Quick Overview

Details

This chip is capable of reaching an impressive 6.0GHz right out of the box, a feat unmatched by any other consumer processor. While it can only sustain this speed under optimal conditions, it’s still a significant achievement and helps Intel maintain its performance lead over AMD as it prepares for the next generation of processors with the upcoming Meteor Lake architecture.

Even better, the 14900K comes at the same price as its predecessor, which is a welcome relief in a time of global inflation.

However, the 14900K isn’t without its drawbacks. For many, the 13900K might offer better value, especially if it’s available. The extreme performance of the 14900K also generates more heat than any chip we’ve ever seen, so you’ll need an excellent cooling solution to keep temperatures in check.

As the codename suggests, Intel’s newest chips are a refresh of the 13th-Gen Raptor Lake processors released about a year ago. This refresh doesn’t deliver the significant generational leaps typically seen with new core microarchitectures—there are no IPC gains since the chips use the same underlying design as their Raptor Lake predecessors. However, Intel has optimized these chips to make them more appealing.

For instance, the Intel Core i7-14700K now features 12 efficiency cores (E-cores), up from eight in the previous generation, bringing it closer to the Core i9 model, which still holds the performance crown. The prior-gen Core i7-13700K already delivered nearly the same gaming performance as the Core i9-13900K, but at a significantly lower price. Now, the performance gap between the Core i7 and Core i9 models in gaming has narrowed even further.

The Core i9-14900K boasts 24 cores (8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores) and 32 threads, with integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 770. Its performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures to prioritize and distribute workloads for optimal performance. It supports speeds up to 6.0 GHz, has a 36MB cache, and is compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS updates) and 700-series chipset-based motherboards. The chip also supports Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, PCIe 5.0 & 4.0, and both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

Comparison of Processors (CPU Benchmarks)

Specifications

Please note that a cooling device is not included with the processor, so a high-performance cooler is essential.

The latest generation of Intel® Core desktop processors continues to leverage Intel’s performance hybrid architecture to enhance your gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks. With platform innovations designed for maximum flexibility, these processors supercharge your CPU’s performance, offering a robust suite of tuning and overclocking tools. Compatibility with Intel® 700 series chipsets and backward compatibility with Intel® 600 series chipsets ensure you have access to the features you need for any task, whether you’re working, streaming, gaming, or creating. These processors deliver an immersive experience that meets the demands of modern users.

Intel® Core desktop processors are packed with enhancements and technologies designed to deliver the experiences you’re looking for. The performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures on a single processor die, featuring both Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores), along with Intel® Thread Director. With up to 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, the Intel® Core i9 processors can reach an impressive 6.0 GHz with Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost, pushing performance to new heights. The Intel® Core i7 processors now offer up to 20 cores (8 P-cores + 12 E-cores) and 28 threads, making them ideal for handling demanding multitasking workloads. These processors also come with a suite of advanced tools and technologies, including Intel® Dynamic Tuning Technology, Intel® Turbo Boost Max 3.0, Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel® Adaptive Boost, and more.

Whether you’re focused on overclocking, graphics technology, or connectivity, Intel® Core desktop processors are equipped with features that deliver truly immersive experiences. They include overclocking tools suitable for both experts and beginners, such as Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility, Intel® Extreme Memory Profile, and Intel® Dynamic Memory Boost, offering intelligent overclocking performance for unlocked processors. Intel® graphics technologies go beyond integrated graphics, enabling next-gen immersive experiences with Intel® Ultra-High-Definition Graphics featuring Xe architecture. These processors support up to four concurrent DDI ports, up to 8K HDR, and enhanced media capabilities.

The new generation also supports discrete Intel® Wi-Fi 7 (5 Gig), building on the innovations of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E to deliver faster speeds, improved responsiveness, and reliability for future uses that demand extreme consistency and precision. Additionally, enjoy Bluetooth LE Audio support for true wireless stereo, higher-fidelity sound, and new audio-sharing capabilities.

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