The 13th generation Core processors were priced in proximity to the Ryzen 7000 series, and the 14th Gen product took over the old pricing levels. The 14900K aligns with the performance of the Ryzen 7950X. Notably, the Ryzen 7000 utilizes all performance cores, while Intel opts for 8 cores to achieve its higher single-threaded performance due to easier cooling considerations. Although there's a difference in architecture, the performance gap between the two isn't substantial. The 14900K is priced at 589 USD. If you already possess a graphics card (and that is very likely), an alternative is the KF edition (without IGP, but otherwise identical) at 564 USD. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 7950X is priced at 699 USD. Intel users with a Z690 motherboard can simply update the firmware to accommodate the new processor. Additionally, the Z690 supports DDR4, avoiding the need for an entirely new platform investment. This compatibility advantage provides a rationale for considering the Core Series 14000.

The Intel 14900K presents robust performance, showcasing Intel's aptitude in designing a processor that's powerful. Intel's 13900K/14900K have increased cache sizes that potentially enhance gaming performance when not limited by the GPU. At a price of 589 USD for its K edition, it is replacing the 13900K being a marginally faster-clocked product, it is an appealing choice when compared to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D ($699). The cost-benefit doesn't arise solely from its performance metrics but also from the overall platform expense, Z790 motherboards certainly are expensive. One tip, this processor is compatible with the Z690 platform and even DDR4 memory, which could make your upgrade more cost-effective at the cost of only very little performance. Power consumption is a different thing though, the 14900K really likes energy and thus requires serious cooling.  Contrary to AMD's strategy of many performance cores, Intel employs a configuration of 8 performance cores paired with 16 energy-efficient cores. This configuration is beneficial for Intel, yielding nearly equivalent performance metrics with slight variations favouring both companies. Intel's architecture thrives especially in scenarios that require fewer threads. Our tests indicate a minor 1% difference in IPC, underscoring the fact that the architectural foundation remains rooted in Alder Lake, albeit with an augmented L2 cache and heightened clock frequencies. Accompanying the new Intel Z790 platform is the introduction of PCIe Gen 5 and now WIFI7. While this offers exciting possibilities, its current relevancy is limited, given the lack of compatible graphics cards necessitating 16x PCIe gen 5 lanes. However, SSDs can benefit from this technology, potentially surpassing 10GB/s in sustained speeds. However, there remains scepticism regarding cooling as it can pose a challenge for Gen5-compatible NVMe SSDs. The new Z790 motherboard all have serious SSD cooling, so we doubt it'll be an issue for a PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD.

The 14900K demonstrates impressive threaded and single-threaded performance. From a gaming perspective, and when considering energy efficiency and temperature metrics, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and even 5800X3D is a more cost-effective and cooler running alternative. However, it does lose considerable multi-threaded application performance to the 14900K. Motherboards from both companies come equipped with contemporary features such as USB 3.2 2x2, 2.5 G LAN, and the latest ones even WIFI7. Please do read our Core i5 14600K review as it can be an even more compelling gaming-centric processor at a price range of 294 USD (KF) to 319 USD for the K model. 

In conclusion, while the 14900K exemplifies high performance, the total cost of ownership, considering a complete platform shift, might pose challenges for Intel. Nonetheless, that obstacle diminishes with upgrade paths based on the Z690 platform using existing DDR4/DDR5 memory. Another hurdle remains managing the processor's thermal outputs, hitting 253W under load. While these values might be fine for the processor itself, they will necessitate powerful cooling solutions, potentially a 280mm liquid cooler from a recognized brand is advised. If the end goal is a top-tier hyper-threaded gaming CPU compatible with premium graphics cards, the 14900K is certainly praiseworthy, however tweaking the 13900K will get you this performance level as well. Tweaking the 14900K allowed us to reach 6200 MHz on liquid cooling though, so that's very interesting also. If budget constraints arise, the Core i5 14600 or 13600 remains a truly excellent alternative, especially for a premium gaming rig. In the end, the 14th-generation processor remains more of the same, just slightly faster due to a reconfiguration and matured motherboard BIOSes and chipset. But that all by itself doesn't make these processors less impressive.