Intel Core 14th Gen Unlocked Desktop CPUs Launched: Details

Intel has released the Raptor Lake-S Refresh 14th Generation Core desktop processor line. The Intel Core i9-14900K is at the helm of this. This new desktop processor family contains six new unlocked desktop processors with up to 24 cores and 32 threads, as well as a clock of up to 6GHz out of the box. Furthermore, the Intel Core i7-14700K has 20 cores and 28 threads, due to four more efficiency cores than the previous version. The new AI Assist function in Intel's Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) brings one-click AI-guided overclocking to certain unlocked Intel Core 14th Gen desktop CPUs. Beginning October 17, 2023, the new CPUs will be sold at retail shops and through OEM partner systems.

The Core i9-14900K sits atop Intel's 14th Generation desktop CPU stack. It has 25% more cores than the Core i7-14700K and is backwards compatible with current 600 (with a BIOS upgrade) or 700-series motherboards. With this processor, Intel is aiming at serious gamers and performance fans. It also has 36MB of L3 cache, a high turbo clock of up to 5.6GHz for the P-cores and up to 4.4GHz for the E-cores, and inbuilt Intel UHD Graphics 770. There is also a Core i9-14900KF with the same specifications but no inbuilt graphics.

The Intel Core i7 versions that follow are the i7-14700K and the i7-14700KF (without iGPU). Both variants include 20 CPU cores, 33MB of L3 cache, and turbo rates equivalent to the Core i9 models. In comparison to the i9 variants, the Core i7 models feature a higher base frequency of 3.4GHz and 2.5GHz (P and E cores, respectively).

Finally, there are two Core i5 models: the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-14600KF. Both have 14 total cores (6P+8E) and 24MB of L3 cache. Only the Core i9 versions support the Intel Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency of up to 6GHz. The Core i7 machines include Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, although the Core i5 variants do not.

Intel's most recent desktop CPU line includes integrated support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technologies, as well as separate support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technologies. Furthermore, the CPUs support Thunderbolt 4 as well as the future Thunderbolt 5 cable connectivity, which offers bi-directional bandwidth rates of up to 80Gbps.

"Since the introduction of our performance hybrid architecture, Intel has consistently raised the bar for desktop performance," said Roger Chandler, Intel VP & GM for Enthusiast PC and Workstation, Client Computing Group. With our Intel Core 14th Generation CPUs, we're demonstrating why enthusiasts choose Intel for the greatest desktop experience available today."