Intel Core i9-14901TE vs Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Comparison

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901TE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 238V has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: How do the boost clocks compare?

A: The Core i9-14901TE boosts to 5.50 GHz, which is higher than the Core Ultra 5 238V's boost of 4.70 GHz.

Q: What process nodes are used by these two chips?

A: The Core i9-14901TE uses a 10 nm process from Intel, while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses a 3 nm process from TSMC.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Core i9-14901TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, significantly more than the Core Ultra 5 238V's 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the average benchmark score and percentile for each?

A: The Core Ultra 5 238V has an average benchmark score of 21981 and sits at the 75th percentile of all CPUs. The Core i9-14901TE has an average benchmark score of 0 and sits at the 50th percentile.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core i9-14901TE supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 5 238V does not.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct design philosophies within Intel's lineup. The Core i9-14901TE is based on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series. It is built on Intel's 10 nm process node with a die size of 257 mm². The Core Ultra 5 238V, on the other hand, uses the Lunar Lake architecture and belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2. It is fabricated by TSMC on a 3 nm process node.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Core i9-14901TE allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of L2 cache per core, with a large 36 MB shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 238V uses 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, but only 8 MB of shared L3 cache. This means the desktop chip holds a 28 MB advantage in last-level cache, which can benefit workloads with large working sets.

Threading support also separates the two. The Core i9-14901TE supports Hyper-Threading, delivering 16 threads from 8 cores. The Core Ultra 5 238V has no hyper-threading, providing only 8 threads. This doubles the thread count for the desktop part, a significant factor for multi-threaded throughput.

The platform requirements differ as well. The Core i9-14901TE uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses Intel BGA 2833. The desktop chip supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, whereas the mobile chip's memory support is dependent on the motherboard. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Core i9-14901TE offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Core Ultra 5 238V offers Gen 5 with only 4 lanes.

Integrated graphics are present on both, but they are different implementations. The Core i9-14901TE includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Core Ultra 5 238V includes Arc 130V. The mobile chip draws less power with a 17 W TDP compared to the desktop chip's 45 W TDP.

The Core i9-14901TE was released on 2024-06-30, while the Core Ultra 5 238V followed on 2024-09-23. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both remain in active production.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark results for the Core Ultra 5 238V but no recorded scores for the Core i9-14901TE. Therefore, direct comparisons must rely on the available data for the mobile chip and its position relative to other CPUs.

The Core Ultra 5 238V delivers strong multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23 multicore, it scores 15645. Its Cinebench R20 multicore result is 6570, and its Cinebench R15 multicore score is 1576. Single-core results are also solid: Cinebench R23 singlecore shows 2208, Cinebench R20 singlecore shows 927, and Cinebench R15 singlecore shows 222.

PassMark results for the Core Ultra 5 238V show a broad workload profile. It scores 176532 in data compression, 13072 in data encryption, and 15377 in extended instructions. Integer math reaches 38889, floating point math reaches 53160, and find prime numbers scores 174. The multithread score is 18407, physics is 1546, and random string sorting is 21585. Single-thread performance is recorded at 3890.

The average benchmark score for the Core Ultra 5 238V is 21981, placing it in the 75th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core i7-11700F with an average score of 21988 and a delta of 0 percent, and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X with an average score of 21992 and a delta of 0 percent. The Intel Core Ultra 5 236V scores 21952 with a delta of 0.1 percent, and the AMD EPYC 9534 scores 21900 with a delta of 0.4 percent. These close margins indicate the Core Ultra 5 238V performs within a narrow band of these established desktop and server parts.

Because the Core i9-14901TE has no recorded benchmark scores, the database cannot quantify its wins against the Core Ultra 5 238V. The wins count for both processors is zero in the head-to-head comparison. The analysis must therefore focus on architectural advantages and the measured performance of the Core Ultra 5 238V alone.

The Verdict

The recorded data shows a clear performance profile for the Core Ultra 5 238V, but the Core i9-14901TE lacks any benchmark entries. This makes a direct statistical verdict impossible. The Core Ultra 5 238V demonstrates competitive performance, sitting at the 75th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 21981. Its nearest rivals, the Intel Core i7-11700F and AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, are effectively matched with delta percentages of 0 percent.

