Intel launches their Core 14th Gen Processors, along with Core i9-14900K the fastest Desktop CPU ever

Intel has launched its highly-anticipated 14th Gen Core desktop processor family, codenamed Raptor Lake-S Refresh. Leading the charge is the impressive Intel Core i9-14900K, as part of a release that introduces a collection of six new unlocked desktop processors. The Intel Core i9 in particular is something special though. The i9-14900K comes with 24 cores and 32 threads, alongside clock speeds of up to 6GHz right out of the box. Intel proudly touts its new Core i9-14900K as the “fastest desktop processor at volume” with its remarkable 6GHz boost frequency. This distinction underscores the exceptional performance of the 14900K, harking back to the special-edition 13900KS, which initially shattered the 6GHz barrier at stock speeds last year but never reached widespread availability. Notably, the Intel Core i7-14700K features 20 cores and 28 threads, thanks to four additional efficiency cores compared to its predecessor. To enhance overclocking capabilities, Intel has introduced the new AI Assist feature within its Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), providing one-click AI-guided overclocking for select unlocked Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors. Consumers eager to experience the prowess of these processors won’t have to wait long. The new lineup is set to hit retail outlets and become available through OEM partner systems beginning October 17, 2023. The pinnacle of this release is the Intel Core i9-14900K, which shines with a remarkable 25 per cent increase in core count compared to the Core i7-14700K. Compatibility with existing 600-series motherboards is expected, potentially requiring a BIOS update. This premium chip is primarily aimed at hardcore gamers and performance enthusiasts. It features 36MB of L3 cache, reaching a max turbo frequency of up to 5.6GHz for its primary cores (P-cores) and up to 4.4GHz for the efficiency cores (E-cores). The processor also comes equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 770 onboard. For those who prefer a dedicated GPU solution, there’s the Core i9-14900KF, offering the same specifications but without integrated graphics. Following the Core i9 are the Intel Core i7 models, including the i7-14700K and the i7-14700KF (lacking integrated graphics). These models provide 20 CPU cores, 33MB of L3 cache, and similar turbo frequencies as their Core i9 counterparts. Interestingly, the Core i7 models have a higher base frequency of 3.4GHz and 2.5GHz for the primary and efficiency cores, respectively, compared to the Core i9 models. Lastly, we have the two Core i5 models, comprising the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF. These models offer 14 cores in total, with a breakdown of 6 primary cores and 8 efficiency cores, alongside 24MB of L3 cache. Notably, the Core i9 models are the sole processors to support the Intel Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency, which can reach up to 6GHz. The Core i7 models feature Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, while the Core i5 models do not support either of these advanced technologies. All of these 14th Gen processors will work in Intel 600- and 700-series motherboards, as Intel is continuing with the LGA 1700 socket. In addition to raw processing power, Intel’s latest desktop processor family comes equipped with integrated support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3, while offering discrete support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technologies, with compatible Z790 motherboards. Furthermore, these processors include compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 and the upcoming Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity, promising blazing speeds of up to 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth. As for RAM, Intel is also supporting DDR5 5600 and DDR4 3200 memory speeds with its 14th Gen CPUs. Roger Chandler, Intel VP and GM for Enthusiast PC and Workstation, Client Computing Group, commented on the launch, “Since the introduction of our performance hybrid architecture, Intel has consistently raised the bar for desktop performance. With our Intel Core 14th Generation processors, we’re showing once again why enthusiasts turn to Intel for the best desktop experience available on the market today.”