CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-14400 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 245
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.
Solid multi-threaded performance from 14 cores, though the 65W power limit reduces sustained throughput compared to 125W siblings.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance with a discrete GPU.
Handles 1080p gaming adequately when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU, but the lower clocks compared to K-series parts limit frame rates in CPU-bound titles.
Virtualization
Good for light VMs and containerization.
Efficiency
65W TDP is well-managed with the included cooler.
Excellent performance-per-watt thanks to the TSMC 3nm compute tile and conservative power limits.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU
- E-cores can handle background AI processes
- 13 TOPS NPU 3 for lightweight AI tasks
- Combined 29 TOPS with CPU and GPU contributions
- Suitable for background AI features like noise cancellation and image enhancement
- Not designed for training or heavy inference workloads
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
- 5.1 GHz boost is lower than the 245KF's 5.2 GHz
- Pairs well with GPUs up to RTX 4060 class without bottlenecking
- E-Cores contribute meaningfully in modern game engines
- iGPU can handle older or less demanding titles at low settings
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
- Excellent power efficiency at 65W TDP
- Modern 3nm architecture with strong IPC
- Capable Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- NPU 3 for AI features
- ECC memory support
- Lower cooling requirements than K-series
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Lower boost clock than 245KF limits peak performance
- 65W power limit reduces sustained multi-thread throughput
- No Hyper-Threading on P-Cores
- LGA 1851 is a new platform with early-adopter costs
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 5 245
- AMD Ryzen 5 9600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Value Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 9700XRival
Upper Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14400Rival
Previous Generation
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop with iGPU
Unlocked multiplier and higher clocks for $24 more if you plan to overclock.
Compare head-to-headSignificantly more cores and higher clocks for $184 if you don't need integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewA sensible locked Arrow Lake chip that trades peak frequency for a modest 65W power envelope, making it ideal for small form factor builds and users who prioritize efficiency over overclocking headroom.
Best for: Building a compact, quiet, power-efficient desktop with modern features like NPU and PCIe 5.0 without paying K-series prices.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-14400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 245?
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 5 245?
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 5 245.
Do Intel Core i5-14400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 245 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-14400: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 245: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-14400 (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 245 (5,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.