Review: Intel Core i9-14900KS processor

Intel recently unveiled the Core i9-14900KS, the newest addition to its 14th-generation lineup, setting a new record by being the first processor to achieve a boost clock of 6.2GHz on two cores without the need for overclocking. This Raptor Lake-based CPU, similar to the i9-14900K, boasts a 24-core configuration with 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, 36MB of L3 cache, and integrated UHD 770 graphics. Intel’s innovation in processor technology shines through in the i9-14900KS, particularly in its ability to push frequency boundaries up to 6 GHz using Thermal Velocity Boost technology. This advancement also allows for a maximum boost frequency of 6.20 GHz for the P-cores, with a slight increase of 100-200 MHz for the E-cores compared to the i9-14900K. The processor is designed to be compatible with motherboards featuring Intel Z790 or Z690 chipsets. In addition to the i9-14900KS, Intel has recently launched the Core i7-14700K and Core i5-14600K, along with KF variants that lack an integrated GPU found in their K-series counterparts.

The i9-14900KS has a maximum Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 253W for short-duration power states, indicating an increase in power demands to accommodate its superior performance capabilities. The PL1 has been elevated to 150W. The total cache, comprising both L2 and L3, reaches 68MB, facilitating the processor’s rapid operational speeds. Historical pricing for Special Edition processors, such as the i9-13900KS and i9-12900KS, which were approximately, suggests that the i9-14900KS will be similarly priced in the market, although it carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of. This introduction establishes a new benchmark for default processor speeds, emphasizing Intel’s ongoing commitment to advancing high-performance computing.