Intel’s newest offering in the high-performance computing segment is the Core i9-14901KE, which despite having only 8 performance cores (P-cores), outstrips the 16-core Core i9-12900KS in terms of speed. The Core i9-14901KE is a P-Core only CPU that belongs to Intel’s 14th Gen “E” series processors, tailored for embedded applications but compatible with the LGA 1700 socket.
The Core i9-14901KE stands out with its high benchmark scores, having achieved a remarkable 3018 points in single-core and 16,308 points in multi-core tests as per the Geekbench 6 results. These numbers come from a test performed on a CloudSky server that utilized a server-optimized LGA 1700 socket motherboard.
Although the Core i9-14901KE operates with a base clock speed and has a peak boost that is 200 MHz lower than the Core i9-14900K, it impressively maintains an average clock speed of around 5.5 GHz during tests, slightly below its maximum boost capability of 5.8 GHz.
When comparing single-core performance, the Core i9-14901KE nudges ahead of the Core i9-13900K and trails the Core i9-14900K by a mere 2.2%. In the multi-core segment, despite having half the number of cores, it surpasses the performance of the Core i9-12900KS. On the other hand, this processor still falls short of the multi-core performance exhibited by the higher-cored Core i9-14900K and Core i9-13900K, which also benefit from higher power limits and clock speeds.
The Intel Core i9-14901KE highlights the power of P-Core only chips, and with the expected launch of Bartlett Lake CPUs in 2025, the market is set to welcome both hybrid P/E core configurations and P-Core only variants. The 14th Gen Intel P-Core Only “E” Series of Desktop CPUs offers different processors ranging from the flagship Core i9 down to the Core i5 series. They feature variations in base and boost clock speeds, L3/L2 cache sizes, and TDP values designed to cater to different power and performance requirements.
The Intel Core i9-14901KE specifically boasts 8 P-cores and 16 threads, a boost clock of up to 5.8 GHz, 36 MB of L3 cache, and 16 MB of L2 cache, all at a TDP of 125W. It underscores Intel’s commitment to delivering high-performance options for various computing environments, from mainstream users to those requiring robust processors for demanding applications.
As we look forward to future CPU developments, the strong performance of the Core i9-14901KE certainly sets a promising precedent for single-core dominant workloads and suggests that fewer cores do not necessarily mean lesser performance in certain scenarios. With Intel pushing the envelope in this space, this is an exciting time for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike as they consider upgrades and system builds.
