CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 120UL vs Intel Core i5-14501TE
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.
High clock speeds ensure snappy performance in enterprise apps.
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.
Capable of light gaming and smooth UI rendering in embedded applications.
Virtualization
Can run a few lightweight VMs, but limited PCIe lanes and 15 W PL1 make it unsuitable for dense virtualization.
Adequate for light VM hosting in edge scenarios.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency per watt at 15 W base and 12 W minimum assured; well-suited to always-on edge devices.
Maintains excellent performance per watt within the 45W limit.
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 dedicated NPU
- CPU-based inference is capable due to high clocks
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 770 is a major step up from 730
- Suitable for e-sports and casual gaming
- Not intended for discrete GPU gaming setups
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
- High 5.1 GHz turbo clock
- UHD Graphics 770
- Intel vPro support
- 45W efficient TDP
- Large 24 MB L3 cache
- Includes Laminar RM1 cooler
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- No E-cores for background tasks
- Premium pricing for embedded market
- Limited multi-threaded headroom vs hybrid chips
- PL2 limit of 89W may throttle quickly under sustained load
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 i5-14501TE
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5600GERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14401TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4600GRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-14701TERival
Embedded
- NXP LayerscapeRival
Edge ARM
Higher 65W TDP allows for better sustained multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Strong alternative for consumer embedded builds without ECC needs.
Offers hybrid 14-core architecture for better multi-threading at 35W.
Compare head-to-headBudget-friendly low-power embedded option.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewAn outstanding embedded CPU that combines high clock speeds, UHD 770 graphics, and vPro manageability within a strict 45W envelope.
Best for: Designing systems that require strong integrated graphics, high single-thread performance, and vPro manageability under 45W.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 5 120UL or Intel Core i5-14501TE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-14501TE comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-14501TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-14501TE leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core i5-14501TE.
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 i5-14501TE (45 W).
Do Intel Core 5 120UL and Intel Core i5-14501TE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 5 120UL: FCLGA1700 (LGA1700), Intel Core i5-14501TE: 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 i5-14501TE (6 cores).