CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-14400 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-14400 is a mainstream desktop processor providing an excellent entry point into the 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh family. With a 6 P-core and 4 E-core hybrid layout totaling 10 cores and 16 threads, it delivers strong multi-threaded performance for productivity and gaming. Operating at a 65W base power, it boosts up to 4.7 GHz, ensuring smooth responsiveness. The inclusion of 20 MB L3 cache and DDR4/DDR5 memory support makes it highly adaptable for various build budgets. It features Intel UHD Graphics 730, offering display output without a discrete GPU. Bundled with the Laminar RM1 cooler, the i5-14400 provides outstanding value, bridging the gap between budget and mid-range computing with a balanced architecture that excels in everyday tasks and moderate workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
10 cores handle heavy office and light productivity easily.
10 threads handle everyday productivity and development well, but heavy multi-threaded workloads will be constrained by the 4 E-core limit.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance with a discrete GPU.
The 6 P-cores with 4.9 GHz boost provide strong gaming performance when paired with a capable GPU, though the limited E-core count means less headroom for background tasks.
Virtualization
Good for light VMs and containerization.
10 threads support a couple of VMs, but the lack of SMT and limited E-cores make it less ideal for serious virtualization.
Efficiency
65W TDP is well-managed with the included cooler.
65W TDP for 10 modern cores represents good efficiency, particularly in single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU
- E-cores can handle background AI processes
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS for AI inference tasks
- 16EU Xe-LPG contributes only 4 TOPS from the GPU
- CPU contributes 6 TOPS for a total of 23 TOPS
- Lowest combined AI performance in the Arrow Lake-S desktop lineup
Content Creation
Gaming
- 4.7 GHz boost provides high framerates
- E-cores help with background tasks while gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores deliver strong single-threaded gaming performance
- 4.9 GHz boost is competitive but 100 MHz below the 235's 5.0 GHz
- Limited E-cores mean less background task headroom during gaming
- Best paired with a mid-range discrete GPU to avoid CPU bottlenecks
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 10 cores and 16 threads
- Includes Laminar RM1 cooler
- Strong 4.7 GHz boost
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- UHD 730 integrated graphics
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 is weak for gaming
- 154W PL2 requires decent VRMs
- Only 4 E-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Base clock drops significantly under full load
Pros
- Lowest entry price into the LGA 1851 ecosystem at $246
- 6 Lion Cove P-cores provide excellent single-threaded performance
- 65W TDP is easy to cool with affordable solutions
- Includes NPU 3 even at the entry price point
- Full PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-6400 platform features
Cons
- Only 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded performance significantly
- 20 MB L3 cache is 4 MB less than 14-core models
- 16EU iGPU is the weakest in the Arrow Lake-S lineup at just 4 GPU TOPS
- No Hyper-Threading means 10 threads total
- At $246, the $11 difference to the 235 buys you 4 more E-cores and 4 more MB L3
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-14400
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
More cores and cache for better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7700Alt
8 full-performance cores for better sustained multi-threading.
Intel Core Ultra 5 225
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Budget 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600Rival
Value 6-Core Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 235Rival
Same Platform Step-Up
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Previous-Gen Value
Our Verdict on Each
A perfectly balanced 10-core processor that offers excellent value and performance for the majority of desktop users.
Best for: Building a mainstream gaming or office PC where value, multi-core performance, and included cooler are priorities.
Read the full reviewThe cheapest way into the LGA 1851 platform with strong single-threaded performance, but the 4 E-cores limit multi-threaded workloads and the 16EU iGPU is purely functional.
Best for: Building a budget gaming PC with a discrete GPU where you want the newest platform features without paying for unnecessary E-cores
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-14400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 225?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-14400 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 i5-14400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 225?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-14400 leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 225.
Do Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 225 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-14400: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 225: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.