Intel Core i9-14900KS ready for launch

The last high-end desktop CPU for LGA-1700 socket?

Core i9-14900KS, Source: I_Leak_VN

Intel seems to be ready to launch its flagship Raptor Lake-S Refresh processor called Core i9-14900KS. The KS is a Special Edition of the existing version that offers higher clocks and TDP.

According to I_Leak_VN , the CPU is already in distributor/retailer warehouses, where it is waiting for the official sale embargo to lift. The packaging does not appear to have any special flavor in comparison to the 14900K, but it does say 14th Gen Core and Special Edition, which means this is indeed the 14900KS.

As reported earlier, the 14900KS is not a major update to the KS series, at least not as major as 13900KS was to 12900KS. There is no change in cores, as the CPU still relies on 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores, and the clock speed has only increased slightly to 6.2 GHz, which is just 200 MHz higher than 14900K. This clock refers to the Thermal Velocity Boost technology frequency, which an opportunistic boost that depends on thermal and power characteristics of the processor and cooling.

Intel KS SKUs for LGA1700 platform:

• Core i9-12900KS : MSRP US$739, 16-cores, up to 5.5 GHz (launched in April 2022)
• Core i9-13900KS: MSRP US$739, 24-cores up to 6.0 GHz (launched in January 2023)
• Core i9-14900KS : MSRP TBC , 24-cores, up to 6.2 GHz (March 2024?)

Customers looking into the i9-14900KS will probably have good coolers, considering this premium SKU is tailored for enthusiasts and overclockers. The average user should probably stick to the original, 14900K which can still be overclocked.

Similarly to the past KS releases, the new SKU is expected to be 18 to 25% more expensive. According to I_Leak_VN, the price in Vietnam is around $765 which is 30% pricier than 14900K. The Core i9-14900KS is expected to hit the shelves shortly.

Source: I_Leak_VN