In the world of desktop CPUs, reaching 6GHz speeds used to be a dream that could only be achieved through overclocking, a process that comes with potential instability and cooling demands. However, earlier this year, Intel changed the game by releasing the Core i9-13900KS, a processor that reaches 6GHz right out of the box. And now, Intel is taking it to the next level with its fastest 14th-gen desktop CPU, the i9-14900K. While this frequency is only sustained for a short time through “Thermal Velocity Boost,” it still gives Intel an advantage over AMD in terms of speed.
It’s important to note that these 14th-gen chips are different from Intel’s recently announced 14th-gen Core Ultra processors for notebooks. Intel is prioritizing efficiency for its mobile lineup, while its desktop chips prioritize raw power and the ability to boast about 6GHz speeds. The 14th-gen desktop hardware can be seen as Intel’s final push for its existing architecture, where the company doesn’t hesitate to push power demands to outperform AMD. Just like its predecessor, the i9-14900K consumes up to 253 watts.
While Intel’s highest-end 14th-gen chip may attract the most attention, gamers may find the i7-14700K more appealing. This processor features 20 cores (8 performance and 12 efficiency) and reaches speeds of up to 5.6GHz with “Turbo Boost Max 3.0.” Notably, its price tag of $409 is significantly lower than the i9-14900K’s price tag of $589.
In terms of benchmarks, Intel claims that the i9-14900K is up to 23% faster than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D while playing Starfield in 1080p. Additionally, Intel states that the chip is up to 54% faster than the same AMD hardware when multitasking between After Effects and Premiere Pro. It’s worth mentioning that Intel tested an Auto Reframe task in Premiere Pro that works in conjunction with its UHD graphics, something that AMD’s graphics cannot contribute to, making the comparison somewhat unfair.
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Intel also highlights that the i9-14900K achieved over 100fps in Total War: Warhammer III while simultaneously playing, streaming, and recording in 1080p with ultra graphics settings. It’s important to keep in mind that this game is specifically optimized for Intel’s 14th-gen hardware, so similar results may not be attainable with other titles.
For enthusiasts who still desire to overclock, Intel has introduced the XTU AI Assist feature exclusively for the i9-14900K. This feature makes overclocking easier by allowing the XTU app to quickly determine the ideal processor core voltages, motherboard power settings, and other tuning options for optimal performance. Intel’s AI overclocking model has been trained extensively on various CPUs, motherboards, and cooling options, including liquid cooling. After the AI tuning process, users can choose to adopt the suggested settings or use them as a starting point for further overclocking.
However, there is one feature missing from these new 14th-gen chips: an NPU (neural processing unit) for AI acceleration. Interestingly, Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra mobile chips will include an NPU, enabling features like Windows Studios Effects for AI-powered background blurs in video chats. This decision aligns with Intel’s strategy of introducing the NPU in its new architecture, while the 14th-gen desktop chips are enhanced versions of last year’s hardware. Nevertheless, it seems peculiar that Intel’s top-of-the-line desktop hardware lacks a feature that will be available in laptops next year.
Intel’s 14th-gen desktop chips are set to be available from retailers and system manufacturers starting October 17th. With their impressive speeds, enhanced performance, and the option for AI-assisted overclocking, these chips are sure to attract the attention of gaming enthusiasts and power users alike. As Intel’s final hurrah for its existing architecture, these chips emphasize power and speed, allowing Intel to maintain its dominance in the enthusiast market.
