-oriented design of the Ultra 7 155UL is further confirmed by its 15 W TDP, which is just 12% of the i9-14901KE's 125 W TDP.

In memory bandwidth, the Ultra 7 155UL registers 89.6 GB/s, a figure not recorded for the i9-14901KE. This gives the Ultra 7 155UL a documented bandwidth advantage. The i9-14901KE, however, supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 7 155UL supports DDR5 only. The i9-14901KE also offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 7 155UL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. For high-throughput storage or graphics, the i9-14901KE's PCIe advantage is substantial.

Cache capacity strongly favors the i9-14901KE. Its 36 MB shared L3 cache is three times the 12 MB on the Ultra 7 155UL. The Ultra 7 155UL has a larger per-core L1 cache at 112 KB versus 80 KB on the i9-14901KE. Both share the same 2 MB per-core L2 cache. For workloads that benefit from large shared cache, the i9-14901KE is clearly superior.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category.

Cores and Threads: The i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ultra 7 155UL has 12 cores and 14 threads.

Clock Speeds: The i9-14901KE has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz. The Ultra 7 155UL has a base clock of 1.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz.

Power: The i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 W. The Ultra 7 155UL has a TDP of 15 W.

Socket: The i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700. The Ultra 7 155UL uses Intel Socket 1851.

Architecture and Process: The i9-14901KE is Raptor Lake (Raptor Lake-R) on a 10 nm node. The Ultra 7 155UL is Meteor Lake (Meteor Lake-PS) on a 7 nm node.

Cache: The i9-14901KE has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. The Ultra 7 155UL has 112 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3.

Memory Support: The i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode. The Ultra 7 155UL supports DDR5 only, with the exact type depending on the motherboard, also in dual-channel mode. The Ultra 7 155UL has a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s; the i9-14901KE has no recorded bandwidth figure.

ECC Memory: The i9-14901KE supports ECC memory. The Ultra 7 155UL does not.

PCIe: The i9-14901KE offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Ultra 7 155UL offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU.

Integrated Graphics: The i9-14901KE uses UHD Graphics 770. The Ultra 7 155UL uses Arc Xe-LPG 64EU.

Multiplier: The i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier. The Ultra 7 155UL has a locked multiplier.

Release Dates: The i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30. The Ultra 7 155UL was released on 2024-04-07.

Launch MSRP: The Ultra 7 155UL has a launch MSRP of $426. The i9-14901KE has no recorded launch MSRP.

Part Numbers: The i9-14901KE is part number Q49DSRNJC. The Ultra 7 155UL is part number SRN97.

Die Size: The i9-14901KE has a die size of 257 mm². The Ultra 7 155UL has no recorded die size.