The impending launch of Intel's 14th Gen Core desktop processors is anticipated. Detailed below are the finalized specifications and pricing for these processors. The Intel Core i9-14900K is set for a market release on October 17. This is also the date when the review embargoes will be lifted.
This processor has a configuration that comprises 8 cores derived from the Raptor Cove architecture and 16 cores from the Gracemont architecture, summing up to 24 cores and 32 threads. This model exhibits modifications in terms of higher frequencies and enhanced support for DDR5 memory when contrasted with its predecessor, the Core i9-13900K.
Simultaneously, Intel will introduce the Core i7-14700K and Core i5-14600K. The Core i7-14700K features 8 P cores paired with 12 E cores, marking a 4 E core increment compared to the Intel Core i7-13700K. Meanwhile, the Core i5-14600K is equipped with 6 P cores and 8 E cores. Notable attributes of this processor include its augmented working frequencies and advanced RAM speed support, showcasing a significant progression in its category.
Pricing for the 14th Gen Core processors aligns closely with the preceding 13th Gen. Specifically, the 14900K is priced at approximately $589, and the 14900F is around $564. The i7-14700K is listed at $406, and its counterpart, the i7-14700F, is approximately $384. The mid-tier model, the 14600K, is priced at $319, with the 14600KF available at $294.
Intel's official slides have highlighted the capabilities of the Core i9-14900K, suggesting it has significant potential in gaming applications. However, real-world validations from independent reviews are yet awaited. The Intel Core i9-14900K is equipped with 24 cores and 32 threads. It operates at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and can achieve speeds up to 6 GHz on its P-cores through turbo boost. This chip has a base TDP of 125W, escalating to 253W in turbo mode, which is on par with the 13900k.When compared with AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the Core i9-14900K lagged in 10 titles. However, it exhibited superior performance in another 15 games. In one particular game, both processors delivered comparable performance.
At a 1080p resolution, the games tested showed performance metrics (as percentages) as follows: DOTA 2 (77%), Fortnite (82%), Cyberpunk 2077 (89%), and so on, with Starfield and Metro Exodus both reaching 123%. When further analyzing gaming benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-14900K exhibited better performance than the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in titles like WARHAMMER III, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, with percentage improvements noted in frames per second (FPS).
In professional applications, the Core i9-14900K demonstrated robust capabilities. Tools like After Effects, Lightroom Classic, Autodesk, and Cinebench reported an impressive performance, with the chip outpacing the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D by an average of 10%, and in some instances, as much as 20%.
Specific benchmarks, like Cinebench and Toon Shader, indicated that the Core i7 14700k outperformed the 12600k by margins ranging from 14% to 63% across various tasks, solidifying its position among the latest CPU offerings.
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