Intel Core i9-14900KS processor Review

ZAH Computers Tech Editorial

ZAH Computers Hardware Research Desk

Two weeks ago, Intel unveiled the Core i9-14900KS, the newest addition to its 14th-generation series. This processor is the first to achieve a boost clock of 6.2GHz on two cores without the need for overclocking. Similar to the i9-14900K, the Raptor Lake-based CPU features a 24-core configuration, including 8 performance cores (P-cores) and 16 efficiency cores (E-cores), capable of handling up to 32 threads. The i9-14900KS comes with 32MB of L2 cache and 36MB of L3 cache, as well as integrated UHD 770 graphics. Intel's advancements in processor technology are evident in the i9-14900KS, particularly in its ability to push frequency boundaries, reaching up to 6 GHz through Thermal Velocity Boost technology. This technology also enables an increase in the maximum boost frequencies for the P-cores to 6.20 GHz, with a slight increase for the E-cores by 100-200 MHz compared to the i9-14900K. The processor is designed to be compatible with motherboards based on the Intel Z790 or Z690 chipsets. In addition to the i9-14900KS, Intel has recently launched the Core i7-14700K and Core i5-14600K, with KF variants available, which are similar to their K-series counterparts but lack an integrated GPU. The i9-14900KS has a maximum TDP of PL2 253W for short-duration power states, indicating an increase in power consumption to accommodate its improved performance capabilities. The PL1 has been raised to 150W. With a combined L2 and L3 cache of 68MB, the processor is able to handle high-speed operations efficiently. Considering the pricing history of Special Edition processors like the i9-13900KS and i9-12900KS, which were priced at around, the i9-14900KS is anticipated to be positioned similarly in the market, but with a MSRP. This release establishes a new standard for default processor speeds, showcasing Intel's commitment to advancing high-performance computing.

	Configuration	Base ClockP-Core	Max ClockP-Core	PBP/MTP
Core I9-14900KS(F)	24/32T (8P+16E)	3.2 GHz	6.2 GHz	150W/253W
Core I9-14900K(F)	24/32T (8P+16E)	3.2 GHz	6.0 GHz	125W/253W
	24/32T (8P+16E)	2.0 GHz	5.8 GHz	125W/253W
Core I7-14700K(F)	20/28T (8P+12E)	3.4 GHz	5.6 GHz	125W/253W
Core I7-14700(F)	20/28T (8P+12E)	2.1 GHz	5.4 GHz	125W/253W
Core I5-14600K(F)	14/20T (6P+8E)	3.5 GHz	5.3 GHz	125W/181W
Core I5-14600	14/20T (6P+8E)	2.7 GHz	5.2 GHz	125W/181W
Core I5-14500	14/20T (6P+8E)	2.6 GHz	5.0 GHz
Core I5-14400(F)	10/16T (6P+4E)	2.5 GHz	4.7 GHz
Core I3-14100(F)	4/8T (4P+0E)	3.5 GHz	4.7 GHz

The Raptor Lake processors come with 2MB of L2 cache per P-core, whereas the Alder Lake processors are equipped with 1.25MB per P-core. Each CPU now boasts 4MB of L2 cache per E-core cluster, a significant increase from the previous 2MB. Moreover, the total L3 cache size is 36MB. Intel has reported a 15% boost in single-threaded performance and a 41% improvement in multi-threaded performance, mainly attributed to higher frequencies and thread counts. The Z790 high-end platform by Intel offers numerous PCIe Gen4 lanes and USB 3.0 Gen 2x2 20 Gbps ports. This review will focus on the flagship Core i9 14900K, featuring eight performance cores (16 threads) and 16 Energy efficient cores (non-hyperthreaded), providing a total of 32 threads.