This includes the most advanced Intel Core i9-14900K, which has 24 cores altogether.
Intel has introduced its latest desktop processor family, known as Raptor Lake-S Refresh, part of the 14th Gen Core lineup. Leading the way is the Intel Core i9-14900K. This new processor family includes six unlocked desktop processors, offering up to 24 cores, 32 threads, and clock speeds of up to 6GHz right out of the box. The Intel Core i7-14700K, for example, comes with 20 cores and 28 threads, thanks to the addition of four more efficiency cores compared to the previous generation. Intel has enhanced its Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) with the new AI Assist feature, allowing for one-click AI-guided overclocking on select unlocked Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors. These processors will be available both at retail outlets and through OEM partner systems starting from October 17, 2023.
Sitting atop the Intel 14th Gen desktop processor lineup is the Core i9-14900K. It offers 25 percent more cores than the Core i7-14700K and is compatible with existing 600 or 700-series motherboards (possibly requiring a BIOS update). This chip is designed for hardcore gamers and performance enthusiasts and includes 36MB of L3 cache, with a maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.6GHz for the P-cores and up to 4.4GHz for the E-cores. It also features Intel UHD Graphics 770 onboard. Additionally, there’s a Core i9-14900KF with identical specifications but lacking onboard graphics.
The Intel Core i7 models, namely the i7-14700K and i7-14700KF (without integrated GPU), boast a total of 20 CPU cores, 33MB of L3 cache, and similar turbo frequencies as the Core i9 models. Interestingly, the Core i7 models have a higher base frequency of 3.4GHz and 2.5GHz (P and E cores respectively) compared to the i9 models.
Lastly, there are two Core i5 models, the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF, featuring a total of 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores) and 24MB of L3 cache. Only the Core i9 models support Intel Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency, offering up to 6GHz. The Core i7 models come with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, while the Core i5 models do not support either technology.
Intel’s latest desktop processors are equipped with integrated support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and they also offer discrete support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technologies. These processors are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and upcoming Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity, promising speeds of up to 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth.
Roger Chandler, Intel VP and GM for Enthusiast PC and Workstation in the Client Computing Group, expressed his thoughts on the launch, stating, “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 demonstrating once again why enthusiasts turn to Intel for the best desktop experience available on the market today.”
