CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core i5-14401E
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 120UL is a 10-core, 12-thread Raptor Lake-PS processor designed for embedded and edge devices that require LGA1700 socketed compatibility, low sustained power, and capable integrated graphics. It pairs 2 performance cores (P-cores) with 8 efficiency cores (E-cores), runs at up to 4.6 GHz boost, and offers dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory alongside modern I/O including PCIe 4.0 from the CPU and Gen 3 from the PCH.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
With 12 threads and 4.6 GHz boost, everyday office tasks feel snappy; heavy multi-core workloads are constrained by 15 W base power.
Reliable 65W performance for continuous embedded productivity.
Gaming
The 15 W PL1 and 80 EU iGPU limit high-refresh gaming; the chip is acceptable for casual or legacy titles at low-to-mid settings, but not a gaming solution.
Handles 2D and casual 3D applications fine, not for gaming.
Virtualization
Can run a few lightweight VMs, but limited PCIe lanes and 15 W PL1 make it unsuitable for dense virtualization.
Strong burst capability supports VM spikes effectively.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency per watt at 15 W base and 12 W minimum assured; well-suited to always-on edge devices.
Less efficient than TE models but offers more headroom.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DL Boost (VNNI) is present for CPU-based inference, and GNA 3.0 is integrated for low-power audio/sensor AI tasks.
- No dedicated NPU; heavy local AI workloads (LLM inference, large vision models) are better handled on GPUs or higher-end platforms.
- Suitable for lightweight classification and edge inference scenarios common in retail and industrial IoT.
- No NPU
- Adequate for lightweight edge AI via CPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with 1.25 GHz max dynamic frequency is sufficient for eSports at low settings or older titles.
- No PCIe 5.0 or wide x16 Gen4 lanes for high-end dGPUs; only 20 total lanes and 15 W PL1 limit gaming.
- Expect playable frame rates in lightweight titles; for serious gaming, a higher-TDP CPU and dedicated GPU are needed.
- UHD 730 graphics only
- Suitable for basic display output and legacy games
- Not designed for gaming workloads
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 10 cores (2P+8E) with 12 threads in a low-power 15 W envelope.
- LGA1700 socket enables modular, serviceable embedded designs.
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with AV1 decode and multiple modern display outputs.
- Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support up to 96 GB.
- Low 12 W minimum assured power supports fanless or small-cooler designs.
- Thunderbolt 4 support for flexible I/O in edge devices.
Cons
- Only 20 total PCIe lanes limit expansion and high-bandwidth configurations.
- 15 W PL1 constrains sustained multi-core performance vs desktop 65 W parts.
- Locked multiplier; not suitable for overclocking.
- No NPU, so AI offload is limited to CPU/GNA.
- Targeted at embedded/edge; poor value for gaming or enthusiast desktop builds.
Pros
- Strong 2.5 GHz base clock
- High 154W PL2 burst limit
- Pure P-core design for deterministic latency
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- 20 MB L3 cache
- ECC memory support
Cons
- No E-cores for parallel tasks
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- No bundled cooler included
- Locked multiplier
- 65W TDP requires active cooling in tight spaces
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 5 120UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- Intel Core Ultra 3 105ULRival
Next-gen Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core 5 130ULRival
Embedded (Higher clocks)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100Rival
Entry Desktop (non-embedded)
- Intel Core i3-12100 (LGA1700)Alt
Higher base power and more headroom for desktop/gaming use cases; lacks E-cores but offers better sustained throughput.
- Intel Core i5-12400 (LGA1700)Alt
Six P-cores with higher TDP provide better multi-core performance for general desktop workloads at a modest price premium.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (AM4)Alt
Strong integrated graphics and higher multi-core performance for small-form-factor desktops, though not embedded-focused.
Intel Core i5-14401E
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600ERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14401TERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14501ERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650ERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i3-14100ERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
More cost-effective for general consumer use.
Adds E-cores for better multi-threading at the same 65W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-14701EAlt
More cores and cache for heavy embedded workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced embedded SKU for LGA1700 deployments that need more threads and better graphics than traditional embedded chips, with low 15 W base power and 55 W turbo. Not intended for gaming or heavy creator workloads; best in edge appliances, thin clients, and signage where efficiency and integrated graphics matter.
Best for: Building or refreshing embedded appliances, POS terminals, digital signage players, or thin clients that benefit from LGA1700 socketed convenience, 10 cores, and integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewA solid 65W embedded processor that balances higher sustained performance with modern connectivity, ideal for edge servers and industrial PCs.
Best for: Deploying edge servers or network appliances requiring 65W baseline performance and 154W burst capability.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 120UL or Intel Core i5-14401E?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-14401E comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 5 120UL or Intel Core i5-14401E?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-14401E leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core i5-14401E.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 5 120UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 5 120UL (15 W), Intel Core i5-14401E (65 W).
Do Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core i5-14401E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 5 120UL: FCLGA1700 (LGA1700), Intel Core i5-14401E: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 5 120UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 5 120UL (10 cores), Intel Core i5-14401E (6 cores).