Intel recently released its latest flagship desktop processor – the Intel Core i9-14900KS. For those who are keeping tabs on Intel’s CPU, you know that a “KS” is a heavily binned chip offering higher clock speeds than the “K” or “KF” variant. The Core i9-14900KS is essentially the same CPU as the 14900K but with a slight bump in its clock speeds. However, its price is higher than the 14900K since it is a halo product. Reviews for the Core i9-14900KS also went live, and it’s not looking good for the CPU, especially considering its price.
Intel Core i9-14900KS Released, But AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D Is Still Faster In Gaming
The 14th-gen Intel Core i9-14900KS is a 24-core, 32-thread desktop processor with 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficient cores. It’s identical to the Core i9-14900K except for its clock speeds, power consumption, and pricing. Its Thermal Velocity Boost frequency can reach up to 6.2GHz out of the box, 200MHz higher than the Core i9-14900K. Its turbo boost and E-core max turbo are 100MHz clock faster than the 14900K.
So far, we can only see minor changes in clock speeds. However, its base power is 150W, 25W higher than the 14900K. Thus it will require a really good CPU cooler. Not to mention, it currently retails for around $730 USD, an absurd amount of price considering the “improvements” it offers. Meanwhile, the Core i9-14900K is currently selling for around $545 only, down from its $589 MSRP.
How Fast is the Core i9-14900KS?
So, how fast is the new 14900KS? With the bump in clock speed and increase in power consumption, it’s surely a faster CPU than the 14900K and competition, right? Well, unfortunately, not really.
Reviews for the Core i9-14900KS are already out, and based on the results from the first round of reviews, the Core i9-14900KS is just a tiny bit faster than the Core i9-14900K. It’s just around 1% to 5% faster, which can be negligible, depending on the scenario or workload.
What’s worse is that Intel’s flagship Core i9-14900KS can’t even beat AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a $370 CPU, in gaming. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still the fastest gaming CPU to date. However, the 7800X3D’s weakness is productivity workloads, and it’s even slightly slower than the 7700X in productivity. So, technically, we can say that the Core i9-14900KS is the “new” fastest CPU, except for gaming.
Benchmark results from TechPowerUp and Tom’s Hardware’s Core i9-14900KS reviews show that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D beats the Core i9-14900KS in gaming.
Sources: TechPowerup, Tom’s Hardware
Who Should Buy the Core i9-14900KS?
If the Core i9-14900KS is not that fast compared to the 4900K in general, and the Ryzen 7800X3D beats it in gaming, who should buy this CPU? As I mentioned before, the 14900KS is a halo product. Most desktop users or gamers shouldn’t buy this CPU. If you prioritize gaming, you’ll get much better value from AMD’s Ryzen 7800X3D. Meanwhile, if you need a powerful CPU overall, the Core i9-14900K or AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X is a much better pick.
Those who buy the “KS” variant are usually extreme overclockers who seek to break world records, do something daring like LN2 cooling, or simply gain bragging rights. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t get one for your PC. You certainly can; just prepare to spend a premium price for a measly performance increase.
For those who collect “unique” CPUs, the 14900KS may be the last of its kind. Intel will discontinue the “Core i” branding. Starting with Intel’s 15th-generation or next-generation Meteor Lake CPUs, Intel will use the Core and Core Ultra branding/naming scheme instead.
Pricing and Availability
The 14th gen Intel Core i9-14900KS is now available and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $690. For the latest pricing and availability, kindly check the links below.
Where to buy: (#ad)
Intel Core i9-14900KS is available on Amazon here or Newegg here.
Intel Core i9-14900K is available on Amazon here.
Intel Core i9-14900KS Specifications