For users who require the features of the Core i9-14901TE, the architectural specifications provide the basis for selection. It offers 16 threads compared to 8, a higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz versus 4.70 GHz, substantially more L3 cache at 36 MB versus 8 MB, and ECC memory support. It also provides 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes versus 4, and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. These factors favor desktop workloads that scale with thread count, cache size, and memory flexibility.

The Core Ultra 5 238V, by contrast, uses a more advanced 3 nm process from TSMC, has a lower 17 W TDP, and includes Arc 130V integrated graphics. Its measured benchmark scores show it is capable of strong performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks, as evidenced by its Cinebench and PassMark results. The 75th percentile ranking confirms it outperforms a majority of CPUs in the database.

The verdict depends on the priority of the user. The data favors the Core Ultra 5 238V for measured performance and efficiency. The Core i9-14901TE offers superior specifications in several areas but has no empirical benchmark data to validate its real-world standing.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields.

The Core i9-14901TE has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 238V has a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Thread counts differ: 16 threads for the Core i9-14901TE versus 8 threads for the Core Ultra 5 238V.

TDP ratings are 45 W for the desktop chip and 17 W for the mobile chip.

Sockets are incompatible: Intel Socket 1700 versus Intel BGA 2833.

Process nodes differ: 10 nm from Intel versus 3 nm from TSMC.

Cache configurations differ: L1 is 80 KB per core versus 192 KB per core, L2 is 2 MB per core versus 2.5 MB per core, and L3 is 36 MB shared versus 8 MB shared.

Memory support: the Core i9-14901TE supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Core Ultra 5 238V memory support depends on the motherboard.

ECC memory: supported on the Core i9-14901TE, not supported on the Core Ultra 5 238V.

PCIe lanes from the CPU: 16 Gen 5 lanes versus 4 Gen 5 lanes.

Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 770 versus Arc 130V.

Market segment: Desktop versus Mobile.

Release dates: 2024-06-30 versus 2024-09-23.

Die size is recorded only for the Core i9-14901TE at 257 mm².

Where Each One Wins

The Core i9-14901TE wins on raw specification advantages. Its 16 threads provide double the multi-threading capability of the Core Ultra 5 238V, which is beneficial for heavily parallel workloads such as rendering, compilation, and scientific computing. The 36 MB L3 cache versus 8 MB gives it a large edge in workloads that repeatedly access large datasets. The 5.50 GHz boost clock is 0.80 GHz higher than the Core Ultra 5 238V's 4.70 GHz, which can improve single-threaded responsiveness in bursty tasks. ECC memory support makes it suitable for error-sensitive environments like servers or data integrity-focused workstations. The 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes allow more expansion devices or higher-bandwidth GPUs compared to 4 lanes.

The Core Ultra 5 238V wins on measured benchmark performance and efficiency. The database shows an average benchmark score of 21981, placing it in the 75th percentile, while the Core i9-14901TE has no recorded score. Its 17 W TDP is significantly lower than 45 W, making it far more power-efficient for mobile or compact systems. The 3 nm TSMC process node is more advanced than the 10 nm Intel node, which contributes to its efficiency. Its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 15645 and single-core score of 2208 demonstrate strong performance in both domains. The PassMark results, including 176532 in data compression and 53160 in floating point math, show broad capability across diverse tasks. The integrated Arc 130V graphics may offer better GPU performance than UHD Graphics 770, though no benchmark data confirms this.

The Core i9-14901TE also wins on platform flexibility with support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, allowing users to choose cheaper or faster memory depending on availability. The Core Ultra 5 238V's memory support is motherboard-dependent, which introduces uncertainty. The desktop chip's larger die size of 257 mm² suggests a more complex design, though this is not a performance metric.

In summary, the Core i9-14901TE is suited for desktop workloads that demand high thread counts, large cache, ECC support, and extensive PCIe connectivity. The Core Ultra 5 238V is suited for mobile or low-power systems where measured benchmark performance and efficiency are priorities. The data supports the Core Ultra 5 238V as the better-performing part according to recorded benchmarks, while the Core i9-14901TE offers superior specifications on paper.